Worker safety is a critical global concern, with millions of people suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses each year. To address this issue, the International Labour Organisation has emphasised the need for stronger occupational safety and health systems worldwide.
With the rapid advancements in technology and the rise of mobile workers, new solutions are emerging to enhance worker safety. This blog explores the potential of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technologies in transforming communication, revolutionising worker safety and improving compliance with occupational safety and health policies.
The changing landscape of worker safety
The rise of mobile technology has transformed the way we work, and mobile devices have become ubiquitous across the globe. The International Data Corporation reports that mobile workers now account for over a third of the global workforce, with estimates suggesting that up to 60% of the US workforce will be mobile workers by 2024.
These workers, categorised as either knowledge workers or frontline workers, face different safety risks. Frontline workers, especially those operating in challenging or dangerous environments such as construction, transportation, security and emergency response, are particularly vulnerable.
Lone workers and occupational safety risks
In the United Kingdom alone, over five million employees work alone for at least part of their day. The safety of lone workers has gained increased attention due to stronger enforcement of legislation and a rise in corporate manslaughter prosecutions.
Lone workers face various risks, including violence and aggression in the workplace, mental health challenges due to isolation, limited access to medical support, safety risks in isolated or rural workplaces. These risks have made lone worker safety solutions a top priority for employers.
Expanding mobile network coverage: a new opportunity
Over the last decade, global mobile network coverage has expanded dramatically – shrinking the gap in coverage from one-third of the population to just 6%. By 2025 5G networks are expected to reach one-third of the world’s population.
This expansion provides an opportunity for employers to leverage new mobile-first technologies like push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) to monitor, protect and manage the safety of their workers in the field.
Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) as a game-changing solution
Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technology has emerged as a game-changing alternative to legacy radio systems for critical communications. With the availability of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, most workers can access mobile networks worldwide and PoC technology provides:
- reliable, cost-effective communication across wide geographical areas
- instant group and one-eo-one voice communication at the touch of a button
- enhanced lone worker protection features for at-risk employees
Real-world adoption of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technologies
The adoption of PoC technology to improve workforce safety and efficiency is gaining momentum worldwide. Leeds Bradford Airport in the UK has already transitioned from legacy radio systems to PoC for critical communications, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity. Emergency services, such as the police and fire departments, are also conducting trials with PoC technologies.
In the United States, Mobile Tornado, a leading provider of PoC solutions, has partnered with Stolz Telecom to enhance critical communications for frontline workers in the public safety sector. Latin America, with its large presence of private security organisations and lone workers, is also witnessing the expansion of PoC technology.
Safety features that set PoC apart
PoC technology offers a range of features to enhance safety for mobile and lone workers. Control rooms can utilise browser-based dispatch consoles to instantly communicate with lone workers and groups in the field. Live location monitoring, historic location tracking, and reporting through interactive maps provide valuable insights for managers. PoC systems enable the creation of geo-fences, triggering notifications and reports when workers enter or leave specific areas.
Additionally, features like emergency alerts, activity monitoring, and impact detection offer an extra layer of protection. The upcoming developments in PoC technology will introduce automatic or manual check-in mechanisms, ensuring the safety of lone workers.
The future of worker safety
Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technologies are transforming critical communications and have the potential to safeguard the occupational safety and health of mobile and lone workers. By leveraging the global growth of mobile networks and addressing the specific safety needs of lone workers, PoC solutions empower organisations to comply with occupational safety and health standards, new policies and prioritise lone worker safety.
With its ability to enhance response times, improve decision-making, and boost productivity, PTToC technology is revolutionising worker safety across industries worldwide.
Worker safety is not optional – it is a fundamental principle and right that all employers must prioritise. With the rise of mobile workers and advancements in technology, push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technologies are playing a pivotal role in improving worker safety globally. By harnessing the power of mobile networks and offering robust features for lone workers, PoC solutions provide an effective and cost-efficient alternative to legacy radio systems.
The future of worker safety lies in the seamless integration of PoC technologies, enabling organisations to protect their workforce and ensure compliance with occupational safety and health standards.
To learn more about how push-to-talk over cellular technology can empower worker safety for your business, contact our team today or request a demo here.
