Lone Worker | Man-Down Safety with RTLS

Lone workers are personnel who perform their duties without direct support or supervision from a manager or coworker. They work in a range of high-risk sectors, such as factories, construction sites, and mining operations. The nature of working alone introduces unique safety risks, as emergency response times may be delayed, increasing the severity of potential accidents or injuries.

Key risks for lone workers include falls, slips, entrapment, exposure to hazardous gases and fumes, sudden health issues, and even physical attacks. Advanced Lone Worker Safety Systems play a critical role in mitigating these risks. These systems track the real-time locations of workers and automatically detect incidents like immobility or unconsciousness, allowing for rapid response. Such systems have become essential across industries in enhancing health and safety standards.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 290,000 workplace incidents in 2023 were reported due to falls and slips alone. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive lone-worker safety measures.

High-Risk Environments for Lone Workers

Some of the environments posing the highest risks to lone workers include:

• Confined Spaces: Mines, warehouses, liquid tanks, manufacturing facilities, and tunnels
• High Places: Power lines, bridges, dams, construction sites, shipyards, and hangars
• Areas with Motorized Equipment or Flammable Tools
• Hazardous Environmental Conditions: Spaces with dangerous gas levels, extreme temperatures, or high pressure
• Proximity to Electrical or Other Energy Sources

Business Benefits of Lone Worker Safety Systems

Lone worker safety systems offer significant advantages that help businesses safeguard employee safety and minimize the impact of workplace incidents:

• Quick Personnel Location in Emergencies: Provides real-time tracking to locate employees swiftly.
• Facilitates Rapid Response: Enables prompt intervention for injured workers.
• Automatic Detection of Falls or Immobility: Monitor signs of accidents, such as immobility, to trigger automatic alerts.
• Boosts Employee Safety and Motivation: Employees feel safer, fostering higher morale.
• Enhances Corporate Reputation and Reliability: Demonstrates commitment to safety, reinforcing trust in the brand.
• Ensures Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet occupational health and safety regulations.

Applications of Lone Worker Safety Systems

Lone worker safety systems are widely adopted in many industries to strengthen safety measures:

• Oil and Gas Facilities
• Mining Operations
• Shipyards
• Construction and Maintenance Projects: (Including subways, dams, highways, and tunnels)
• Manufacturing Facilities and Factories
• Healthcare and Education Sectors

How the Wipelot Lone Worker Safety System Works 

The Wipelot Lone Worker Safety System is a Real-Time Location System (RTLS) that continuously monitors workers' locations and statuses. Employees carry ultra-wideband (UWB) tags that can be worn on their neck, waist, or shoes, allowing for precise tracking. In an emergency, employees can manually trigger alerts, or the system can automatically detect unusual conditions—such as immobility or a prone position—and initiate alarms. This critical information is relayed to a central monitoring unit for immediate response.

Standard System Features

The standard version operates as a closed-loop system including mobile tags carried by employees, a control unit, and a central monitoring kiosk that displays alerts. Key features include:

• Real-Time Tracking: Monitors employee locations continuously.
• Automatic Alerts for Immobility: Detects lack of movement and initiates an alert.
• Wireless Operation: All system components communicate wirelessly.
• Emergency Button: Allows workers to manually request assistance.
• Alert Center Display: Shows alert details, including time, date, location, and worker ID.
• 24-Hour Alarm Log Storage: Maintains records of alerts for up to 24 hours.

Pro System Features

The Pro version enhances the standard model with additional features accessible through a web-based interface:

• High-Precision Mapping: Uses facility maps and floor details to show precise locations.
• Emergency Notifications: Sends SMS or email alerts to authorized personnel during emergencies.
• Comprehensive Log Access: Provides easy access to historical alerts and activity logs.
• Zone Designation: Allows for safe and restricted zones to be defined within the system.
• Cloud-Based Management: Enables remote monitoring and management via a cloud infrastructure.

The Wipelot Lone Worker Safety System is an essential solution for protecting employees and upholding workplace health and safety standards. Continuously monitoring the real-time locations and statuses of lone workers, enables swift emergency response, significantly improving workplace safety. For businesses committed to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, the Wipelot Lone Worker Safety System is an invaluable resource.

To learn more about implementing these safety solutions at your workplace or explore our success stories, reach out to us to see how Wipelot has helped companies establish safer working environments.