Panic alarms for businesses and staff
What are panic alarms and can I use them in my business?
You may be aware of panic alarms used by older people, or those prone to falls, or you may think of the silent alarms traditionally used in shops and banks and wonder, ‘how could I use these alarms for my staff and how would that work?’
In this article, we’ll quickly explain how businesses are using panic alarms to protect their staff on their premises and on the move.
Who could use panic alarms?
There are lots of businesses and employees who could make use of panic alarms. Panic alarms can benefit any role in which someone works alone, with the public, or in a high-risk situation, who might need to call out for help. Some examples could include:
Cleaners and janitors (such as in businesses, hotels, and in private homes)
Front of house and hospitality staff
Shopworkers
Those working late shifts
Healthcare workers (such as nurses, paramedics and community care workers)
Delivery drivers
Security staff
Panic alarms and lone working legislation
The UK has pretty in-depth legislation on what is known as ‘lone working’. Lone working is best laid out by the NHS, who defines it as ‘any situation or location in which someone works without a colleague nearby; or when someone is working out of sight or earshot of another colleague’.
So, how does this relate to panic alarms? The UK’s Health and Safety Executive requires employers to provide lone workers with ‘adequate and reliable means of communication and a way to call for help’ which may include ‘devices designed to raise the alarm in an emergency which can be operated manually or automatically’.
This means that many people use panic alarms as part of their lone working system. For more information on this subject, head to our complete guide on lone working.
Types of panic alarms for business
There are many types of panic alarms and safety systems out there. Some examples include:
‘Under the counter’ silent panic alarms
Popular in shops, these alarms can be mounted out of sight (such as under a counter). If a user (such as a cashier) feels under threat, they can hit the button and an alert will often be sent to their internal security or management teams, or an external security company. This can be a good and reliable option for those who work solely in one spot, but are unhelpful for those that have to move around for all or some of their job.
Wireless panic alarms
Wireless panic alarms differ from ‘under the counter’ alarms in that they can be taken wherever the user is. In this way, a receptionist (for example) could keep their alarm on their desk, then take it with them when they get up.
Traditionally, these devices transmit a simple alert signal to a central alarm hub. They are fairly reliable within a relatively short distance, but usually do not have any ‘smart’ features and normally only work ‘on site’.
Wireless alarms provide more mobility than fixed ones, but still do not provide ample protection for off-site trips. These alarms can also be fairly bulky and indiscreet.
Safepoint’s ‘Smart’ panic alarms
Safepoint's smart panic alarm allows you to protect your whole team. Whether your staff move from location to location, work outside, or if you just want the best tool to help you react quickly to an emergency situation, we suggest the use of a smart wearable panic alarm.
With Safepoint’s staff protection package, your staff use our discreet, wireless panic alarm that pairs with an easy-to-use app. This panic alarm can easily be attached to keys or a lanyard or even worn on the wrist.
In an emergency, users tap the alert button which sends out an alert and starts live GPS tracking. The alert is sent to the user’s supervisors, who can see the user’s location, task history, and relevant medical information.
But what about if a user is incapacitated and can’t call for help? While traditional panic alarms can’t help with this, Safepoint’s system will automatically send an alert if the user takes a fall or is unresponsive.
In fact, workers in higher-risk situations, such as driving, or making deliveries or home visits, can set up a timed ‘task’ in their app that will continuously share the user’s live location and safety status. These live tasks can really help managers see an overview of where their team are and what they’re doing
What’s more, with Safepoint you don’t need to worry about missing an emergency. Safepoint offers 24/7 monitoring through our accredited GuardianPlus Alarm Receiving Centre. Day or night, Safepoint’s professional team will respond immediately to any emergency alert –allowing you to rest easy.
Safepoint’s modern, smart panic alarm system not only provides a simple and discreet way to call for help in an emergency, but it also provides live GPS tracking, automatic alarm functionality, team management features, and even 24/7 monitoring.
What is the cost of a smart panic alarm?
But how much does this cost? Unlike a lot of traditional panic alarm systems, there is no expensive up-front cost or long setup period.
A Safepoint wearable panic alarm costs just £35, and you can get Safepoint’s self-monitored protection for just £10 a month* –or upgrade to Safepoint’s 24/7 GuardianPlus protection for just £12.50 a month*. We even have discounts for charities and enterprise companies (See all our prices here or get in touch to find out more).
You can try the Safepoint app free for 14 days, or you can buy the button here and we’ll get you started right away!
*Monthly price when paid annually. Price is for one user.