What's the Best Personal Alarm for Your Workforce?

In this article:

What’s the Best Personal Alarm for your Workforce?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 497,300 people had a work-related injury or illness in 2021-2022. Of the 497,300 people, two out of three (66%) had some time off work. These do not only affect your employees in a negative way, but it also has repercussions for your business.

This is why ensuring the safety of your workforce should be a top priority for any employer. Lone worker alarms are an effective way to provide your employees with an extra layer of protection, particularly for those who work alone or in high-risk environments. With so many personal alarm options available in the market for lone workers, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your workforce. In this blog, we will explore the various types of personal alarms available and highlight the key features to consider when selecting a personal alarm for your employees. By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding of the best personal safety solutions for your workforce's safety needs.

Why do employees need a mobile alarm?

Your workforce, especially your lone workers or those who work in isolation or without direct supervision, often face unique safety risks. In many cases, they may not have immediate access to help if they are in danger or experience an emergency. Personal safety devices, such as personal alarms or panic buttons, are important tools to help keep lone workers safe. Here are some of the reasons why lone workers need personal safety devices:

Emergency response

Personal safety devices allow lone workers to quickly and easily signal for help if they experience an emergency. This can be particularly important if the worker is injured or incapacitated and cannot make a phone call for help.

Deterrence

Personal safety devices can also serve as a deterrent for potential attackers or aggressors. Knowing that a worker has an alarm or other safety device on hand may discourage someone from attempting to harm and significantly reduce the risk of assault or any risk of violence.

Peace of mind

Having a personal safety device on hand can help lone workers feel more secure and confident in their work environment. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Compliance with regulations

In many jurisdictions, employers are required to provide lone workers with a means of communication or an emergency response plan. Personal safety devices can help employers meet these requirements and ensure the safety of their employees.

Flexibility

Personal safety devices come in a range of styles and can be used in a variety of work environments. This makes them a versatile tool for keeping lone workers safe, whether they work indoors, outdoors, or in remote locations.

What are the benefits of a personal alarm for your workforce?

There are several benefits to providing personal alarms for your workforce, including:

Increased safety

Personal alarms can provide an added layer of protection for your employees, particularly those who work alone or in high-risk environments. If they are ever in danger, they can quickly and easily activate their alarm to alert others. 

Peace of mind

Knowing that they have a personal alarm on hand can help your employees feel more confident and secure in their work environment. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Reduced response time

With a personal alarm, your employees can quickly alert others to an emergency situation, which can help reduce response time and potentially save lives.

Cost-effective

Personal alarms are typically affordable and require little maintenance, making them a cost-effective way to enhance your workplace safety.

Versatile

Personal alarms come in a variety of styles and can be used in a range of work environments, from office settings to outdoor job sites.

By providing personal alarms for your workforce, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your employees, while also providing them with greater peace of mind in their work environment.

What are the different types of personal alarms?

There are several different types of personal alarms available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

Keychain alarms

These small alarms attach to a keychain and can be easily activated by pressing a button. They typically emit a loud, high-pitched sound that can alert others to a potential threat.

Wristband alarms

These alarms are worn on the wrist like a watch such as a GPS watch and fall detection watch and can be activated by pressing a button or pulling a pin. Some models also come equipped with a panic button that will automatically notify emergency services in case of an emergency.

Pendant alarms

Similar to wristband alarms, pendant alarms can be worn around the neck on a lanyard or chain. They can be activated by pressing a button and may also feature automatic emergency notification capabilities, fall detection, and GPS technology.

App-based alarms

These alarms are activated via a smartphone app and can be used to notify emergency contacts or a Customer Care Centre. Some app-based alarms also feature location-tracking capabilities in case of emergencies.

How do you choose the best personal alarm for your employees?

Choosing the best personal alarm for your employees involves several factors that you should consider to ensure you get the right device that meets your needs. Here are some steps to follow when choosing the best personal alarm for your employees:

Identify your needs

Determine why you need the personal alarm and what features you require. For example, if your employees work in high-risk areas or perform tasks that expose them to potential hazards, you may need a personal alarm with additional features such as GPS, two-way communication, or fall detection.

Research

Look for personal alarms that fit your requirements. There are several types of personal alarms on the market, including wristbands, pendants, and key fobs. Consider the pros and cons of each type and the features they offer.

Consider ease of use

Choose a personal alarm that is easy to use and operate. Your employees should be able to activate the alarm quickly in case of an emergency. Avoid devices that require complex procedures to activate as they may lead to delays when your employees need immediate assistance.

Check battery life

Ensure that the personal alarm has a long battery life, especially if your employees work long hours. The battery should also be rechargeable or replaceable as well.

Read reviews

Check online reviews from other users to determine the effectiveness and reliability of the personal alarm. This can help you choose a device that has proven to be reliable and effective in real-life situations.
By following these steps, you can choose the best personal alarm for your employees that meets your needs, provides the necessary safety features, and ensures the safety of your employees in case of an emergency.

What’s the best personal safety alarm for your employees?

The best personal safety alarm for your employees ultimately depends on their individual needs and the type of work they do. Tunstall Healthcare offers two options that can provide safety and security for your employees: the Tunstall Gem4 and the Lifestream by Guardian app.

Tunstall Gem4

Equipping your isolated workforce with a lone worker device, such as a fall detector or panic button, like the Tunstall Gem4, can help facilitate faster responses in the event of workplace accidents. This wearable technology ensures that your lone workers have access to assistance 24/7, providing both the employer and employee peace of mind that timely help is available in emergency situations. In addition, the Tunstall Gem4 comes equipped with GPS tracking, enabling the Customer Care Centre to locate the wearer at the precise location of the accident.

The Tunstall Gem4 can provide peace of mind, knowing that help is always within reach for your employees. With its simple design and user-friendly interface, it is a reliable and effective personal alarm solution for your employees.

Learn more about the Tunstall Gem4


Key Features:

  • Easy to use SOS button to raise an alarm

  • GPS location to accurately locate the wearer

  • Connects to 24/7 Customer Care Centre

  • Automatic fall detection alert (if enabled)

  • Open voice communication, allowing the wearer to speak directly with a Customer Care Consultant

  • SOS activation can be triggered via the charging base if the device is within Bluetooth range and sufficiently charged.

  • USB-powered charging dock

  • Compatible with the 4G network

  • IP67 Water resistant

  • Ability to find lost devices

  • Device feedback by voice prompts and vibration


Learn more about our Lone Worker Alarms & Safety Devices.

Lone Worker Smartphone App

Lifestream By Guardian

Lifestream by Guardian is a new personal safety app that can be tailored for lone workers. This smartphone app is designed to improve safety for your lone workers through its innovative features like

  • GPS location

  • 24/7 monitoring

  • Check-in and -out functions

  • SOS button

The lone worker app has a built-in check-in and-out system. Employees use this to note when and where they begin their remote work, which keeps you up to date on their whereabouts. Should your employee fail to check out, our Care Consultant will follow up and assess the situation, by directly contacting both the lone worker and the employer. If necessary, and if part of the protocols we've agreed with the employer, we could escalate the situation by sending an emergency response team to help the lone worker in need.

Your employees can also press the 24/7 SOS call button should they experience an accident, or require other forms of assistance.

Learn more about the Lifestream by Guardian app

Learn more about our Lone Worker Safety Solutions

With the wide range of personal safety solutions from Tunstall Healthcare, you can feel confident that your employees are properly protected in the event of an emergency. We take pride in making sure your employees have access to the best possible safety solutions for their protection. Your employee's safety is our priority here at Tunstall, so contact us today for more information on our Lone Worker Safety Solutions.

Get your personal alarm today:

About the Author
Kathryn O’Neill
Kathryn O’Neill

Kathryn is Tunstall Australiasia’s Head of Operations and works closely with the Executive Team to support Tunstall’s teams and clients. With her background as a Registered Nurse, Kathryn is deeply passionate about the future of Connected Healthcare, digital transformation and client-centric care. She is a key driver behind Tunstall's unparalleled customer service, and constant improvement of quality care strategies across the business.

See all of Kathryn's articles.