GPS duress alarms and worker safety in Australia: Where they make the biggest difference

When people think about workplace safety, they often picture physical hazards such as machinery, vehicles, or working at heights. However, for many Australian workers, the most serious risks are situational: working alone, visiting unfamiliar locations, dealing with aggressive behaviour, travelling long distances, or being isolated if something goes wrong.

GPS-enabled duress alarms, such as those supplied by SafeTCard, are sometimes also referred to as panic alarms or lone-worker alarms and they have become an increasingly important tool in managing the risks faced by certain workers. Used correctly, they can help employers meet their duty of care obligations and—most importantly—ensure workers can access help quickly when they need it.

This article explores employers’ duty of care in Australia, alternatives to GPS duress alarms, and most importantly, the types of roles and situations where these alarms are particularly beneficial.

What is a GPS duress alarm?

A GPS duress alarm is a device or mobile application that allows a worker to raise an alert in an emergency. Depending on the system, it may include:

• A one-touch SOS or duress activation
• GPS location tracking to assist responders
• Automatic alerts such as “man down”, fall detection, no-movement detection, or missed check-ins
• Two-way voice communication or silent alerting
• Escalation processes that notify supervisors, monitoring staff, or emergency services

It’s important to note that a duress alarm is not a standalone safety solution. It should be used as part of a broader system of work that includes risk assessments, safe procedures, training, supervision, and incident response planning.

Employer duty of care in Australia

Under Australian workplace health and safety laws, employers (or persons conducting a business or undertaking) have a primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers so far as is reasonably practicable.

In practical terms, this means employers must:

• Provide a safe working environment
• Implement safe systems of work
• Identify hazards and manage risks
• Provide adequate information, training, and supervision
• Ensure workers can access assistance if they are injured or in danger

This duty extends to remote, isolated, and mobile workers, and to situations where workers may be exposed to violence, aggression, or medical emergencies. Where risks cannot be eliminated, employers are expected to implement appropriate controls. In many situations, a GPS duress alarm can form part of those controls.

(This information is general in nature and not legal advice.)

Jobs and situations where GPS duress alarms are particularly beneficial

1. Lone, remote, and isolated work

Workers who operate alone or away from immediate assistance face increased risk if they are injured or become unwell.

Examples include:

• Field service technicians
• Utility and infrastructure workers
• Surveyors and environmental officers
• Mobile mechanics and roadside assistance staff
• Rural, regional, and remote workers

Why duress alarms help:

• Injured workers may not be able to explain their location or call for help
• GPS location allows faster response
• Automatic alerts can trigger assistance even if the worker is unconscious

Key features in these environments include welfare check-ins, no-movement alerts, and reliable location tracking.

2. Home visits and community-based roles

Entering private homes or uncontrolled environments presents unpredictable risks.

Examples include:

• Community health and allied health workers
• Disability and aged care support staff
• Child protection and housing officers
• Outreach and case management roles
• Meter readers and compliance inspectors

Common risk factors:

• Aggressive or distressed individuals
• Substance use or mental health crises
• Unsafe animals, poor lighting, or blocked exits

Why duress alarms help:

• Workers can discreetly call for help if a situation escalates
• Silent alerts reduce the risk of further provocation
• Location data is vital if a worker cannot communicate clearly

3. Roles with exposure to aggression or violence

Workplace violence can include verbal abuse, threats, or physical assault.

Examples include:

• Healthcare and hospital staff
• Front-desk and reception workers
• Customer service roles dealing with complaints or refusals
• Teachers and education staff
• Regulatory and enforcement officers

Why duress alarms help:

• Immediate alerting enables faster intervention
• Wearable or mobile alarms work when fixed panic buttons are out of reach
• Alerts can be triggered discreetly during escalating situations

In high-pressure environments, the ease and speed of activation can significantly affect outcomes.

4. Night shift and after-hours work

Risk often increases when fewer people are present to notice an incident.

Examples include:

• Retail night-fill staff
• Petrol station and convenience store workers
• Cleaners working in empty buildings
• Security guards and patrol officers
• Accommodation and hospitality staff on overnight shifts

Why duress alarms help:

• Faster escalation when workers are isolated
• Location tracking assists response in large or unfamiliar facilities
• Supports clear after-hours response plans

5. Mobile and driving-based roles

Vehicles are workplaces, and mobile workers can be difficult to locate in an emergency.

Examples include:

• Delivery drivers and couriers
• Field sales staff
• Taxi and rideshare drivers
• Public transport workers
• Fleet and logistics personnel

Common risks:

• Road accidents or medical emergencies
• Assault or robbery
• Breakdowns in unsafe or remote locations

Why duress alarms help:

• GPS data speeds up emergency assistance
• Alerts can be triggered if a worker is unable to make a call

6. Industrial, maintenance, and high-consequence work

Even in staffed workplaces, workers can be isolated from others.

Examples include:

• Maintenance technicians
• Warehouse staff in low-traffic areas
• Water and wastewater operators
• Mining and quarry support roles

Why duress alarms help:

• Incidents may occur out of sight or hearing
• Automatic alerts help when workers are incapacitated
• Provides reassurance when working in confined or remote plant areas

7. High-risk situations that increase the need for duress alarms

Even roles that are usually low-risk can become high-risk in certain circumstances:

• Visiting unfamiliar or first-time locations
• Enforcing rules or refusing service
• Handling cash or valuables
• Working during extreme heat or weather
• Travelling in areas with limited communications coverage
• Working alone after hours

Many organisations link duress alarm use to these specific “trigger” conditions rather than applying them uniformly across all roles.

Alternatives and complementary safety measures

GPS duress alarms work best as part of a layered safety approach.

Complementary controls may include:

• Buddy systems or paired work
• Call-in and call-out procedures
• Scheduled welfare checks
• Improved site design, lighting, and access control
• Training in conflict management and de-escalation
• Clear emergency response and escalation procedures

While these controls are essential, they can fail if a worker becomes suddenly incapacitated. Duress alarms provide a direct and rapid pathway to assistance.

Privacy, consultation, and responsible use

Because GPS duress alarms involve collecting location data, employers should:

• Clearly communicate that the purpose is worker safety
• Consult with workers before implementation
• Limit tracking to work hours where possible
• Restrict access to location data
• Retain data only for as long as necessary

Transparency and trust are critical to successful adoption.

Is a GPS duress alarm appropriate? A quick checklist

A GPS duress alarm is often a strong safety control when several of the following apply:

• Workers operate alone or in isolation
• The role involves entering uncontrolled environments
• There is a risk of aggression or violence
• Work occurs after hours or at night
• Workers are mobile across wide areas
• Injuries could prevent the worker from calling for help
• Rapid response time is critical

Final thoughts

GPS duress alarms are most effective when supported by:

• Clear risk assessments
• Worker consultation
• Training on when and how to activate alarms
• A well-defined response and escalation process

When used as part of a broader safety system, they can significantly reduce response times, support compliance with duty of care obligations, and—most importantly—help protect workers in high-risk situations.