Derek PandoIn the last decade, one area of focus for some unions has been ensuring that employees have access to safety devices that enable them to call for help in emergency situations.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how Relay operates in a union environment, how it enhances worker safety, and what considerations need to be discussed for a successful implementation in a union environment.
Relay is unique in that it effectively combines communication and safety in one compact, discreet, and user-friendly device. This innovation empowers workers to feel secure and connected, enhancing their overall safety on the job. Click here to learn more about Relay.
Brief History of Union Panic Button Mandates
Frontline workers, particularly in housekeeping and room service, face significant risks due to isolated work environments, making them vulnerable to harassment and assault. Recognizing this dangerous reality, the Hotel Trades Council (HTC) spearheaded an initiative in 2012 to implement panic button systems in unionized hotels across New York City after a horrifying incident involving a member.
This move aimed to enhance worker safety by allowing employees immediate access to security assistance. HTC members enabled the successful negotiation of this contract provision.
Today, panic buttons not only protect workers in New York but have been adopted by hotels nationwide, marking a significant step towards safer working conditions in the hospitality industry. Panic buttons for hotel workers have not only been driven by other unions, but there are more and more city and state wide laws requiring them.
How Relay Empowers Union Workers
Some Relay customers have chosen our service based on union recommendations or to comply with union mandates. However, Relay is often introduced through other business necessities that may prompt an organization to purchase it. We want to highlight the specific attributes of Relay that can make it an attractive solution for union environments.
Helps Comply with Union Safety Mandates
Being a robust and customizable platform has enabled Relay to meet the requirements in most union safety mandates as well as city and state laws. If you have a specific question about compliance, please reach out to our team. If you are an existing customer, please reach out to customersuccess@relaypro.com.
Less Physically Taxing
Union workers often face physically demanding tasks. Relay’s communication system is less physically taxing because it’s smaller and lighter than traditional radios. The compact design makes it easier for workers to carry. The device is durable, enabling workers to focus more on their job and worry less about damaging it.
Additionally, improved communication reduces the time spent tracking down the right person, allowing workers to send someone closer to the task at hand, further minimizing physical exertion. This is particularly beneficial in large properties where workers might otherwise have to cover long distances.
Speed to implement
In many scenarios, there is an urgent need to secure safety solutions, whether in response to a recent incident or as part of ongoing contract negotiations. Relay is a fast and cost-effective option for implementing safety measures within union environments. The installation of Relay systems can often be seamlessly integrated with existing infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
Relay also offers a quick and easy installation method that many customers can perform themselves, reducing reliance on external contractors. This flexibility allows unions to swiftly enhance worker safety without incurring significant expenses.
Relay also provides robust digital training and support from an account manager and US-based customer service all focused on helping you get up to speed as quickly as possible and supporting any issues along the way.
Customizable to your unique needs
Relay is a highly configurable software-based solution, allowing features to be tailored specifically to requirements that unions may request. Whether it’s permission settings or specific communication protocols, the platform can be adjusted to suit many unique needs of unions using our web-based dashboard.
Next level communication capabilities
More than just a panic button; Relay is a comprehensive communication platform with real-time automated translation for 30+ languages. With nationwide coverage and reliable connectivity over cellular and Wi-Fi networks, you can stay connected even in hard-to-reach areas like stairwells and basements. The platform offers 1,000 channels, allowing you to organize your communications in a way that suits you best. You can even connect via a handheld Relay device, mobile app, or web-based dashboard.
Best tools = happy workers
Relay is a best-in-class communication device that doubles as an effective panic button, standing out from traditional solutions like noise makers and basic panic buttons. While noise makers simply produce loud sounds and rely on someone nearby to hear them, and panic buttons alert responders without facilitating real-time communication, Relay offers a comprehensive solution. It not only sends alerts but also enables seamless communication with designated responders, ensuring that you can convey critical information when it matters most.
This combination of capabilities makes Relay an essential tool for safety and peace of mind. When you provide your workers with a modern tool like Relay, you’re sending a clear message that you value their safety and well-being. This leads to happier workers who are more productive and less likely to leave.
Recommended Areas for Discussion
As with any technology that is going to impact union employees we recommend open and clear communication. Relay is highly configurable, so here are some areas where we recommend establishing clear understanding and alignment.
Indoor Location Tracking
Indoor location tracking is essential for a quick response to a safety incident. A lot of time can be wasted looking for an employee, especially if they are incapacitated for some reason. Knowing precisely where someone is when they trigger a panic alert drastically increases the speed in which help can arrive. There is also safety value in knowing the location of employees that have not triggered a panic.
Several of our customers have faced a situation where a manager has been able to identify in the dashboard that an employee had not moved locations in an unusual amount of time, to find out that person had passed out or become incapacitated before they were able to trigger a panic alert. Emergency medical services on average take 7 minutes to respond in an urban setting and 14 minutes on average in a rural setting in the US. The FCC “estimated that as many as 10,000 lives could be saved each year, if the 911 emergency dispatching system were able to reach callers just one minute faster”. In all emergency scenarios, speed matters.
Many organizations also use our indoor location capabilities to optimize operational effectiveness by sending the closest person to a guest request or to locate equipment. Additionally, knowing employee locations allows organizations to provide better employee support, not just in emergencies but also in day-to-day tasks. For instance, it becomes easier to identify if a specific area is understaffed during busy times, ensuring that team members receive the assistance they need, ultimately making their jobs easier.
As you consider Relay, be sure to discuss exactly what is tracked and when. Clear communication about how and why location data would be used is essential for a successful implementation. It is possible to configure Relay to only track location for emergency situations.
Message Recording and Transcription
Since Relay is a software-based platform it is possible to enable the automatic recording and transcription of all communication happening across devices. This is a powerful safety capability as there will be a record of locations and all communication happening, including during safety incidents.
There are also benefits beyond safety incidents. Operationally, reviewing the recordings and analyzing them can help teams spot frequent challenges, inefficiencies or bring clarity to employee disputes. While transcription is a powerful tool for safety and operational efficiency, it’s important to clarify its use and that anyone using Relay understands what is being recorded.
Recording and transcription is a capability that can be enabled or disabled depending on the needs and priorities.
Clarity on Punitive Measures
While Relay is a platform for improving safety and efficiency, it also has the potential to provide crucial insights during conflicts. Many of our customers find it helpful to discuss before implementation how the information gathered through Relay can be utilized regarding punitive measures.
Timing
Increased safety and better operational efficiency is good for everyone. Starting discussions early and keeping open lines of communication can expedite this process and help make sure workers have the best tools for them to do their jobs safely as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Relay is a powerful platform that can significantly enhance safety and efficiency in union environments. Its robust and customizable capabilities make it an appealing option to comply with union safety mandates or to improve communication and safety across your facility. Thoughtful implementation and clear communication are key to addressing concerns and ensuring that any organization and its workers reap the full benefits of this advanced communication platform.
Ready to see how Relay can you transform safety and communication? Contact us today to learn more and get started.
