Employee safety in Australia’s signal black spots
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Employers have a duty of care to all employees – but the lack of countrywide signal coverage can make it difficult to keep some workers safe – especially in an emergency.
Mobile coverage is only available to around 27% of Australian landmass, meaning that nearly three-quarters of the country is in a mobile signal black spot.
As coverage is centered around populated areas and highways, 99% of the population can get a mobile signal – as long as they don’t go off the beaten track.
But what if you have employees who work or travel within a signal dead zone?
OSH regulations require that isolated employees have a means to call for help in an emergency, and that regular contact can be made to ensure they are safe.
But if they can’t get a mobile signal, meeting this requirement becomes more difficult.
Lone worker safety
Lone workers can be at an increased risk of harm, as any risks are faced alone. To mitigate this, many organisations choose to implement a specialist lone worker safety solution, such as an app or panic button so that their employees can signal for help quickly in an emergency.
Lone worker safety apps are one of the most popular choices, because most employees already carry a mobile phone. In fact – the number of lone workers using connected safety solutions is expected to be close to 2 million by 2025.
Apps are also popular because they combine a lot of tech and features into one, often incorporating a panic button, GPS location tracking, fall detection alerts, and timed welfare checks within the one application.
The only problem is lone worker apps run on smartphones; and smartphones need mobile signal to work. If your staff need to go into areas with no connectivity, you’ll still lose contact.
StaySafe can protect your staff, wherever they are
The StaySafe app gives employers visibility of the location and safety status of lone workers in an emergency and allows them to check-in safely once they have finished a lone working or travel session.
It can also be used via the iridium satellite network, which provides 100% global connectivity.
StaySafe’s Satellite Mode, powered by Garmin, allows you to monitor and safeguard your team, even in areas with no mobile coverage.
To use the StaySafe app in satellite mode, all you need is a paired Garmin device. When paired, our intelligent system automatically switches to using Garmin when no other signal is available, guaranteeing uninterrupted connectivity.
This means your employees can continue using the app on their phone with no interruptions, whether they are connected via Wi-Fi, data, or satellite.
Why choose StaySafe?
- 100% signal coverage using the iridium network
- Easy to use solution
- Seamlessly switches between all available connections to maintain communication
- Satellite mode is compatible with all StaySafe features including panic alerts, welfare checks, fall detection, quick start and driving mode
- Data sovereignty – all data is kept within jurisdictional boundaries
- Full on-boarding and on-going support from a dedicated Customer Success Team
Helen Down
“Helen has worked within the lone worker industry for nearly a decade. During that time she has written extensively about health and safety, risk, legislation, and lone working – including the Lone Worker Landscape Report.
Helen’s background is in marketing for start-ups and SMEs, where she has enjoyed working as part of the leadership team to grow the business. Outside of work, Helen is a mum of two and loves to drink wine in peace.”
Guide to lone working
A comprehensive lone worker guide for employers, managers and the self employed.
Guide to lone worker risk assessments
An extensive guide to risk assessments for employers or managers of lone workers.
StaySafe buyers guide
An informative guide outlining everything you need to know when purchasing a lone working solution.
Find out more about StaySafe solutions
Lone Worker App
Our intuitive app allows employees to check in safely following a lone working session and raise an alert in an emergency.
Cloud Based Monitoring Hub
Wearable Technology
