Lone Worker Safety and Tracking Using SPOT Satellite Messengers by Globalstar

Table of Contents

  1. Satellite devices for lone workers

  2. Hallmark features                                                        

  3. Who should use SafetyLine and Globalstar SPOT satellite messengers? 

  4. Who are lone workers?  

  5. Lone worker safety legislation and regulations 

  6. Leveraging satellite devices for lone workers 

GPS was first created for the US military but has since become an unseen but integral part of the communications needs of billions of people around the world. Many of those using GPS-enabled devices are doing so in a professional capacity, with powerful communication and location-tracking technology that is protecting lone workers who are sometimes alone and in remote locations. 

Leading the way is Globalstar which provides both companies and individuals with customizable, satellite commercial IoT solutions, dependable connectivity for mobile and field personnel, informative fleet asset tracking, as well as equipment monitoring, empowering and protecting its users beyond cellular technology.

SafetyLine leverages the innovative SPOT technology to locate and communicate with remote and lone workers, no matter where they are working in the world. 

Satellite devices for lone workers

This includes Globalstar’s SPOT satellite messenger and integrated mapping software, which, when used with SafetyLine lone worker safety app, will significantly increase the safety and security of the worker through the complementary technologies. Through this collaboration, SafetyLine leverages the innovative SPOT technology to locate and communicate with remote and lone workers, no matter where they are working in the world.

The most significant benefit of this partnership with Globalstar, quite simply, is that your workers and team members will have reliable and proven satellite communications for lone workers to support SafetyLine’s comprehensive suite of safety features that you will see below. The SafetyLine and SPOT combination provides uninterrupted location tracking and two-way communications (independent of cellular networks), using SPOT to send and receive text messages, track and share progress with managers and coworkers, map their routes, as well as, if needed, trigger an SOS emergency requesting immediate help. As stated on the Globalstar site, this relationship helps SafetyLine “build redundancy to cellular and more reliable connectivity into its solution,” improving upon an already effective occupational safety solution.

Hallmark features 

Easy, reliable communication 

Utilizing Globalstar’s SPOT satellite technology, employers can reach their remote workers in an emergency, regardless of how remote their work location may be. This includes voice and text messaging, as well as the ability for the worker to easily communicate important details such as precise location, details of circumstances, and any other relevant information needed to send the best and fastest help to the worker.

Satellite tracking  

Like the elevated communication capabilities, SafetyLine and SPOT provide elevated location tracking as well, empowering employers to protect their people. Workers are also able to map their routes ahead of time as well as track and share their progress with their co-workers and manager. This technology provides peace of mind – to both employees and employers – that they can rely on SafetyLine and SPOT to connect and communicate even when traveling outside of cellular reception.

Emergency panic button 

In a dangerous situation, employees can quickly and easily trigger an emergency which will instantly alert responders and automatically send them the worker’s GPS coordinates so that they know exactly where to send help. Using SafetyLine and SPOT, workers will also have dependable two-way communication with the emergency responders, an important lifeline during a dangerous time.

Automated check-ins with SafetyLine 

Before their shift or task, workers can check in to confirm they have started and are safe. When finished, they can check out, confirming their safety as well as any other pertinent details for the manager. If the employee does not check out at the predetermined time, an emergency alarm will be raised until they can be confirmed as safe.

Fully automated, 24/7 

SafetyLine is completely automated, which means that it is able to protect workers and employees no matter what time of the day – or night – it is. Because it operates on a proven and reliable, automated system, SafetyLine eliminates the need for monitors or safety personnel providing round-the-clock support.

Who should use SafetyLine and Globalstar SPOT satellite messengers? 

So who would benefit from a SafetyLine and SPOT worker safety solution? Essentially, this integration would help protect those working in remote locations and alone, away from coworkers or help if needed. This can include a range of employees in a range of industries including: 

  • Forestry 

  • Agriculture 

  • Construction 

  • Energy  

  • Community and rural healthcare 

  • And any worker working in an environment with a low cell signal 

Who are lone workers?  

A lone worker can come in many shapes and sizes and in many industries, but they can be classified into six categories: 

  1. People who perform hazardous work away from the public. (Ie. field service operatives)    

  2. People who travel alone and do not interact with customers. (Ie. truck drivers)  

  3. People who work from home

  4. People who work from an office and interact with customers. (Ie. home care providers and social service workers) 

  5. People who work alone at an isolated site. (Ie. security guards)  

  6. People who handle cash (Ie. taxi drivers, gas station attendants) 

In Canada, companies are mandated to provide all employees (including lone and remote workers) with a reliable means to communicate with the employer at all times as well as check in to confirm their safety and well-being

Lone worker safety legislation and regulations 

In addition to the paramount need of protecting your people out on the job, employers must also consider any lone worker safety legislation and regulations in their jurisdiction. Lone worker safety legislation and regulations vary in each country, however satellite devices can protect these people, regardless of the local safety laws. 

In Canada, companies are mandated to provide all employees (including lone and remote workers) with a reliable means to communicate with the employer at all times as well as check in to confirm their safety and well-being. According to Canada’s Westray Law (formerly Bill C-45), work-alone regulations and the Criminal Code have been amended so that both organizations and individuals can be criminally liable for failure to take sufficient and appropriate steps to protect their employees’ safety.  

Leveraging satellite devices for lone workers

Using SafetyLine and SPOT will ensure the employer will know where to send help in an emergency as well as any other details needed to increase the safety and well-being of the employee. It must be made clear that this technology will only track and locate employees during work hours and with the employee’s consent. The purpose of this technology is strictly for occupational and workplace health and safety. 

Want to learn more about how SafetyLine and SPOT can help protect your people? Let’s connect below! 

Previous
Previous

What Is Journey Management and Why Is It Important?

Next
Next

A Q&A with the Heart & Stroke Foundation - What You Need to Know About Occupational Cardiac Arrest