MCM Electronics / NEVERalone FAQ
Compliance
How do these devices help with WHS compliance?
Under Australian WHS laws, employers have a "Duty of Care" to monitor the health and safety of remote or isolated workers. NEVERalone devices provide an auditable and compliant safety system with SOS, Man Down alerts, Welfare Checks, and GPS location, demonstrating that you have taken reasonably practicable steps to protect your staff.
Do these devices work in compliance with National Police Guidelines”
Yes, the device has functions and features to enable compliance with Australia and New Zealand “National Police Guidelines”
How does it work
How does the SOS / Panic Button work?
In an immediate emergency, the worker simply presses the prominent SOS button on the front of the device. This instantly triggers an alert with GPS location to the Monitoring Centre. They will then call back the device and either listen in to verify the alarm or allowing the operator to speak directly to the user to explain the situation.
How does the "Man Down" feature work?
NEVERalone devices feature Automatic Fall Detection. If the NEVERalone device senses a heavy fall followed by no movement, it will announce that a fall alert has been detected up to 3 times and allow the USER to cancel the alarm during this warning. If not cancelled the device will then automatically activate the SOS sending an SOS message to the 24/7 Monitoring Centre or direct to your emergency contacts with the type of event (Fall) and your GPS location so help can be arranged immediately.
What is the "Welfare Timer" / "Check-in" feature?
This is a proactive safety tool for high-risk tasks (e.g., entering a client's home or working in a confined space). The worker can either 'check-in' or set a timer on the device (e.g., 30 mins). If they do not 'check-out' or extend / cancel the timer before it expires, the device automatically triggers a duress alert. This ensures help is sent if a worker is in trouble, even if they are unable to touch the device or press a button.
Are there silent options for high-risk situations?
Yes. For staff facing potential aggression or duress, we can configure specialised Silent Settings. This disables voice prompts and ringtones, so the alarm activates discreetly. We can also enable One-Way Voice, allowing the Monitoring Centre to listen in and assess the threat without speaking back through the device, preventing the situation from escalating.
Do your devices work Australia-wide?
Yes. Our devices operate anywhere there is compatible 4G mobile coverage.
Where does the device work (Remote, Indoor & Black Spots)?
NEVERalone devices the Telstra 4G Network for 99% outdoor coverage. For complex indoor environments like hospitals or basements where GPS struggles, we can utilise Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Beacons to pinpoint a user's specific location. For known cellular ‘black spots’ we recommend they use the Check-in or Welfare Timer feature before entering the area. If they fail to check-out or the welfare timer times out, the system can flag these and send an alert to the monitoring centre.
Can we track staff location during their shift?
To protect employee privacy, the device does not continuously broadcast location data. GPS location is only shared with the Monitoring Centre during an emergency event (SOS, Man Down, or missed Welfare Check). This ensures safety compliance without invasive surveillance.
General
Who is MCM Electronics?
MCM Electronics is an Australian technology company specialising in personal emergency location devices, lone worker safety solutions, GPS tracking systems, security products, and communications technology. We have been in business since 1985. We design and develop innovative products including the NEVERalone® range.
Where is MCM Electronics located?
MCM Electronics is an Australian-owned company based in Penrith NSW, supplying organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand.
What industries do you supply?
We supply solutions for:
- Healthcare
- Community services
- Disability support
- Government
- Mining
- Utilities
- Local Government
- Security companies
- Education
- Lone workers
- Aged care
- Remote workers
Are your products designed in Australia?
Yes. Our products are designed and continually developed in Australia to meet local customer requirements.
Products
What products can you supply?
Our product range includes:
- NEVERalone Personal Emergency Device
- NEVERalone Pendant
- SAFETYwatch
- Vehicle GPS Tracking Systems
- Lone Worker Safety Solutions
- GPS Location Devices
Do your products include GPS?
Yes. Our devices use GPS location technology to accurately identify a user’s location.
Can your devices locate people indoors?
Yes. Selected products support indoor location using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth beacon technology where installed.
Do your products include fall detection?
Yes. Selected NEVERalone devices include automatic fall detection.
Can users speak through the device?
Yes. Selected devices provide hands free two-way voice communication with the monitoring centre.
Do I need a monitoring service?
Our devices can be connected to a 24/7 professional monitoring centre or configured to notify nominated contacts directly.
What happens when the SOS button is pressed?
The device confirms the emergency, sends its location to the monitoring centre or nominated contacts depending on configuration. The device can auto answer calls from the Monitoring centre or Contacts.
Can the device block all calls except contacts or Monitoring Centre?
The device can be configured with a “Whitelist” to only answer selected callers. For example, the device can auto answer calls from the Monitoring centre or Contacts and ignore/reject all others.
Is monitoring available 24/7?
Yes.
Can the device call Emergency Services?
Not directly. If required, the monitoring centre can contact Emergency Services after assessing the incident. This is as per the “National Police Guidelines”
Can your devices be used for lone workers?
Yes. They are specifically designed to improve the safety of employees working alone.
Can your devices be used by healthcare workers?
Yes. Many healthcare organisations use NEVERalone devices for community nurses, social workers and outreach teams.
Can they be used for domestic violence programs?
Yes. Devices can be configured with discreet silent operation and automatic answering for higher-risk situations.
Do you supply government organisations?
Yes. We supply numerous government departments and agencies across Australia.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life depends on configuration but can exceed 60 hours on many NEVERalone devices.
Do devices require charging every day?
No. Battery life varies depending on use, but many users only charge every few days. We also recommend charging daily to maximize performance.
Do devices require Wi-Fi?
No. They primarily operate using the 4G mobile network, although Wi-Fi may be used to improve indoor location.
Can devices be remotely configured?
Yes. Most of the settings can be configured and updated remotely.
Can I request a demonstration?
Yes. Contact MCM Electronics to arrange a product demonstration.
Can you provide quotations?
Yes. We provide quotations for organisations of all sizes.
Do you offer technical support?
Yes. Our Australian team provides ongoing technical support.
Can you customise solutions?
Yes. We work with customers to tailor solutions for specific operational requirements.
What is the NEVERalone device?
NEVERalone is a personal emergency location device that allows users to quickly request assistance while providing accurate location information.
Who is NEVERalone designed for?
NEVERalone is suitable for:
- Lone workers
- Healthcare workers
- Community workers
- Disability support staff
- Aged care clients
- Remote workers
- Security personnel
- People living independently
How does NEVERalone work?
When assistance is required, the user presses the SOS button. The device sends its location and initiates the emergency response process.
Does NEVERalone have GPS?
Yes.
Does NEVERalone have fall detection?
Selected models include automatic fall detection.
Can it detect indoor locations?
Yes, using Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi where available.
Does it include hands free two-way voice communication?
Yes.
Can the device automatically answer calls?
Yes. This feature is particularly useful for high-risk users.
Does the device vibrate?
Yes. It provides tactile feedback to confirm actions.
Does it have voice prompts?
Yes. The NEVERalone device can be setup to have voice prompts for:
- SOS alarm
- Fall alarm
- Low battery
- Charging started
- Check IN
- Check OUT
- No GSM coverage
Does it have low battery alerts?
Yes.
Lone Worker Safety
How does NEVERalone help lone workers?
It provides immediate emergency assistance, GPS location, welfare timers, check-in/check-out functions and monitoring support.
What is the welfare timer?
The welfare timer reminds users to confirm they are safe. If they fail to respond, an alert can be generated.
What are Check In and Check Out buttons?
They allow workers to indicate when they arrive at and leave a job, improving worker safety.
Can employers know where workers are?
If enabled, authorised personnel can view worker locations.
Monitoring
Is professional monitoring available?
Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What happens after an alarm?
The monitoring centre verifies the alarm, communicates with the user if possible, and contacts Emergency Services or nominated contacts when required.
Can we monitor the devices ourselves (Self-Monitoring)?
While the devices can send alerts to a manager's mobile phone, we do not recommend Self-Monitoring for lone workers. Relying on a supervisor who may be in a meeting, asleep, or out of range creates a significant safety risk. Professional 24/7 Monitoring ensures a guaranteed, recorded response to every alert, fulfilling your duty of care obligations.
Can I use my own emergency contacts?
Yes.
Coverage
Does NEVERalone work anywhere?
It works anywhere there is compatible 4G mobile coverage.
Does it work outside Australia?
Please contact us regarding international operation.
Battery
How long does the battery last?
Does the device have long battery last life?
Battery life varies depending on configuration but can normally exceed 60 hours.
How do I charge the device?
The device is supplied with an easy-to-use charging dock. Also included is a USB cable with a magnetic connector for use when on the go.
Security & Privacy
Is my location secure?
Yes. Location information is only available to authorised personnel as configured by your organisation.
Does NEVERalone record conversations?
Voice communication is only activated during emergency situations or when configured by authorised users.
Purchasing
Is there a bulk discount for teams?
Yes. We supply organisations ranging from small businesses to large government departments. We offer Corporate Volume Pricing for organizations ordering multiple devices. This includes tailored onboarding, centralised billing, and fleet management support. Please send us a message with 'Quote Request Corporate' to get a Quote.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes.
Is training available?
Yes. Training can be provided for both administrators and users.
Support
Do you provide ongoing support?
Yes. Our Australian support team provides technical assistance and ongoing customer support.
Do we need IT support to set them up?
No. We pre-program the device for you before shipping. When it arrives, simply charge the device, and make a quick phone call to our Australian-based team to activate it.
Other Common FAQs
What is the best lone worker safety device in Australia?
NEVERalone is an excellent solution for Lone and Isolated Workers. It allows welfare monitoring, Fall detection with advanced GPS and indoor location. Simple one touch SOS activation makes it easy for workers when under duress.
What is a personal emergency location device?
A personal emergency location device is a wearable safety device that allows a user to quickly request help in an emergency. It can send an SOS alert with the user’s location to a monitoring centre or nominated contacts, helping responders locate and assist the person as quickly as possible.
How does GPS lone worker protection work?
GPS lone worker protection allows a worker to raise an emergency alert from the device when they feel unsafe, are injured, or require assistance. When an SOS, fall alert, or missed welfare check occurs, the device sends GPS location information so the monitoring centre or authorised contacts can coordinate a response to your location.
What is the difference between a duress alarm and a personal emergency device?
A duress alarm is typically used to raise an alert when someone is under threat or needs urgent help. A personal emergency device may include duress alarm functionality but can also provide additional safety features such as GPS location, fall detection, welfare timers, check-in/check-out functions, voice communication, and monitoring support.
How does fall detection work?
Fall detection uses sensors inside the device (accelerometers) to identify a free fall or heavy fall followed by a stop or limited/no movement. If a possible fall is detected, the device can provide an audible warning so the user can cancel the alert if they are safe. If not cancelled, the device automatically raises an alarm and sends the user’s location.
What is the best duress alarm for healthcare workers?
For healthcare workers, the best duress alarm is one that is simple to activate, discreet when required, and supported by reliable monitoring. NEVERalone devices are well suited to healthcare, community nursing, outreach, and social work environments because they combine one-touch SOS, GPS location, optional silent operation, fall detection, and 24/7 monitoring.
Can a GPS safety device call for help automatically?
Yes. A GPS safety device can call for help automatically when configured features such as fall detection or welfare timers are triggered. If the user is unable to press the SOS button, the device can still raise an alert and send location information to the monitoring centre or nominated contacts.
How do emergency pendants work?
Emergency pendants are wearable devices designed to make it easy to request help. When the user presses the SOS button, the pendant sends an alert and location information and can allow voice communication with a monitoring centre or nominated contact depending on the configuration.
What is the best emergency alarm for people living alone?
The best emergency alarm for people living alone is one that is easy to wear, simple to activate, and able to connect the user with help quickly. NEVERalone devices can provide SOS alerts, fall detection, location information, low battery alerts, and monitoring support for people who live independently.
How can employers protect lone workers?
Employers can protect lone workers by identifying risks, providing clear safety procedures, using check-in/check-out processes, and supplying reliable emergency communication devices. NEVERalone supports this by providing SOS alerts, welfare timers, fall detection, GPS location, and 24/7 monitoring options.
What personal safety device works Australia-wide?
NEVERalone devices operate anywhere there is compatible 4G mobile coverage. This makes them suitable for organisations and users across Australia, including community workers, healthcare teams, lone workers, and people living independently.
How does indoor location technology improve worker safety?
Indoor location technology can help identify a user’s location in environments where GPS may be limited, such as hospitals, large facilities, basements, or multi-level buildings. Where Wi-Fi or Bluetooth beacon technology is available, it can provide more useful location information during an emergency.
What is the best GPS emergency pendant for aged care?
A good GPS emergency pendant for aged care should be easy to wear, simple to charge, and able to raise an alert quickly. NEVERalone pendants can support SOS alerts, GPS location, fall detection, voice communication, and monitoring options for aged care clients and people living independently.
What happens when the SOS button is pressed?
When the SOS button is pressed, the device raises an emergency alert and sends location information to the monitoring centre or nominated contacts, depending on configuration. The monitoring centre can then call the device, assess the situation, and contact emergency services or nominated contacts if required.
Can a personal safety device contact a 24/7 monitoring centre?
Yes. NEVERalone devices can be connected to a professional 24/7 monitoring centre. This ensures alerts can be received, assessed, and escalated at any time of day or night.