In many industries like healthcare, construction, and agriculture, workers often operate alone, facing unique challenges that can threaten their safety. This workforce accounts for about 20% of all working individuals today and is still growing globally. Since the pandemic has led to an increasing number of remote or lone workers, this is putting more pressure than ever on employers to follow safety-related legislation and reduce accident rates.
A root cause of this issue can be seen in recent lone worker reports, revealing that just about 36% of lone workers report feeling unsafe with their employer. While the majority of businesses are largely unaware of this, 92% believe their lone workers are consistently communicating any incidents or concerns. When reviewing the number of reported incidents in the UK of 150 per day, one may assume that up to 450 reports per day occur, with 300 of these never seeing the light of day.
The reasons this occurs are many, and the solutions are something Flic has been working on for over a decade. As creators of innovative safety devices in the form of smart buttons, we’ve made reporting incidents easier than ever. They’re built with highly reliable long-range capabilities, multi-functional features, and can easily be integrated into any digital system. With customizable triggers -push, double push, or hold—users can quickly trigger different responses, from sending alerts to activating emergency protocols. This safety device, designed and developed in Sweden, has become a preferred solution for lone-worker safety and is now integrated into safety apps and lone-worker systems used by organizations worldwide.
The Importance of Lone Worker Protection
Lone workers—employees who perform tasks in isolation—encounter risks ranging from health emergencies to potential workplace violence. Effective and instant easy-to-use safety solutions are critical for keeping them safe in these situations.
Dangers Faced by Lone Workers
Lone workers may face a range of hazards, including:
- Health Emergencies: Sudden medical issues can leave workers vulnerable without immediate assistance.
- Accidents: Isolated environments increase the risk of accidents where timely help is essential.
- Violence: In certain industries, lone workers can be exposed to threats from clients or intruders.
Quick Communication is critical
Have you ever wondered how conveniently you’d be able to ask for assistance in emergency situations? Taking out your phone, unlocking it, scrolling through apps or contacts, and dialing your local authorities takes precious time. While this might sometimes work, the time spent can be critical in an emergency.
Effective Solutions for Lone Worker Safety
Worker alarms and panic buttons allow employees to signal for help quickly and efficiently, removing communication delays in emergencies. Flic’s smart buttons build on this capability, providing a streamlined solution that ensures lone workers can access immediate assistance, ultimately reinforcing the commitment to a safer workplace.
Several organizations have successfully integrated Flic’s smart buttons into their safety services, here are some of them:
MultiBel: With over 3,000 organizations globally using its emergency notification system, caregivers—including doctors, nurses, and staff—can quickly alert security or emergency response teams with just a single push of a Flic button. This ensures swift assistance while allowing them to maintain focus on their critical responsibilities.
WorkSafe Guardian: Australia’s first lone worker app, WorkSafe Guardian, has teamed up with Flic to develop a fully integrated safety alert button within the WSG app, facilitating easy and rapid communication without the need for a phone. The buttons are programmed to manage a welfare timer with a single or double push and to activate a safety alert with a press and hold. Additionally, the robust metal clip provided by Flic allows users to easily attach the button to their uniforms for convenient access.
Mobile Tornado: Flic has partnered with Mobile Tornado, a leader in Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) technology, to enhance communication and safety in critical industries. With the integration of the Flic Button into Mobile Tornado’s PTX application, users can activate push-to-talk and SOS alert features with a discreet single push, significantly improving emergency response times. This innovation is particularly vital in sectors such as healthcare, retail, security, and construction, where instant communication is crucial for worker safety.
CALIMA Safety GmbH: In critical industries, where lone workers face significant risks, CALIMA Safety GmbH has integrated Flic buttons into their emergency response system. With the push of a Flic button, employees can quickly activate CALIMA’s Personal Emergency Signal system (PNA) to send out SOS alerts and share their location with relevant contacts, facilitating a faster emergency response. This integration supports industries like manufacturing, construction, and logistics by improving safety and ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Neovigie, a leader in lone worker protection, uses Flic Buttons as panic buttons to trigger an alert with a single press, instantly notifying emergency contacts. Users can also program a double-click via the mobile app to start a lifeline or perform a check-in. Once the alert is triggered, the worker’s location and status are sent to designated responders, allowing for immediate action. This flexible system ensures both quick emergency response and regular safety updates, enhancing protection in high-risk environments
Making Safety a Priority
Ensuring the safety of lone workers should be a top priority for any organization. By implementing effective emergency alert systems, investing in advanced lone worker apps, and utilizing man-down alarms, employers can significantly enhance workplace safety. Contact Flic to learn how our smart buttons provide a proven, cost-effective, and easy solution to address these critical safety challenges.