Vanguard Risk – Risk Management Consultants

Mobile duress devices – what you need to know

Tim Wood
By Tim Wood
Mobile safety devices

In some circumstances you or a staff member may experience a threat at work, or in commuting to work, that threatens your personal safety.

An effective control that can support the safety of your staff is the implementation of mobile duress alarms.

While this is just one of the tools that can be employed to manage the issue, it can be a relatively simple means of offering a level of comfort and peace of mind for those affected.

These devices are particularly helpful for staff members starting early and leaving late, conducting home visits with clients, as well as those working in remote areas or in isolation.

There are a range of options on the market which may be compatible with your unique needs, but it can be difficult to distinguish the differences between devices – especially as some look the same.

While we recommend doing your own research, we can certainly help you to narrow down the choices.

How to decide which one is right for you?

The need for these devices can generally be divided in to three categories:

  1. Personal safety – potential threat of violence or confrontation
  2. Lone worker – protecting workers who operate alone
  3. Aged care – supporting independent living & providing emergency assistance

Such circumstances will determine the kind of response needed, and how the device should be configured.

Not all devices are made equal, some having very narrow application, others ‘smarter,’ offering multiple configuration choices and wider application.

Some configuration options include; fall detection, geo-fencing, geo-stamping, GPS tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and two-way or one-way communication.

It’s also essential to know how the device is monitored and what response standards have been established. Getting all this right can be critical, as a device configured incorrectly can place a person in greater danger.

At Vanguard Risk, we’ve narrowed down the search for the best duress devices and assist our clients with not only the procurement and monitoring, but also the implementation with staff training, SOP development, personal safety plans where required and 24/7 support.

Our priority is ensuring the safety of our clients. Whether it’s instances of domestic violence, workplace harassment, lone workers or aged care, we have the right duress alarm for your needs and will ensure you have the appropriate support and training to receive the very best outcome for your people.

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