When the signal drops, your worker’s lifeline vanishes.
Distance is not the primary risk; being unreachable is. In Australia, the WHS Act 2011 mandates that PCBUs manage the risks of isolated work, while in New Zealand, the HSWA 2015 requires an “effective means of communication” for all staff.
Communication is a legal mandate, not a corporate preference
In Australia, the WHS Act 2011 places a clear duty on PCBUs to implement systems that mitigate the risks of remote work. Across New Zealand, the HSWA 2015 requires employers to ensure workers have a reliable way to signal for help. Failure to provide a device that actually functions in the working environment is a failure of duty of care.
A policy document cannot call for help
We consistently see organisations rely on mobile phone apps in areas with zero cellular coverage, or treat PLBs as lone worker solutions. This is a critical error; PLBs provide no check-in capability, no No-Motion Alerts, and no two-way communication. Relying on a mobile phone app when a worker cannot physically make a call creates a dangerous gap in protection and massive liability exposure.
Match the technology to the terrain and the risk
Genuine protection requires a risk-based decision process considering location, cell coverage, and activity. In our experience, most clients need a combination of solutions: cellular wearables for urban areas, satellite-based devices for remote zones, and Cellular + Satellite capability via the Blackline G7X for those crossing both. For complex indoor or multi-storey buildings, we deploy Blackline G7 bridges with G7X pendants and locating beacons to ensure accurate positioning. High-risk roles further require automated fall detection and No-Motion Alerts to trigger help when a worker cannot.
Guardian Angel Safety: Turning Policy Into Real Protection
We convert compliance obligations into working infrastructure through satellite-connected devices and 24/7 professional monitoring. With over 12 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand, we ensure your technology actually works when the worst happens. We don’t just provide hardware; we ensure your workers get home safely.
Content prepared by Guardian Angel Safety — lone and remote worker protection across Australia and New Zealand.
