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For many of us, the workplace seems like a safe space. You may be in regular contact with other co-workers. But in some cases, workplace safety isn’t as clear-cut – even if you’re in a position that seems like it should be safe, such as working as a teacher, store clerk, doctor or nurse.
Slip and falls can occur at any time. Medical emergencies, such as heart attacks or strokes, almost always catch you by surprise. Workplace violence, such as shootings or assaults, often comes straight out of the blue. When these emergencies happen, reaching out for help fast becomes imperative.
A personal emergency response system, or PERS, can provide the peace of mind workers need to go about their day prepared for whatever might come their way. At first blush, it might not seem as though a PERS is necessary – but read on to discover why a wireless emergency response solution matters so much for workers everywhere.
Manufacturing Facility Workers
Working around heavy machinery always carries some element of risk. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that manufacturing workers routinely sustain the highest rates of workplace injuries in the United States. Manufacturing and construction employees suffered severe injuries, hospitalizations, and even amputations at a rate higher than other workers.1
An affordable personal emergency response solution can ensure that help is sent immediately. One press of the SOS button alarm on a PERS can provide peace of mind that help is on the way, even if you can’t speak to explain what is wrong. And you can use your own panic button to call for help for someone else.
Hospital Workers
Those who work in hospitals face emergencies on a regular basis – it’s just part of the job. Though nurses and doctors are accustomed to dealing with emergencies of all kinds, sometimes those emergencies are not happening to the patients who come through the door, but rather, are the result of an assault on the hospital workers themselves.
A shocking 57 nurses in the United States were attacked each day in 2022.2 Other hospital workers also dealt with assaults and other threats of physical violence. Among medical professionals of all kinds, injuries from violent attacks grew by 63% between 2011 and 2018.3
There are also times when hospital employees find themselves in isolated areas at odd hours of the day or night. A nurse walking through the parking lot to get to the car, a lone worker in the billing office late at night, or an orderly hurrying from one floor to another might find themselves facing a tense or even violent situation without any help in sight.
In that case, an emergency alert system can buy precious minutes. Pressing the panic button even as the situation is unfolding can summon help in seconds.
Teacher Safety
Though teachers work in a rewarding profession, it’s also one that is increasingly fraught with danger. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2020-21 school year, school shootings rose to the highest level in two decades.4 And keep in mind that 2020 and 2021 were prime years for the pandemic, during which many students engaged in virtual learning from home. It’s quite safe to say that teachers today now find themselves at risk of gun violence.
Many injuries suffered by teachers come at the hands of students. In fact, 40% of all worker’s compensation claims from teachers involve students. The most common injuries result from students acting out. Teachers are commonly injured by being struck or suffering a slip and fall, which often results in fractures, contusions, sprains, and strains.5
These are sobering statistics, and ones that make it clear more protection is necessary. Some of that protection could come in the form of an emergency response solution worn on the body, such as in the form of a wristband or pendant. Pressing the button on the wireless device can get help sent right away. Whether an educator suffers a fall down the stairs or suspects an active shooter is in the building, having a PERS at the ready is priceless when time is of the essence.
Convenience Store Workers
Workers in convenience stores have long been targeted by thieves who come into the store with a weapon and demand money. Late shift workers are particularly vulnerable. Resistance of any kind can lead to a higher rate of injury for convenience store workers.6 And the problem is getting worse; between 2018 and 2020, reports of assaults in convenience stores rose by an astounding 75%, according to the New York Times.7
A panic button alert can be an ideal solution to enhance worker safety. Press the button at the first sign of trouble and get the help you need.
Parking Lot Attendants
Parking lots are the third most common places for a crime to happen; over 7% of all violent crime happens in a parking lot.8 That can make things quite concerning for parking lot attendants. The job often includes walking through the parking lot to check on vehicles, interacting with drivers, and handling the financial aspects of running the lot, including collecting credit card information or money.
A panic button alarm worn on your body, such as around your waistband or neck, can be lifesaving. At the first sign of trouble, pressing the emergency button will connect to a trained agent who can assess the situation and send emergency services right away.
In addition to the issue of crime, there is also the possibility of injury. Working around moving vehicles always carries some degree of risk. A personal emergency response system with built in GPS and fall detection can alleviate the worry and get help to you immediately, no matter where you are.
Retail Industry Workers
Though the rate of altercations retail workers have been faced with in recent years has gone up, there are other problems they might face at work that could necessitate calling emergency services.9 Retail workers can easily slip and fall or trip over boxes and other objects, especially as they are stocking shelves or cleaning storage areas. Muscle strains, tears, and repetitive motion injuries are common when someone moves or lifts heavy boxes and items around.10 And sometimes, those injuries can be sudden and severe.
There can also be times when those in the retail industry are by themselves at work. Imagine coming in early to stock shelves, the doors are locked, and no one else is around – and you suffer a significant slip and fall that results in injuries. Maybe you even hit your head on the way down. It could be hours before someone comes to help you – unless you have an emergency button alarm. Having a PERS on hand means that you can get help at the touch of a button.
Anyone Who Works Alone Should Use PERS
If you work by yourself, at odd hours, or in a remote location, a way to summon help immediately matters so much. A medical event such as a heart attack, stroke, or fall can happen with no warning at all and leave you incapacitated very quickly. In such a situation, simply press the button on your personal emergency alarm and get connected to a trained agent in seconds.
No matter your line of work, remember that a personal emergency response system is a layer of protection in an increasingly unsafe world. In a crisis moment, a PERS becomes your best friend. Today is a good day to consider what a personal safety alarm can do to keep you safe and secure, no matter where you are.