What is a lone worker safety device?

A lone worker safety device is a wearable or app designed to protect people working alone. Key features include emergency alerts and communication with SOS button or automatic alerts like fall detection that connect workers to a monitoring center via cellular or satellite, real-time GPS tracking that sends location updates so responders know exactly where the worker is, advanced safety features like geofencing and indoor beacons, and durable integration built for tough environments linked to 24/7 monitoring with clear escalation procedures.

Do devices work in areas without cell coverage?

Yes. For outdoor areas with no cell coverage, Guardian Angel offers satellite-based solutions like Garmin and Blackline devices. For indoor and multi-storey buildings, we provide Blackline G7 bridges with G7X pendants and indoor locating beacons to ensure accurate location in large indoor spaces.

How does Guardian Angel monitoring work?

All Guardian Angel alerts are received by our A1 graded in-country monitoring station as Priority 1 alerts. When an alert is received, operators link to the device location platform and Guardian Angel Portal to see who is assigned and follow your escalation instructions. Two operators team up - one stays on the call with the worker while the second contacts emergency services and your organization contacts. The incident is not closed until the worker has help or the situation is resolved.

Why choose Guardian Angel monitoring instead of in-house?

Our A1 Graded monitoring stations are ISO certified with business contingencies including backup power, phone lines, and internet. All operators are police vetted and trained in emergency response with specialized lone worker protocols. In-house monitoring places critical emergency response responsibility on employees, increasing risk of human error, psychosocial harm, and distraction from core duties.

What is the Guardian Angel Portal and what does it do?

Guardian Angel Portal is your secure hub for managing all devices, users, escalation contacts, and response instructions. You can tailor alert response protocols including duress codes, gate codes, and health details. It maintains records of monthly device tests and full audit trails for compliance with comprehensive reporting. The portal makes data maintenance easy with unlimited staff access and API integration options for HR system automation.

Can a phone replace a lone worker safety device?

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires providing effective means of communication. If a worker cannot safely make a phone call during an incident, unlock their screen, dial emergency services, and communicate their location and situation details, they need a standalone duress device. Features like fall detection, no-motion alerts, and auto-dial to professional monitoring with GPS location provide protection that phones cannot match, especially in remote areas without cell coverage.

Do you provide training for staff?

Yes. Guardian Angel delivers comprehensive user and administrator training including refresher sessions. All training materials including cheat sheets and full manuals are provided. Training can be delivered online or in person with train-the-trainer options available. Six-monthly refresher training is recommended to keep staff engaged and capture new employees.

What is included in the recurring fee?

The recurring fee covers: device plan with all satellite and cellular data with no overages, mapping platform license access, Guardian Angel 24/7 monitoring service with full API integration (or self-monitoring option), monthly device testing and reporting, Guardian Angel Portal access on your chosen subscription plan, and included monthly support allowances with discounted training.

What is a lone worker safety device?

A lone worker safety device is a wearable or app designed to protect people working alone. Key features include: Emergency alerts & communication : SOS button or automatic alerts (e.g., fall detection) connect workers to a monitoring center via cellular or satellite. Real-time GPS tracking : Sends location updates so responders know exactly where the worker is—even indoors or in low-signal areas. Advanced safety features : Options like geofencing, indoor beacons, and gas monitoring for added protection. Durable & integrated : Built for tough environments, configurable remotely, and linked to 24 7 monitoring with clear escalation procedures.

Do you provide training for staff?

Yes. We deliver comprehensive user and administrator training, including refresher sessions. We provide all the training material include cheat sheets and full manuals. Feedback consistently highlights that our training is clear, easy to follow, and confidence-building. We recommend 6 monthly refresher training to keep staff engaged with the solution and to capture new staff. We can deliver training online or in person, and can also accommodate a train the trainer option.

How is support handled?

All support calls and emails are managed via Zendesk, a global leading support platform. This ensures nothing is missed, updates are clear, and end users are fully informed throughout resolution.

Do devices work in areas without cell coverage?

For outdoor areas with no cell cover, we offer satellite-based solutions like the Garmin and Blackline devices. For indoor and or multi-storey buildings, we provide Blackline G7 bridges with G7X pendants, and indoor locating beacons to ensure accurate location in large indoor spaces.

Do you offer purchase or lease options?

Yes, we offer both. You can buy devices outright or lease them depending on what suits your budget and project duration.

Are there any discounts for bulk purchases?

Yes, volume discounts and non for profit organisations discounts are available. We also run limited-time promotions - speak with our sales team to see what’s current.

What is included in the recurring fee?

The fee covers: Device Plan - All satellite and or cellular data (no overages)Mapping Platform License (Guardian Everywhere, Halo, Blackline Live, Zepcam Manager)Guardian Angel Monitoring service - Full API integration for 24 7 real-time alertingOption available to self-monitorMonthly device testing and reporting.Guardian Angel Portal (on your chosen subscription plan) – default free option is view only.All Guardian Angel Portal subscriptions includes monthly support allowances and discounted training.

Does every device have an ongoing fee?

Yes, all devices require a recurring subscription, which covers network connectivity, access to the mapping platform, and Guardian Angel monitoring. If you choose to self-monitor in-house, you can skip our monitoring service, but the device plan and platform fees will still apply to keep your team connected and your devices operational.

Can we trial the lone worker safety devices before purchasing?

Yes. We encourage trials for organisations planning a full team rollout, so your staff can experience the devices in their real work environment before committing. It’s important to have a clear objective for your trial. What does a successful trial look like? And to ensure if success criteria is met, you have budget available. This ensures the trial is meaningful and reflective of your operational and safety needs. Your trial staff will continue to be engaged knowing they contributed to the safety outcomes for themselves and their colleagues with real results (solution implementation).

Can you share examples of Guardian Angel in action?

Yes. For instance: Women’s refugee clients experiencing domestic abuse, who have used the panic button in serious harm incidents. Animal Control Officer Jon Smith faced threats multiple times; the GPS and live voice call allowed Police to locate and protect him. Library staff have used devices to manage violent or medical emergencies, allowing Police and operators to respond quickly. In every case, operators stayed on the line, coordinating help and keeping staff calm - outcomes which would not have been possible with just a phone.

I have a GPS solution in my vehicle – is that enough?

While a vehicle GPS solution can track the location of the vehicle itself, it does not provide personal safety monitoring for your staff when they are outside the vehicle, performing fieldwork, or in high-risk situations. From a health and safety perspective, relying solely on vehicle tracking leaves workers vulnerable to incidents such as medical emergencies, slips, falls, assaults, or duress situations, which may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Dedicated personal lone worker devices provide real-time SOS alerts, automated alerting like fall detection and no movement, and duress reporting directly linked to 24 7 operating monitoring station. This ensures immediate response, reduces risk of harm, and helps your organisation meet duty-of-care obligations to protect employees wherever they work. We do offer vehicle critical alert monitoring such as impact roll over SOS through our A1 Graded in country monitoring stations.

KB Category

Duress

3 articles

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Duress

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What are the legal requirements for duress alarms in NZ?