Many of our happiest clients have started the conversation with us by stating: “Our workers perform a variety of different jobs, so we also need a variety of Lone Worker Solutions (LWS).” Many would think that statement is true, but is that actually the case?
There are 4 main types of LWS on the market right now:
Types of Lone Worker Solutions
Radios with Man-Down Function:
First-generation devices, mainly used in radio-dependent trades like construction and forestry.
Dedicated Equipment:
Second-generation devices introduced in 2008, including cases, smart watches, shoes, and connected belts. Often purchased as a result of great marketing rather than actual functionality.
Mobile Applications for Lone Workers:
Users download the app to their smartphones. They are up and running in minutes and by having it as an app on their personal device it ensures they have their LWS with them at all times.
Mobile Application and Contactless Safety:
This is the current standard. Users scan a custom QR code on the job site to activate the app with pre-set safety parameters.
Implementing a simple solution
Oftentimes, the need for different LWS types arises from companies wanting easy to use solutions for different scenarios or use cases. Dedicated equipment is seen as suitable for simple, straight forward scenarios, while mobile apps are thought to be reserved for more complex use-cases.
However, actual usage is very similar: pressing a button to activate dedicated equipment, or scanning a simple QR Code with your smartphone, is easy and requires the same effort specially since the popularity of QR codes has exploded recently and most people know exactly how to use them. [Argument 1]
That being said, having different solutions for Lone Worker safety presents a very real obstacle: adoption. This is a critical issue because dedicated equipment often ends up being left behind, forgotten and unused, while employees always carry their smartphones everywhere they go. [Argument 2]
Moreover, technology only accounts for 30% of the solution, with emergency response, management platforms, and support each contributing 30%. [Argument 3]
Choosing the right, high-performance solution
The idea that dedicated safety equipment is more robust than smartphones is outdated. Major manufacturers, like Samsung and Apple, invest nearly 20 Billion in R&D every year and produce high-performing smartphones which are more than suitable for LWS. [Argument 4]
Samsung – R&D Campus – Seoul
Using the US Army as a case study, they equip combat soldiers with Samsung Galaxy XCover and Galaxy S23 phones, fitted with a protective case. We wrote an article on the subject ten years ago, when the US army abandoned its custom ruggedized phones in favor of standard smartphones, with a protective case, for its soldiers in Afghanistan. If the US Government trusts standard smartphones for its combat soldiers’ safety, why shouldn’t you? [Argument 5]
Deploying a scalable solution
As companies evolve in their approach to lone worker safety, their needs change as well and innovation can be daunting. Investing in dedicated equipment means investing in a product that has the possibility of malfunctioning, cannot be upgraded and becomes increasingly obsolete from the moment it’s deployed. With liability issues at stake, it is important to offer your employees the best, most scalable solution available always.
But what are the latest solutions available in the LWS space?
A smartphone app-based solution which can be upgraded periodically, in conjunction with Connected Safety, is now seen as the industry standard. [Argument 6]
Simplifying the management of your Lone Worker devices
Another reason some companies request different types of LWS, is they believe that adopting a mix of specialized equipment and app-based solutions will solve their Lone Worker protection issues.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. In the 17+ years we’ve been in business; real world usage and live experience has shown us otherwise.
Whether you’re a small business or a large international group, you have a multitude of other workplace safety issues to manage. Managing multiple LWS types is inefficient and creates more problems than it solves. Standardizing LWS simplifies management and allows you to focus on other safety issues. It’s akin to having a streamlined solution like a single CRM system for all departments in a company, as opposed to multiple solutions that don’t communicate with each other for each department. [Argument 7]
How to choose the right solution?
Different lone worker profiles each have their own specific needs. Logistics employees do not have the same requirements as field maintenance technicians.
Step 1
When evaluating available solutions, it is crucial to involve all business units in the decision-making process early on. This will enable you to select the most appropriate solution(s) “for the company” and will allow you to see which business units may have a greater “sense of urgency” in finding an appropriate solution.
Step 2
When testing the chosen solution, we recommend segmenting by different business units. This is because each unit will have its own set of questions and concerns. This segmentation of testers will demonstrate that the solution is simple and feasible.
It is much easier to demonstrate value to a solo worker performing their duties in a real-world, dangerous environment than it is to convince an office worker that spends most of their day behind a desk.
Step 3
After deployment, capitalize on the diversity of your business. Certain business units will adopt the solution faster than others. Since everyone will be equipped with the same solution, these employees will serve as a benchmark to show how easy it is to use the system on a day-to-day basis.
Our advice
Keep it simple. Avoid multiple LWS types, especially outdated ones, to ensure increased rated of adoptions, ease of use and efficient management. Mobile applications and contactless security have revolutionized LWS, making them accessible to all businesses and you’ll never have to deal with low adoption/usage rates ever again.