When a worker is unreachable, a GPS signal is useless. Across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve seen too many instances where reliance on cellular GPS tracking leaves workers exposed when they move outside network coverage – and the consequences for organisations facing WHS Act 2011 (AU) or HSWA 2015 (NZ) breaches can be severe.
Compliance Demands More Than Just a Location Ping
Both Australian and New Zealand legislation places a clear duty on PCBUs to ensure the health and safety of their workers, including those working remotely or in isolation. This extends beyond simply *knowing* where a worker is; it requires having a reliable system to *reach* them in an emergency, regardless of location. A documented policy is not enough – you need demonstrable systems to support it.
The Illusion of Safety: Why GPS Alone Isn’t Enough
What we consistently see is organisations attempting to use mobile phone apps or basic GPS trackers as a lone worker solution. These often fail when workers enter areas with no mobile coverage – dense forests, remote mines, or even inside buildings where GPS signals are blocked. Relying on a ‘breadcrumb trail’ alone is insufficient if an alarm is activated inside a building, or if a worker is incapacitated and unable to activate an alert. Many vehicle solutions also store data until back in cell coverage, leaving a critical gap in real-time protection.
Genuine Protection: The Power of Continuous, Reliable Communication
True lone worker protection requires a device constantly sending updated location information – ideally every 60 seconds – to a 24/7 monitoring centre. For areas with limited or no cellular coverage, satellite communication is essential. A good solution will rely on a minimum of 6-7 satellites to get a good location, but 4 is the minimum. The key is that the device is moving and ‘polling’ to those satellites. While GPS chipsets cannot penetrate roofs or dense foliage, satellite devices provide consistent connectivity. For indoor locations, solutions communicating to indoor locating beacons can provide fast, accurate positioning.
Guardian Angel Safety: Turning Policy Into Real Protection
For over 12 years, Guardian Angel Safety has been designing, implementing, and monitoring lone worker protection systems across Australia and New Zealand. We offer both cellular and Cellular + Satellite (Blackline G7X) devices, backed by our 24/7 professional monitoring centre, ensuring your workers are always connected and protected – and your organisation is demonstrably compliant.
Content prepared by Guardian Angel Safety — lone and remote worker protection across Australia and New Zealand.