Employee Safety Devices (ESDs) are revolutionizing hotel security in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. Are they truly living up to the industry buzz? The answer has to be yes – Employee Safety Devices have radically changed the way hotels approach staff protection. Hotel security is no longer just about surveillance cameras, key cards, and security guards – far from it. Today, Employee Safety Devices can’t be left out of practically any kind of safety protocol that goes on in the hospitality industry. In this post, we’ll delve into some different types of ESDs and how to adopt them for your hotels.
What are employee safety devices
An employee safety device is any wearable or portable device designed to improve worker safety, especially for those working alone. Also called panic buttons or personal safety devices, they offer a simple one-touch feature to access extra security. They help organizations monitor and respond to potential safety threats to employees’ well-being, particularly for workers vulnerable to harassment or assault during isolated shifts. Employee safety devices for hotel workers can include features like:
- One-touch activation
- Real-time location sharing
- Silent alarm functionality
- Long battery life
When activated, ESDs send an alert to hotel security or management using technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks and provide an employee’s exact location for rapid response.
The growing need for hotel worker safety devices
The hospitality industry, despite its luxurious image, presents significant safety risks for employees. Hotel workers often face hazards alone, including exposure to toxic chemicals and the threat of violence or sexual harassment.
Key statistics highlight these concerns:
– A 2016 survey by UNITE HERE found 58% of Chicago hotel workers experienced sexual harassment from guests
– Hotel workers are nearly 40% more likely to be injured on the job compared to other service sector workers
The hotel industry responded in 2018 with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)’s 5-Star Promise, where big hotel chains voluntarily agreed to provide ESDs to employees by 2020. But it’s not just up to hotels anymore. Governments, especially in the US, are stepping in. They’re passing laws that make panic buttons and other safety measures a must-have for hotel staff. It’s becoming less of a choice and more of a requirement.
Benefits of implementing ESDs include enhanced worker protection, improved incident response times, and increased staff morale and retention. As one Seattle hotel manager notes, “Since implementing ESDs, our staff turnover has decreased by 15%. Our employees tell us they feel more valued and protected.”
Types of employee safety devices
There is a growing trend to integrate IoT in Employee Safety Devices where the most common devices are Bluetooth-enabled panic buttons. Some smartphone apps also offer relevant panic button features. Here, I will introduce three popular technologies used in modern ESDs: Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, and Cellular.
Bluetooth ESDs
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices have become a go-to choice for many hotels looking to improve staff safety. They’re cost-effective and surprisingly accurate at pinpointing locations. Hotels place Bluetooth beacons and gateways strategically throughout the building. This setup allows the system to track locations down to specific floors and room numbers.
In practice, it works like this: A housekeeper on the third floor needs help and presses their panic button. The system immediately knows they’re in room 306. If they move while waiting for help, the alert updates in real-time. So when security arrives, they know exactly where to go, even if the employee has moved.
These devices also have great battery life – I mean months, sometimes a year, on a single battery or charge.
MOKO SMART has a range of devices designed for flexible hotel use:
LoRaWAN ESDs
While Bluetooth devices are great for many hotels, they’re not always the best fit for sprawling resorts or properties with multiple buildings. In such cases, LoRaWAN technology may be a more suitable option. These devices can cover a much larger area (for kilometers) with just a single gateway. Moreover, LoRaWAN devices are known for low power consumption, with an extended battery life of up to 5-10 years.
MOKO SMART offers two types of rechargeable LoRaWAN ESDs options:
- LW004 Panic Button
- LW006 Smart Badge (clear alarm beep)
Since LoRaWAN personal safety devices might not pinpoint locations as precisely as Bluetooth indoors. Don’t worry – we provide a clever workaround. You can pair these devices with our Bluetooth location anchors to get that room-level accuracy when you need it.
Cellular ESDs
Sometimes, hotel staff safety needs to extend beyond the property lines. That’s where cellular-based emergency protective devices come into play. These devices leverage the existing cellular networks, offering a much wider reach. This connectivity comes with an ongoing service fee, but it also provides a higher level of secure communication.
Cellular devices are particularly useful for:
- Airport shuttle drivers
- Staff attending off-site events
- Employees making guest room deliveries in adjacent buildings
MOKO SMART’s offering in this category is the PS101 Smart Cellular Badge. The PS101 can work with MOKO’s Bluetooth anchors too. So when you’re back on hotel grounds, you get that precise room-level tracking.
However, due to the recurring costs associated with cellular service, Bluetooth-based panic buttons may be the more cost-effective solution for employees working primarily on-site, such as room service staff and front desk personnel.
Who needs worker safety devices in hotels
Hotel work can be challenging and sometimes risky. From late-night shifts to dealing with all sorts of guests, hotel staff often find themselves in tricky situations. That’s where employee safety devices come in handy.
Safety devices are particularly important for:
- Solo workers: Housekeepers, night shift employees, and maintenance staff working in isolated areas.
- Guest-facing roles: Room service personnel, front desk staff, and concierges who frequently interact one-on-one with guests.
- Staff with past incidents: Employees who’ve experienced or witnessed harassment or safety issues may find these devices especially reassuring.
- Newcomers to the industry: Less experienced staff or younger workers who may not be as adept at handling difficult situations.
- Various hotel positions: This includes roles such as housekeepers, hotel bus drivers, chefs, and other staff members who may face unique workplace challenges.
Hotels should consider implementing safety emergency devices for all staff if they:
- Have a history of security incidents
- Are located in high-crime areas
- Employ a significant number of new or young workers
By providing these tools, hotels can create a safer work environment and show their commitment to protecting their most valuable asset – their employees.
How to choose right hotel employee safety devices
The best employee safety devices for your hotel will depend on your specific needs, property layout, and staff requirements. Considering your budget and the features that are most crucial for your hotel’s safety protocol can help narrow down the options.
While priorities may vary, our survey indicates that rapid response time is the most critical feature in employee safety devices. This is followed by ease of use and implementation, with cost being the third most significant factor.
To begin your search, use these guidelines when researching the best safety devices for your hotel:
- Assess your hotel’s needs: Consider your property’s layout and your staff’s daily routines. Do you have a large, sprawling resort where employees often work alone in isolated areas? If so, GPS-enabled mobile devices might be essential. For smaller properties where staff mainly stay within the building, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-based systems could suffice. We recommend choosing devices with multiple alert options, including panic buttons and fall detection when available.
- Evaluate the providers: Thoroughly review each company’s website for detailed information about device features and capabilities. Many safety device providers offer online demonstrations, which can be an excellent way to see the system in action. If you prefer direct communication, call their sales team to inquire about device specifications and implementation processes.
- Assess the products: Take advantage of sample units for testing. This way you can evaluate the devices in your actual hotel environment before full implementation. This allows you to assess factors such as signal strength, ease of use, and integration with existing systems.
- Scalability: Consider your hotel’s growth plans. Select a system that can easily scale up as your property expands or as you implement the technology across multiple locations.
- Compliance: Ensure the devices meet all local and state regulations regarding employee safety in the hospitality industry.
Get MOKO’s hotel employee safety monitoring devices
MOKO SMART offers a range of top-tier employee safety devices for hospitality safety, including various discreet wearables, panic buttons, and smart badge options. Our devices offer wide coverage across hotel properties, with multiple location technologies like Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and LoRaWAN. These devices ensure employees can quickly trigger alarms from any location within the property.
MOKO stands out by offering high-quality devices at low costs, making it an added layer of safety. For those seeking a straightforward, easy-to-use system, we are one of the best options.
FAQs about employee safety devices
Q: Are employee safety devices always on, and do they track workers at all times?
All our ESDs are designed to respect employee privacy. They only activate and transmit location data when the alert button is pressed.
Q: What happens if an employee accidentally activates their ESD?
Most systems allow for quick cancellation of accidental alerts. Staff should be trained on proper use and false alarm protocols.
Q: Can ESDs be used by hotel guests as well?
While ESDs are primarily designed for staff, some hotels are exploring options to provide similar devices to guests for enhanced safety.
Q: How often should ESD batteries be replaced?
Battery life varies by device type. Bluetooth and LoRaWAN devices often last several months to years, while cellular devices may need more frequent charging or replacement.
