As digital and two-way radios become more and more vital for teams across a variety of organisations, the work carried out can differ. Often, employees can find themselves working independently or even on-site alone. Two-way and digital radios are designed to keep both staff and visitors safe.
The purpose of a lone worker device is for your employer to keep you safe within a team, as well as the staff who work alone. As there are more and exclusive risks with working alone, the lone worker device is an essential tool to keep you away from these risks.
What is a Lone Worker Device?
A lone worker safety device is a discreet and undetectable tool which allows for communication with employers and emergency services.
The devices themselves are usually radio systems such as two-way walkie talkie, but can also be much more discreet devices in the form of an earpiece or an app.
Lone Worker Safety
Within your team or organisation, working alone is completely legal and is usually safe to do so. Your company should have carried out a risk assessment before placing you in a situation where you would be working independently.
For an idea of what you need for your business or site, read our blog on lone worker radio systems for construction workers, here.
Lone Worker Function
The Lone Worker function, also known as a Lone Worker Alarm is designed with solo workers in mind. It is an efficient, simple and quick way of ensuring the safety of workers throughout the working day. This function will provide managers and supervisors with regular updates on their wellbeing and the smooth running of their work. This will give both workers, supervisors and visitors peace of mind that their safety is cared for and monitored.
Lone worker devices feature the Man Down function, a great way of alerting supervisors on the safety of workers. The mission sensor sends an alarm to supervisors when:
The radio holder is moving more than what is considered the usual amount for the job at hand
The radio is completely stationary
The radio is positioned at an unusual angle for a longer period of time.
Most digital radios have the ability to be updated with lone worker functions. Get in touch with one of our experts during set up for any guidance you need. Learn more about lone worker function here, in our recent blog.
Digital two way radios are a vital tool for keeping members of staff in constant communication. Even when working in a large team, employees may find themselves working alone. In some industries, workers may find themselves working in remote locations without direct supervision. In these situations there is usually no other workers around to provide risk assessments or to help in an emergency situation. In these instances, two way radios can become much more than communication devices, but an important device that ensures workers safety. The additional functions that can be added to some radios are the Lone Worker and Man Down functions that turn these communication devices into potentially life saving tools.
What is Lone Worker function?
The Lone Worker function, also known as Lone Worker Alarm is a quick, simple and efficient method of ensuring all workers safety. This function allows for supervisors to get updates on the workers safety at regular intervals. At a selected time interval the worker’s radio will beep, prompting the worker to press the push-to-talk button to signify they are safe and well. However, if the worker does not press the push-to-talk button within a certain time period when promoted, an alarm will be sent to their supervisor to alert them of their emergency status.
Which radios can support the Lone Worker function?
The answer is most digital two way radios. However, the Lone Worker function would need to be set up by your radio supplier when radio programming.
Man Down Functions
The Man Down function is another fast and efficient way of alerting supervisors on the safety of the workers. This function works through using a tilt-switch which is effectively a motion sensor. The motion sensor sends an alarm to supervisors when:
The radio holder is moving more than what is considered normal for their job
The radio user is not moving at all
The radio user is positioned in an unusual angle for a period of time
To prevent false alarms and to compensate for the tilt-switch picking up on non-emergency situations, the two way radio will send an alert to the radio holder to signify that the alarm will be sent out to the supervisors. This gives the radio holder the option to disarm the alert if no assistance is required.
Another benefit of the Man Down function is that it can sometimes be configured to automatically open the mic and communicate what is happening in the radio’s surroundings to other radio users. This can be vital in an emergency situation when a worker needs to talk to other workers, but is unable to use the push-to-talk button.
Which radios can support the Man Down function?
The man down function generally is only supported by middle to high tier digital two way radios. .
Using these functions not only gives the workers peace of mind that their safety is being monitored even when they are working alone, but it also mitigates HSE fines by showing that the business is taking precautions to keep their employees safe.
In the age of technology, clear communication is key to the security and effective operation of a business. Security two-way radio hire provides a real-time communication channel that can work with your current communication systems or independently to provide a private dialogue.
Wall to Wall Communications have over 39 years experience in two-way radios, we have partnered with clients from many industries such as security to events, construction, logistics and hospitality. Our expert team will create a bespoke package to suit your business no matter its size or location, we offer short and long-term solutions across the UK and abroad. Hiring radios is a cost-effective alternative to the large initial outlay of purchasing. We can cover all aspects of two-way radio hire in our comprehensive packages including licensing assistance, support and training.
Security radio hire for construction
In construction, workers handle many materials and operate complex machinery. Therefore, clear communication is essential to uphold the high standards of health and safety required and to protect all workers at the site. Having previously partnered with BAM Nuttall and construction projects on Tottenham Court Road Station and Cuilfail Tunnel, our team understand the needs and requirements for security radio hire in construction.
We hire out a number of two-way radio solutions with features to suit the construction environment. Protect your workers by ensuring they can communicate with you in any situation, including emergencies. Many of our digital models are equipped with noise cancelling abilities so that the all important communications can be heard over the noise of machinery and generators, whilst protecting your hearing from sound overexposure. With two-way radio systems offering better distance coverage than mobile phones, radios can guarantee uninterrupted communication to your workers, even when operating underground or within lifts. Additional functions include the ability to contact multiple radios, to make an announcement across the site or collaborate multiple teams.
Our two-way radios are built to withstand the conditions of the construction site. Wall to Wall Communications stock a number of rugged and reliable models with waterproof and dust-proof features.
Security radio hire for Hospitality
From the day-to-day running to dealing with exclusive clientele, two-way radios offer an efficient communication solution to the hospitality industry, safeguarding your employees and guests to ensure the best possible customer experience.
Our two-way radio systems can seamlessly integrate with your computer, fire alarm and telephone systems to maximise security in all aspects of hospitality. For every day use, two-way radios can be utilised by your front of house and security team to liaise on access control and customer management. Many of our radios are compatible with additional accessories such as unobtrusive earpieces and microphones, ideal for monitoring activity and high-profile guests discretely.
There are a number of features of two-way radios that are beneficial to dealing with emergency situations effectively, maximising the safety of your staff and guests. Models equipped with silent alarms can be used to ask for assistance without raising suspicion; important for the safety of those involved and avoiding escalation of the situation. Man-down and emergency calling functions are suited to roles with lone-working such as night-shift workers and housekeeping, without the need to dial a number or for mobile signal.
In addition to their many practical benefits, two-way radios provide a professional and simple solution to communication. Our previous hospitality partners include The Langham – London, Intercontinental hotel & resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Guoman Hotels.
For the hospitality industry we recommend the fully portable ICOM IC-F2000, Hytera PD705 and Hytera TC-320 two-way radio models. These models are compact, have a good battery life and hands-free solutions. The Hytera TC-320 is also license-free, perfect for short term hire and smaller budgets.
We recommend the Hytera PD785, Hytera PD705 and Motorola DP4400 models for the construction industry, built to be durable they are rugged, waterproof and dust-proof whilst offering a great coverage.
London is a bustling hub of business, culture and events – this capital city attracts millions of people each year. The densely packed city centre provides its own challenges for communication, from its signal-deflecting buildings to high population. With the potential footfall to your business or event, security is of the utmost importance to guarantee the safety of both your staff and customers. Here at Wall to Wall Communications we offer a number of bespoke solutions to your security requirements. Our two-way radio systems provide efficient and private communication channels for short and long-term hire.
Security radio hire for offices
Two-way radios provide an uninterrupted signal, even when mobile service and landlines are unavailable. We also offer a telephone interconnect service, integrating with your telephones with your security radio system. Security radios have a number of uses in an office setting including access control and emergency communication. They provide an excellent solution for offices in London, which need uniterupted security radio communications or struggle with signal in the city tower blocks.
Enhance your office security through access control using two-way radio systems. By monitoring your visitors and deliveries you can minimise risk to your employees and streamline operations saving time and money. With a touch of a button you will be able to find out if your visitor or delivery is expected and make sure they end up in the correct place!
Ensure the safety of your employees and visitors by using security radios for emergency communication. In the event of an evacuation, a number of employees can be contacted at once to relay a clear plan. Most of our two-way radios are fully portable to make sure communication never ceases. Typical safety features include emergency call, man down and location functions; to allow your security team quick response to an incident.
Our radio systems are simple and fuss-free. However, we do offer expert training so that your employees can get the most out of your office security radio system.
Security radio hire for events
London is home to a growing number of events, celebrating the rich history of the city and the many cultures that can be found there. Security radio systems are pivotal to these events, from planning to execution to the ongoing safety of staff and attendees. Events require a clear channel of communication to see that it runs smoothly and event-goers can enjoy themselves knowing they are safe.
Two-way radios allow for management and communication across all aspects of the festival; staff, participants, security, infrastructure, and health and safety. We can provide specialised radios with features specific to event communications. In large music festivals, noise-cancelling abilities are important so that all communication can be heard. Discrete earpieces and microphones are suitable to smaller events where security should be more unobtrusive such as exhibitions or where private conversations are taking place.
We have worked with a number clients, to ensure the best security radio solutions for their events across London.
Working on a tight deadline? We understand that things move quickly in London, so contact us today as we are able to offer next day delivery in many circumstances.
What Radio might be suitable for my security office or event needs in London?
For a compact yet durable solution that is easy to hear over the hustle and bustle of the office, or crowds of event-goers, we recommend Icom IC-F2000 radio. The Icom IC-F2000 is also available in 6 different variations to suit your needs. The Motorola MotoTRBO DP3600 radio is suitable for multi-site offices or events, with a wide ranging signal and compatibility with antenna systems and telephone interconnect for seamless communication. In fact, we recently installed this system in the University of Greenwich in London, which you can check out in our case studies.
Security radio hire is a cost effective and efficient solution to the challenges posed by London’s landscape and footfall. Clear communication is vital for the success of your business or event.
Wall to Wall Communications are the authorised main dealer or direct suppliers for all major two-way radio manufacturers including Motorola, Hytera and Icom. We pride ourselves in providing the best radio equipment for your needs.
With experience in supplying both small and large security radio systems, our knowledgeable team can put together a package tailored to the size of your office or event. As a ISO 9001:2015 certified and quality-controlled company, you can be assured that our partnership with your business will be taken seriously. We are passionate about delivering excellent customer care and the latest products.
London is one of the most exciting cities in Europe, with an incredibly multinational population, world-famous attractions and businesses of every shape and size operating in England’s capital. These businesses can range from brand new start ups at the beginning of their lives to massive corporations who have been established for a number of years. Although these businesses may differ in almost every way, they do share some similarities. One of which is their need for effective and clear communication. Whether that’s in conducting business, safety or security, communication can be the most influential factor which ensures that a business is a success. Handheld radio hire can be the perfect solution which you’ve been looking for to improve the efficiency, safety and security of your business.
Why Wall to Wall Communications
40 years of experience in the industry have helped us to shape Wall to Wall Communications into one of the leaders in handheld radio hire in London and across the UK. We’ve worked with businesses from a vast range of different industries and of every size, ensuring our clients reap all the benefits which handheld radio has to offer. Our tailored service is designed with your unique requirements and desires in mind, creating peace of mind that you’re making the most of your handheld radio hire in London. We’re so confident that any business can benefit from our handheld radios that we also offer a no strings attached 7 day free trial to all potential clients so they can give our radios a go with no obligation.
Our service doesn’t stop when you receive your handheld radios, as our on call specialists are on hand to help with any issues which you may encounter with the radios. Our specialists are trained to an exceptionally high level, ensuring that our unparalleled service continues at every stage of your interaction with us.
Need your handheld radios fast? If you’re based in London we can arrange next day delivery in many cases.
Handheld Radio Hire London
As one of the biggest tourist cities in all of Europe, not just the UK, London always has a whole host of different events and attractions to see, do and explore. Whatever it is you’re into, you’re bound to find an event which you’ll enjoy almost every night of the week.
Although these events may differ in genre, audience, location and size, these events will still need to prioritise communication if they are to be a success. Handheld radio hire helps event organisers to contact all the different teams involved in the show, allows security teams to secure the area and are invaluable when crisis or high pressure moments occur. Wall to Wall have supplied handheld radio to a huge selection of different events, from small events to more recognisable ones such as Reading Festival, The Commonwealth Games and The Dulux Colour Run. Whatever your event, handheld radio should be one of the first things on your list of priorities and Wall to Wall Communications should be the supplier written right next to it.
Office Blocks
Anyone who has been to London knows that the whole city is absolutely covered in office blocks. Housing so many businesses in such a limited space has meant that more and more office blocks have popped up around the capital. While this has been effective in fitting in more companies in a small space, other issues have risen as a result.
The main issue which our London clients have time and time again, is an over reliance on mobile phones. In areas where a lot of people are tightly packed, it’s not uncommon for phone signal to suffer. Many find that in London their phone signal is poor, inconsistent, or simply doesn’t work at all. Handheld radios are the perfect alternative when such a problem occurs, as they use their own signal which is completely separate to mobile phone signal.
Handheld radios can also benefit office spaces when it comes to safety and security. They allow instant and clear contact between security teams and management, which can make the difference in times of danger or alarm. Our radios come with a range of different features which are designed to be used by security teams and aid every aspect of their work.
