Platinum Storage Strengthens Lone Worker Safety Across Its Facilities
“I can’t be at all our stores. Cameras help, but they don’t replace a device that someone can use when they need help.”
As automation reduced on-site staffing, Platinum Storage needed a reliable way to protect employees working alone. By implementing SoloProtect devices, the organisation has provided staff with immediate access to support while reinforcing a strong, proactive approach to lone worker safety.
Customer Overview: A Distributed Property Management Operation
Platinum Storage operates self-storage facilities across multiple locations, with many sites running on small teams. As a result, employees frequently work independently, making lone worker safety a key operational priority.
The Director of Human Resources, who oversees safety initiatives across all sites, explains:
“Many facilities operate with small teams, and employees may occasionally work independently.”
With a distributed workforce and varying site conditions, ensuring consistent protection for staff working alone became essential.
The Challenge: Protecting Employees Working Alone in Low-Staff Environments
Advances in self-storage technology have made it possible to operate facilities with fewer employees. Platinum Storage uses electronic locks, automated access systems and tenant apps, allowing customers to access units without staff intervention.
While this improves efficiency, it also increases risk.
“With the technology self-storage has been able to harness, we started needing fewer employees for each site.”
Employees may be required to move around sites alone, often during early mornings or evenings.
“Depending on where they are and what time they’re working, it could be dark when they’re starting or finishing work. We want to ensure they feel supported when moving around the property.”
Prior to implementing SoloProtect, the business relied on informal safety measures such as buddy systems. However, these proved difficult to enforce consistently.
“It sounds like a great idea, but we know employees aren’t going to do it most of the time. They’re just going to go out and do what they need to do and get back to the office.”
This highlighted the need for a more reliable and scalable lone worker safety solution.
The Solution: Lone Worker Devices with 24/7 Monitoring Centre Support
After reviewing available options, Platinum Storage selected SoloProtect.
“After evaluating options, SoloProtect met our needs.”
The organisation deployed SoloProtect Shield devices sites, providing employees with direct access to a 24/7 monitoring centre. These wearable lone worker devices enable staff to raise an alarm quickly if they feel unsafe or encounter an emergency.
Key features include:
- Connection to trained monitoring operators
- Discreet activation without drawing attention
- Timed sessions for higher-risk tasks
- Real-time audio assessment and escalation
This allows employees to access support in seconds, without needing to rely on a mobile phone or external assistance.
Because the devices are simple and intuitive, employees were able to incorporate them into their daily routines with minimal disruption.
Easy Deployment Across Multiple Sites
Rolling out the solution across multiple sites proved straightforward.
“The implementation was pretty easy. The device has just a few buttons and it’s very easy to use.”
As the organisation continues to expand, new devices can be deployed quickly with minimal administration.
“We’re constantly growing and adding new properties. I send an email saying, ‘Here’s the property, please send a device,’ and it’s done. It’s very simple.”
The only ongoing challenge has been ensuring devices are consistently charged — a small operational consideration compared to the safety benefits delivered.
Ongoing Training and User Adoption
To maintain confidence and awareness, Platinum Storage supports employees with regular training sessions.
“About once a quarter we run a live Teams training session. Anyone who wants a refresher, or new employees, can join and SoloProtect walks through the features.”
This ensures consistent understanding across the workforce and supports long-term adoption.
Real-Time Support with Ready2Talk
One feature that stands out is Ready2Talk, which allows employees to connect instantly with a monitoring operator who can remain on the line until they feel safe.
“If someone is walking from the storage facility to the office and it’s dark, they can press the button and ask someone to stay on the line until they get inside.”
“To me, that’s powerful. Someone is literally a button away.”
This functionality provides reassurance during routine but potentially vulnerable situations.
Supporting Employee Confidence and Recruitment
Although the organisation has not experienced a major incident, the devices are seen as a critical preventative measure.
“This is really about prevention. It’s about making sure people feel safe.”
The initiative also plays a role in recruitment, helping reassure candidates who may be concerned about working independently.
“When I explain that we provide these devices, candidates always respond positively. It shows we take safety seriously.”
Why Platinum Storage Recommends SoloProtect
For Platinum Storage, the value of lone worker protection is clear.
“The safety and security they offer an employer and employee is priceless.”
With multiple sites to manage, technology plays a key role in supporting staff.
“I can’t be at all our stores. Cameras help, but they don’t replace a device that someone can use when they need help.”
“That’s what’s going to make the difference in a difficult situation.”
SoloProtect enables both employees and leadership to operate with greater confidence, knowing that support is always available.
Key Outcomes
While implemented as a preventative measure, SoloProtect has delivered several key benefits:
- Improved protection for lone workers
Employees working independently now have access to support in the event of an incident. - Greater employee confidence and peace of mind
Staff feel supported when working alone or in isolated areas. - Simple deployment across distributed locations
Devices can be quickly rolled out as the business expands. - Enhanced safety culture
Providing personal safety devices reinforces the organisation’s commitment to employee wellbeing. - Positive impact on recruitment conversations
Demonstrating proactive safety measures helps reassure prospective employees.
Protect Your Lone Workers with SoloProtect
For organisations with employees who work alone, ensuring their safety should never be left to chance.
SoloProtect provides wearable lone worker devices and 24/7 monitoring, enabling organisations to respond quickly when employees need assistance.
Whether your team works in self-storage, logistics, healthcare, retail, or utility field services, SoloProtect helps create safer working environments for employees operating independently.
Learn how SoloProtect can help protect your lone workers.
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