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OIL & GAS Lucky for us, there is new technology available that enables 24/7 worker connectivity and significantly reduces risk to this vulnerable group. Today, we have technology options that connect even the most isolated employees to a real-time response plan in the event of an incident or emergency. two-way messaging and a panic button. More advanced apps will come with no motion detection as well. There are even remote working apps that are specific to driving risks, sometimes called Journey ManagementTM that are complete with trip risk assessment forms for managers to approve or deny based on the risk of the trip. One of the most important things to consider when you are evaluating a lone worker app, especially if your workforce is comprised of an older demographic, is the user interface. Digital natives will navigate almost any app with ease, however many employees that are not used to smartphone technology will require an intuitive interface. Overall, smartphone apps are a great way to provide employees with reliable two-way communication, check-in timers and enable effective responses. Satellite Devices Lone worker satellite devices are more robust than smartphone apps and often have more features but come at a steeper price point. Along with check-in timers, two-way messaging and panic buttons, satellite devices will also give you real-time GPS data and location, even when employees are outside of cell coverage. Many satellite devices will also provide man-down and no motion functionality. Some satellite devices even have gas detection capabilities and can detect up to four different gases on one device. Satellite devices are great for workforces that are outside cellular coverage, especially if they are in the wilderness and exact GPS coordinates are crucial in the event of an emergency. These devices are especially popular within the utility, environmental and oil & gas industries. There are small GPS devices that enable a cell phone to become a satellite device, and users can continue to use the lone worker smartphone app even when outside of cell coverage. The downside to using a device like this is that employees need to remember to bring two devices with them (smartphone plus the device), and they may miss out on other features like fall detection or gas detection. Wearables The wearables category consists of devices that extend the safety application or software being used. Wearables come in a wide variety of options from a simple band that is worn on the wrist to a device worn at the hip or chest that can provide no motion and two-way communication. One of the most attractive features of wearable safety devices is the ability to send discreet SOS. This is particularly important in situations of high hazard or risk that could intensify if a notification is made audible or public. Small and robust, wearable devices can complement or enhance any safety solution to help ensure your employees’ safety. Enabling Better Incident Response Technology is making it easier than ever to prevent disaster for this vulnerable group of employees. Employees can work in distant, remote areas and be one tap of a button away from a connected party. The key takeaway is that the technology must be backed up by an immediate response and effective escalation plan. If employees don’t feel confident in the response plan, they will stop using the technology and check-ins altogether. Something else to consider when choosing a solution that suits your organization’s needs and value outcomes is that the technology is only as good as the data it can provide. Keep this in mind when doing research as the data that each technology offers can be the difference between learning about gaps in your current processes or policies as well as being able to utilize the data to take a proactive approach to safety within your organization. We mentioned above that organizations can choose to have either a manager or a third party handle the employee alert monitoring. If the organization chooses to utilize managers and supervisors, it is critical that they are available 24/7 to monitor alerts, are trained and familiar with the response plan and remain calm and collected during an emergency—every second counts. Organizations often choose to partner with a third-party monitoring service to lift the burden and liability off the shoulders of managers and supervisors. A third-party monitoring service also alleviates concerns of “big brother” watching over them and is often the preferred method of monitoring for unionized organizations that want to keep a buffer between management and employee. Lucas Dower is the Director of Marketing for Telelink, which offers solutions for real-time monitoring, check-in and incident response solutions for keeping employees safe, management informed, and response teams mobilized for a rapid response to any incident. Learn more at telelink.ca. 12 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2023 www.ohsonline.com