Working alone is unavoidable in many industries. In production, the energy sector or on construction sites, lone working often occurs during maintenance work and work in remote areas. Those responsible for employee safety must ask themselves the question: What happens if an accident occurs at such a moment and no one is around to help?
This is exactly where the lone worker watch comes in: an intelligent and smart device (smartwatch) that can reliably detect emergencies in combination with appropriate software (such as the CALIMA app). In this article, you will find out which Features are really crucial, who these devices are suitable for and what you should look out for when buying them.
The most important facts at a glance
✓ A smartwatch can be used as a stand-alone watch with the help of appropriate software (e.g. the CALIMA app).
✓ The stand-alone watch enables a quick emergency message via an integrated SOS button that can be pressed in an emergency.
✓ The stand-alone watch contains motion sensors that can detect motionlessness and falls as well as GPS sensors that can transmit a specific location.
✓ The selection of a stand-alone watch should be based on compatibility with the corresponding software, battery life, robustness and communication options to ensure maximum security at all times.
✓ The integration of lone worker watches into emergency processes increases the efficiency of emergency response and enables a faster response to emergencies.
What is a stand-alone watch?
Lone working means that a person works alone without other people being within sight or call range.
This can occur in many different industries and professions, for example:
- during production, e.g. during maintenance or servicing
- in the energy sector, e.g. for the inspection of systems
- in logistics, warehouse work or transportation
- in nursing care in the care of patients
In such situations, it is of the utmost importance that the lone worker is protected or supervised, as no direct help is available in an emergency.
This is where the stand-alone watch comes into play. In combination with a corresponding application (e.g. the CALIMA app), the smartwatch offers a wide range of safety functions for quickly detecting emergencies and alerting emergency contacts. Advanced technologies such as mobile radio, WLAN, GPS and Bluetooth are used to transmit emergency information and a precise location to defined emergency contacts.
A modern stand-alone watch combines comfortable wearability suitable for everyday use with powerful technology. Thanks to their positioning on the wrist and intuitive operation, they are easily accessible at all times.
The safety of lone workers is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal duty for employers. Every workplace must be safe, and employers are responsible for taking the necessary measures to protect their employees as part of the risk assessment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The lone worker watch is an important tool for safeguarding employees who work alone.
Main functions of the stand-alone watch
- SOS button: Manual or voluntary emergency message
- Motion sensor: Automatic or voluntary detection of immobility or falls
- Location technologies: Precise transmission of location information using GPS, WLAN and Bluetooth.
- Communication technologies: Transmission of relevant emergency information via mobile phone connection or WLAN
One of the most important Features is GPS tracking. This makes it possible to determine the exact location of an emergency at any time, which is particularly invaluable in remote areas. In addition, technologies such as WLAN and Bluetooth can be used to ensure precise indoor positioning.
Another key function is the automatic detection of immobility and falls. Thanks to integrated sensors, the watch can immediately trigger an alarm if a person stops moving or has fallen. This function, also known as the dead man's switch, is particularly important in the event that a person becomes unconscious and can no longer actively make an emergency call.
Together, these Features make the lone worker watch an indispensable tool for the safety of lone workers.
Advantages of a stand-alone watch
The use of a lone working watch offers considerable advantages compared to no protection when working alone. It ensures that emergencies do not go unnoticed and that first aid can be provided quickly. This improves the feeling of safety among lone workers and at the same time strengthens their trust in their employer.
The use of such devices also supports compliance with legal requirements, such as those set out in Section 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act(risk assessment), Section 10 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (first aid and emergency measures) and DGUV Rule 112-139 (use of personal emergency signal systems when working alone).
This sustainably improves both the protection of lone workers and the organization of effective first aid measures.
Selection criteria for the best stand-alone watch
When choosing the best stand-alone watch, there are a few criteria that should be taken into account. One decisive factor is the battery life. The watch should be able to last an entire working day without recharging. This is the only way to ensure that the employee is protected at all times.
Robustness is another important criterion, especially in demanding working environments. The watch must be able to withstand physical stress without being damaged. Communication options are also of great importance. The watch should be able to transmit emergency signals effectively, whether via mobile networks or WLAN.
Compatibility with other devices is also a particularly important aspect. Some systems offer the option of seamless integration into existing safety systems, which further increases the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency assistance. These criteria help to find the best lone worker watch for individual requirements and thus maximize safety in the workplace.
Knownmodels and brands
Various smartwatch models with safety-relevant Features are available for use in lone worker protection. Frequently used models are the Apple Watch SE or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE. With a corresponding application (e.g. the CALIMA app), they have, among other things, automatic detection of immobility and falls as well as the option of triggering alarms directly via a software button. These Features can be particularly beneficial in high-risk working environments. As with all solutions, we recommend careful consideration of the respective area of application and individual requirements.
Integration in personal emergency signal systems
A lone worker watch is part of a PNA-11 system in that it serves as a portable personal emergency signaling device.
- Depending on the Features , the stand-alone watch enables an intentional alarm (via hardware button or software button) and an unintentional alarm (e.g. by detecting motionlessness).
- The stand-alone clock is often connected to the alarm server or the personal emergency signal receiving center (PNEZ) via mobile radio or WLAN.
- In an emergency, the stand-alone watch transmits location data to the reception center and thus to the stored emergency contacts.
- The control center or the emergency contacts handle the alarm and organize the first aid measures.
The integration of the lone worker watch into PNA systems makes it possible to detect lone worker accidents more precisely and to effectively utilize the advantages of modern, user-friendly digital technologies. The convenient and intuitive use of the watch can reduce the number of false alarms and increase reliability.
Areas of application for working alone Clock
Situations involving lone working occur in numerous industries. These often take place in remote locations and in high-risk environments. A lone worker watch with its Features is an important part of occupational health and safety.
Industry
In industry and production, lone worker watch models are used in particular for activities in machine halls or production facilities, for example when employees work alone in demarcated areas. The detection of immobility and falls enables a quick response in an emergency.
Energy sector
In the energy supply sector, for example when inspecting electricity or gas plants, wind farms or substations, the lone worker watch can be a useful addition to personal protective equipment. The often remote location of such work sites increases the importance of a reliable emergency call system.
Logistics
In logistics and transportation - whether for warehouse work, order picking or driver activities - the watch can help to increase safety levels, especially during night shifts or on the move.
Care sector
In the care sector, the watch for lone working is mainly used for outpatient care. Nursing staff who care for patients alone in their own homes can call for help at the touch of a button in an emergency and transmit their location at the same time. Thanks to its communication and location functions as well as its versatility, the lone worker watch is a valuable addition to occupational safety in many professional fields.
Maintenance and care of the stand-alone watch
The maintenance and care of the stand-alone watch is crucial to ensure its reliability and longevity. It is important to check and charge the watch's battery regularly to ensure that it is always ready for use. In addition, the watch should be cleaned and cared for according to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent damage. Proper care of the watch ensures that it works reliably in critical moments and protects workers.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that the smartwatch in combination with the appropriate software (e.g. the CALIMA app) is an exciting and modern device to supplement existing occupational safety measures. It offers a wide range of Features that are ideal for the legally compliant protection of lone working.
Choosing the right smartwatch depends on various criteria, including compatibility with the relevant software, battery life, robustness and communication options. Well-known models such as the Apple Watch SE and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE in combination have proven themselves in practice and offer reliable security functions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stand-alone watch?
A lone worker watch is a smartwatch that is equipped with special software (e.g. the CALIMA app). It recognizes emergencies automatically or at the touch of a button and transmits location and emergency information to defined emergency contacts.
What are the main functions of a stand-alone watch?
A lone worker watch offers various main functions that are specially designed to protect lone workers. These include an SOS alarm at the touch of a button, automatic detection of immobility or falls, precise location transmission via GPS and the option of sending emergency information to defined contacts via mobile phone or WLAN. These Features ensure that help can be organized quickly and specifically in the event of an emergency.
What are the advantages of using a stand-alone watch?
The advantage of using a lone worker watch is that emergencies can be recognized and reported more quickly. This enables prompt first aid, even if the person is unconscious or incapacitated. The precise location transmission also facilitates rescue. In addition to technical protection, the lone worker watch also increases employees' sense of safety and helps employers to reliably comply with legal occupational health and safety requirements.
What criteria are important when choosing the best lone working watch?
When choosing the best lone worker watch, the following criteria are particularly important: a long battery life so that the watch remains ready for use throughout the working day; a robust design to withstand stress in demanding working environments; reliable communication options via mobile radio or WLAN; and compatibility with the desired software.
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