An unconscious worker cannot press an SOS button.
Across Australia and New Zealand, relying solely on a worker’s ability to manually call for help is a gamble with their life. Whether under the WHS Act 2011 in Australia or the HSWA 2015 in New Zealand, the failure to account for incapacitation is a critical gap in your duty of care.
Liability doesn’t stop because a worker is unconscious
Australian and New Zealand legislation requires PCBUs to manage the risks of isolated work so far as is reasonably practicable. This obligation extends beyond having a policy; it requires a communication system capable of alerting help when a worker is physically unable to do so.
Your policy is useless if the technology requires a conscious user
Many organisations rely on mobile phone apps, but these cannot be worn on the body and are inaccessible during a sudden medical emergency or fall. What we consistently see is a dangerous gap where a “check-in” policy exists on paper, but there is no technology to detect a worker who has collapsed and cannot reach their phone.
Active duress and passive no-motion alerts must work together
A duress alert is an active signal, triggered by a button press when a worker identifies a threat. A No-Motion Alert is a passive safety net that automatically triggers an alert if a wearable device detects a fall or a period of inactivity. Genuine protection requires both: a way to call for help during a conflict, and a way to be found when incapacitated.
Guardian Angel Safety: Turning Policy Into Real Protection
We convert compliance obligations into working infrastructure through 24/7 professional monitoring and rugged cellular and satellite-connected devices. With over 12 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand, we ensure that the signal reaches a trained operator who can act immediately. We protect the worker, not just the balance sheet.
Content prepared by Guardian Angel Safety — lone and remote worker protection across Australia and New Zealand.
