More than ever before, businesses are prioritizing safety and security measures.
A 2023 PSA Certified Security Report reveals a significant shift, with 75% of businesses making security a top concern. Such figures are reflected in a 15.3% surge in spending on security measures.
But security isn’t the only financial burden for companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a staggering 3.4 million non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the US in 2022 alone. The picture is similar in UK, with the 2021/2022 HSE Report for Britain indicating workplace injuries costing a hefty £7.7 billion that year.
This financial strain underscores a dual imperative for businesses: curtailing losses and promoting the safety of employees and assets.
Businesses that prioritize and promote a strong safety culture, are reported to experience 6% lower injury rates and 20% lower workers’ compensation costs.
In this security and safety-conscious landscape, companies are seeking communication tools that go beyond base functionality to tackle these issues, offering an extra layer of security. Clear and reliable communication is no longer a luxury- it’s a necessity.
While mobile phones seem like a natural choice in our digital age – after all, everyone carries a phone, right? – they fall short in crucial ways when it comes to workplace safety and security.
Two-way radios, on the other hand, have emerged as a powerful and often more cost-effective alternative, offering a robust and immediate communication platform with a range of additional benefits that work mobiles simply can’t match.
So, why two-way radio? How can these underrated tools protect your business?
High Pressure Situations – Every Second Counts
Let’s imagine a mission-critical and high-pressure situation within the workplace.
For example, you’re working within the manufacturing industry and a machine suddenly malfunctions, posing a serious threat or safety hazard to those around.
Or alternatively, you work within retail, and you spot a customer stealing products. The situation is too risky to apprehend the thief alone.
In these scenarios, every second counts – and any time lost could have serious repercussions.
Two-way radios eliminate communication delays by providing staff with an immediate and reliable means of communication. Workers can instantly report emergencies, alert security personnel and request assistance, enabling a swift and coordinated response.
This real-time communication capability allows staff to react instantaneously and potentially prevent accidents, injuries or theft.
Why do two-way radios have the advantage over other tools in high-pressure situations?
Unlike cell phones or walkie-talkie apps that require dialling or navigating menus, two-way radios offer a “push-to-talk” function – a single press connects you directly with the right person, eliminating dialling or connection issues.
Unlike cell phones relying on potentially congested cellular networks, two-way radios operate on dedicated frequencies. This ensures crystal clear, uninterrupted communication within their designated range.
Two-Way Radios Can Improve Your Daily Operations
Two-way radios excel in high-pressure situations, but their benefits extend far beyond crisis moments, these under-appreciated tools can significantly enhance your daily operations whilst keeping companies, colleagues and clients safe and secure.
Here are some more unsung benefits of two-way radios:
1. Enhanced Lone Worker Safety
For employees working independently or in remote locations, two-way radios like the MOTOTRBO R2 offer a vital lifeline. Unlike cell phones that have limited signal or require manual dialing, many models have ‘man-down’ alerts. These features automatically trigger an alarm if a worker falls or fails to respond to periodic check-ins, ensuring timely assistance even in unforeseen circumstances.
This benefit is particularly useful for those working in remote areas such as construction, utilities, or manufacturing.
2. Heightened Situational Awareness
Two-way radios promote a greater sense of awareness among your team. Real-time communication allows staff to keep each other informed about changing situations, potential hazards or suspicious activity. This collaborative awareness can help prevent incidents and ensure everyone is on the same page. Two-way radio can handle larger communication groups with optimum efficiency. This facilitates a more comprehensive situational picture for supervisors, enabling them to make better-informed decisions.
Industries like hospitality, retail and security services can benefit from greater situational perception, where increased vigilance is critical.
3. Data Sharing and Enhanced Visibility
Advanced two-way radios go beyond simple voice communication. Some models like the R7 allow for text messaging, location tracking and even dating sharing. This allows supervisors to monitor activity, track team members’ locations, and share critical information instantly. This enhanced overall visibility and control leads to streamlined operations.
Enhanced tracking benefits industries such as delivery services, field service technicians, construction pinpointing workers across large spaces.
4. Robustness in Challenging Environments
Unlike mobile phones that can be fragile and susceptible to damage, two-way radios are built to withstand the demands of challenging work environments. Their rugged model can endure drops, dust and moisture, ensuring reliable communication even in harsh conditions.
This reliability is crucial for construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and other areas where accidents or spills can occur.
Talk to the Motorola two-way radio experts
Looking to optimise your business security and security? If you’re interested in two-way radio communication, speak to the experts and contact Minerva Technologies today.