In many sectors such as security, healthcare or maintenance, employees sometimes work alone. In the event of an accident, it is not always possible to quickly alert the necessary people. A man down alarm offers a solution to ensure the safety of lone workers.
In this article, you will learn exactly what a man down alarm is, and how it works.
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What is a man down alarm?
A man down alarm is a safety device designed to automatically trigger an alarm when the wearer falls or stops moving. This system is essential for lone workers as it calls for immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. The device can be worn on the wrist or hip, depending on the user's preference.
How does a man down alarm work?
A man down alarm, such as the device from Emerit, uses several technologies to enhance the safety of the wearer.
The device, worn by the employee working alone, will send an alarm signal either to a specified number or to an alarm centre if the employee falls and/or stops moving.
For this, it uses:
- A SIM card with a data subscription to connect to the alarm centre
- Accurate indoor and outdoor locating feature, using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth beacons
- A software application that allows for remote and free configuration of the correct settings
What to consider when choosing a man down alarm?
When choosing a man down alarm, several factors must be considered to ensure the system will be both effective and reliable:
- Fall and motion detection: The system must accurately detect when the wearer falls or stops moving. This is crucial for automatically activating an alarm. The adjustability of these parameters is also important in order to avoid triggering false alarms.
- Wearability and comfort: The device must be comfortable to wear, whether on the wrist, hip, or around the neck. This ensures that employees will use it consistently.
- Battery life: Long battery life is essential, especially for employees working long shifts. The device must remain reliable without requiring frequent recharging.
- Connectivity: The system must have a reliable connection, whether via a GSM signal or Wi-Fi. This ensures that an alarm can always be transmitted.
- Indoor and outdoor locating feature: For accurate locating, both indoors and outdoors, it is important that the system supports GPS, Wi-Fi beacons, or Bluetooth beacons.
- Simple programming: The system must be easy to program, preferably remotely, and use free software. This makes it easy to adjust settings without technical knowledge and without paying for licences.
- Integration with an alarm centre: As previously mentioned, the man down alarm can be connected to an alarm centre if you are not certain that your company will be able to receive alarm calls from the device. These alarm centres (e.g. the security company that monitors your intruder alarms) will receive the alarm signal and can take the appropriate action.
Why choose a man down alarm?
- Increased safety: The system ensures that lone workers can quickly receive assistance in the event of an emergency, such as a fall or health issues.
- Peace of mind: Both employees and employers have the assurance of knowing that there is a reliable system in place that automatically triggers an alarm when needed.
- Efficiency: Companies are able to work more efficiently, as employees can perform tasks alone without requiring constant supervision, while their safety remains assured.
- Compliance with regulations: Using a man down alarm helps companies comply with safety regulations and guidelines for lone workers.
- Cost savings: Although there are initial costs for purchasing the system, companies can benefit from long-term savings by working more efficiently and reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
A man down alarm is therefore an indispensable tool for the safety of lone workers. It offers peace of mind for both employees and employers, knowing that assistance can be quickly summoned in the event of an emergency.
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