If you work in an office you may not think that personal safety is an issue for you, after all, you’re surrounded by people all day, every day. The same is true for many other industries. However, just because you’re surrounded by people doesn’t mean that something can’t happen to you.
An incident at work could leave you trapped and vulnerable, or you may have an accident on the way to your car with no one else around.
Of course, if you’re alone worker then you’re probably already well aware of the safety risks. If anything happens to you it could be a long time before anyone finds you. That’s a chilling thought and one of the reasons why a duress alarm has become an essential piece of equipment.
In the office, you may just need one alarm that employees can share if they’re likely to be in a vulnerable situation. But, if you’re aLone worker you need to have the alarm with you at all times.
What is a Duress Alarm
It’s a simple device that connects to a base, usually via the same cellular network that mobile phones use. There are a variety of settings, such as you having to press a specific button at set intervals, this ensures the base knows you’re well. It can also have a person down feature, if the alarm senses you’re lying down and have been for a set period it sends an emergency alarm to the base, allowing them to send you help.
The duress alarm is a simple device but it provides safety and peace of mind, you know that if anything happens help will be on its way. That’s one of the best ways to ensure personal safety at work.
Being Alert
Of course, the alarm can be triggered manually and it has a variety of options included to ensure you will get assistance if you need it. But, it’s not the only way to ensure your personal safety.
You must still be alert. This means being aware of the risks, they’re different depending on the job you’re undertaking. It also means taking regular breaks, this will ensure your concentration is as good as it should be. If necessary, you should sleep to refresh your brain and maximize concentration.
Focus On Movement
The movements you make affect the likelihood of you being injured. Stooping or twisting as you lift will increase the chances of you being injured. It’s important to always think about how you’re moving to ensure you move in the most efficient way possible.
Alongside this, you don’t need to be a hero! If there are mechanical aids to help you do your job, use them. It will reduce your chances of being injured.
Protective Clothing
It’s also important to wear the right gear when you’re undertaking difficult or dangerous jobs. The right protective gear can actually save your life.
Of course, all of this is dependent on you being properly trained to do the job in hand, that should come before anything else.
