Mobile phones have changed the way in which we communicate, both at home and at work. But while a mobile phone to all appearances seems like the ideal candidate for a personal safety device, there are many shortcomings compared to those of a dedicated personal safety device.
"All My Staff have Mobile Phones"
Mobile phones are fantastic technology that has revolutionised the way we communicate, and for good reason, everyone tends to have one, they easy to communicate with via call, text or even through apps, and you take them with you wherever you go. But there are issues ranging around personal v business phones and durability of them in the field.
Mobile phones have distinct shortcomings when it comes to a situation in which you need to transmit distress.
They aren't discrete
Discretion can be a huge factor in the safety of a lone worker in the field. If a staff member is in a threatening situation, there is the potential that pulling out a phone to call someone or send a text might escalate that threat. And even if you manage that, the sounds from doing so could also draw attention to actions.
A dedicated personal safety device, on the other hand, can often be operated blindly, by feeling for the dedicated distress button, but more than that, this can be done quietly ensuring that any threat doesn't have their attention drawn.
The lack of dedicated buttons with touchscreens
Modern-day phones are packed full of amazing features and functionality. But they aren't specifically designed to be used as personal safety devices. Using a mobile often includes unlocking it, finding the correct app, then finding the correct contact to either call or text.
Conversely, Personal safety will generally have a dedicated distress button that will trigger an alert instantly, ensuring ease of function and a much quicker process to trigger an alert.
Durability - Mobile phones aren't made like they once were
With large touchscreens and lots of glass, mobiles aren't durable like they once were. A drop can cause a shattered screen or a broken device unable to perform it's safety functions.
Personal safety devices are designed to be more robust and durable. Often with dedicated buttons for functions, they are more capable of undergoing the rigours of daily work. Furthermore, there are dedicated devices to serve in high risk and hazardous environments where a mobile phone's durability would be severely tested. Dedicated devices, on the other hand, are often designed to be ruggedized, ensuring reliable operation.
Cellular Reception doesn't extend everywhere
Mobile phones operate over cellular networks, and whilst their coverage is extensive, there are still large, remote regions without coverage or ability to call back to base if they are in duress.
With a dedicated personal safety device, you have the option of choosing one which operates over cellular networks or satellite networks. With this, knowing you're likely to be working in remote environments without cellular reception, you can choose a satellite device to ensure you have coverage no matter where you are in the world.
