Lone workers who often perform tasks in isolated or high-risk environments face safety challenges that require special attention. Across various industries - construction, manufacturing, or the oil and gas sector - these professionals are at a heightened risk of accidents or emergencies due to the lack of immediate assistance. Traditional safety measures frequently fall short, highlighting the need for more advanced solutions. In our article, we'll discuss how lone worker safety can be enhanced using an RTLS system based on UWB technology and provide a detailed look at this solution's features.
Safety Challenges Faced by Lone Workers
Lone workers are individuals who work in isolated or remote spaces without supervision from managers or staff safety. Such workers are exposed to high accident risks and may not receive timely emergency assistance. Key safety issues that lone workers encounter include:
- Unrestricted access and prolonged presence in hazardous environments;
- Lack of immediate assistance;
- Communication challenges in areas with poor connectivity.
Lack of proper oversight can lead to various incidents, such as neglecting operational protocols or disregarding precautionary measures. According to statistics, up to 80% of major workplace accidents are linked to human factors. Implementing staff tracking and monitoring systems helps prevent potential incidents.
What is a UWB RTLS System?
A UWB RTLS is a real-time location system based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. It operates by transmitting high-frequency pulses over short distances, allowing for positioning accuracy within 1 meter. Due to its broad signal bandwidth, this protocol is ideal for applications requiring high-speed data transmission.
Lone worker safety with UWB RTLS is ensured by using special tags, such as beacons or tags, to determine their location. During operation, the sensor sends radio pulses that readers receive and convert into location information. The system's software constructs digital maps with precise employee location data.
This system plays a critical role in enhancing lone worker safety within organizations. Once implemented, it enables precise location tracking of staff, the establishment of restricted zones, and automatic alerts in case of accidents, safety violations, or the detection of immobility/free-fall events.
Additionally, it strengthens coordination between team members and response units, reducing risks and creating a more secure working environment.
Key Features of a UWB RTLS System:
- High positioning accuracy;
- Real-time employee location data;
- Indoor and outdoor monitoring capability;
- Easy and rapid scalability;
- Signal interference resistance;
- High security of transmitted data;
- Support for hundreds of communication channels simultaneously.
RTLS systems are widely used alongside other radio frequency technologies like GPS, Bluetooth® LE, and RFID. While UWB matches these technologies in versatility, it has distinct advantages. For instance, Ultra-Wideband offers greater accuracy than Bluetooth® Low Energy, and it has faster data transfer rates and broader transmission ranges.
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Compared to GPS, UWB is more effective indoors. GPS-based systems excel outdoors but struggle to penetrate walls. UWB, on the other hand, does not require line-of-sight, making it ideal for indoor applications.
When comparing UWB with RFID technology, UWB has a signal range of up to 200 meters, while RFID is limited to a few meters. Additionally, UWB provides high data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps, although RFID tags and infrastructure are more affordable.
How a UWB RTLS System Enhances Lone Worker Safety
Lone worker safety solutions aim to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. With these solutions, companies can address tasks like monitoring staff, issuing alerts for emergencies, zoning, and rapid incident response.
Real-Time Location Monitoring
With RTLS, workers' on-site location can be tracked in real-time. Specialized badges attached to clothing send out signals with a unique identifier. The system quickly identifies and displays employees' locations on a digital map, allowing immediate emergency assistance.
Space Zoning
Using RTLS & employee safety zoning capabilities, the system can divide the workplace into zones, establish virtual boundaries, and monitor compliance. The system triggers an alert when a worker enters or exits a zone. This is particularly valuable for ensuring safety in high-risk zones.
Incident Response
With this technology, companies can respond more rapidly to emergencies. If an accident or dangerous incident occurs, the system provides precise employee location data, so rescue teams can reach the affected worker promptly.
Industries Benefiting from UWB RTLS for Lone Worker Safety
UWB RTLS is a versatile tool for ensuring employee safety and is applicable in any industry requiring precise location tracking. It is commonly used in:
- Oil and Gas: The platform prevents unauthorized access to restricted zones and tracks staff in confined spaces, helping control protocol compliance and prevent vehicle collisions in remote areas.
- Manufacturing: Tracking systems improve awareness of workplace processes and identify safety gaps for lone workers. The platform simplifies communication with remote employees and helps monitor environmental conditions.
- Logistics and Warehousing: UWB RTLS reduces risks for lone workers in warehouses and logistics centers by tracking movement, preventing collisions, and responding promptly to safety breaches.
- Construction: Workers receive tags or badges that help track their location and send data to managers about emergencies, minimizing accidents and reducing company expenses for incident management.
How Navigine Helps Solve Lone Worker Location Monitoring Issues
Navigine provides businesses an efficient indoor tracking system that ensures round-the-clock employee monitoring for enhanced safety. This digital tracking platform, a web-based service powered by UWB technology, displays real-time location and movement tracking for objects.
If you want to test the system in your facility, try these solutions:
- Industrial Tracking UWB Kit: This kit, designed for rapid staff location and automated incident alerts, includes software, five Noccela 3 gateways, and ten Noccela ID sensors in badge format.
- Industrial Safety Monitoring AoA Kit: This solution leverages Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) technology to deliver precise real-time tracking of staff in industrial settings. Designed to enhance workplace safety, the kit includes advanced hardware and software components for accurate monitoring and automated alerts during emergencies.
- RTLS Development Kit: A versatile platform extending Navigine's Asset Tracking RTLS capabilities, it supports real-time people and asset tracking and provides analytical data for optimizing workplace safety. It includes ten location tags, five gateways, and software.
Navigine offers businesses efficient solutions for indoor tracking, ensuring continuous oversight of staff and operations. Powered by UWB technology, this digital platform enhances situational awareness, compliance, and emergency preparedness.
For more information on how to implement UWB RTLS solutions, contact us at info@navigine.com or use the contact form on our website.
