The purpose of Ok Alone’s desktop panic button is to provide a convenient and readily accessible way for people to quickly request assistance in emergency situations. When activated, it triggers an alert, notifying designated individuals or security personnel. The alert can be in the form of pop-up notifications, emails, text messages, automated phone calls, or messages sent through specialized software systems like WhatsApp.
Desktop panic buttons are particularly useful in environments where employees or individuals spend a significant amount of time working on computers, such as offices, retail, reception or control rooms. They offer a discreet means of seeking help without drawing attention to the situation or causing panic among others nearby.
How they work…
Ok Alone’s specialised employee safety software is downloaded onto the laptop, pc or device being used by the employee.
The software can either be an app that can be opened at the beginning of each shift and left open on the taskbar or it can be a specific taskbar button that stays on the screen permanently, like the battery remaining or wi-fi strength icon.
If using the App –
If using the app, the user would click the active program button on the taskbar to open the app and choose from the options available – Check in, Help, End Shift.
If they require immediate assistance they would click ‘Help’. A pop up will then ask if they need help or would like to cancel the request. To alert others to their situation they would click ‘Get Help Now’.
This will send notifications to their monitor in their chosen format either; email, SMS, automated phone call, WhatsApp or a combination of all options.
The monitor will then be able to access the employee’s worker information and have their contact details as well as any information provided in the notes, such as their exact location within the building.
If using the Taskbar Button –
If using the permanent taskbar icon, the user has two options of how to request help. The first and most efficient manner is to double click the icon. This will change the icon orange for five seconds, allowing the employee to cancel the request.
Icon is live throughout the shift (icon is green).
Help request has been triggered. Five second grace period before request sent (icon turns orange).
If no action is taken it will automatically send notifications to their monitor in their chosen format either; email, SMS, automated phone call, WhatsApp or a combination of all options.
The icon will change to red to inform the worker the request has been sent. Once a monitor sees the request the icon will change to a red circle with a green tick and they will receive a pop up on their screen saying help is coming.
Help Request has been successfully sent (icon turns red).
Request has been acknowledged by Monitor and protocol initiated (tick turns green).
The monitor who accepts the request will then be able to access the employee’s worker information and have their contact details as well as any information provided in the notes, such as their exact location within the building.
The second option is to right click the permanent taskbar icon and from the menu select ‘ Get Help’.
This will change the icon orange for five seconds, allowing the employee to cancel the request if necessary.
If the request is not cancelled the rest of the scenario will play out exactly the same as the first option once the help request has been sent.
If you require any further information or have questions regarding the Desktop App and Task Bar button please contact Ok Alone at [email protected]
As an expert in lone worker content management, I possess an extensive knowledge base and experience in the area of lone working and safety monitoring. My expertise in this field encompasses a wide range of areas, including risk assessment, training, communication, and technology. I have a deep understanding of the unique risks associated with lone workers and have researched and written many projects and articles to educate people in how to mitigate these risks.
Throughout my time with Ok Alone, I have kept up to date with technological developments, legislative changes and regulations that have been introduced to help organizations ensure the safety of their lone workers.