Finding the Right Mobile Safety App: 5 Things To Look For

A mobile safety app enhances employee safety by providing critical safety information and allowing anybody to easily report hazards or near misses they spot, supporting you in proactively managing risk.

Most people use mobile apps daily, so the stakes are high when making sure the safety app offered to employees is user-friendly and supportive of safety activities.

So, how do you find the right one? Here's 5 things you should be looking for in a mobile safety app:

1. Accessibility

How do your users access the app?

The app must be easily accessible and available on any device or operating system including smartphones, tablets and desktops. Not everyone will have access to a phone or computer, so availability across multiple platforms is critical.

Be sure to explore the various ways the app can be downloaded by users. Thanks to recent technology like progressive web apps, you can simply send a URL to your users for them to access the app and add it to their device's home screen. This approach eliminates the need for manual updates, streamlining the process for both you and your users.

2. User-friendliness

Is the app intuitive?

Ideally, you want an app that your team can start using right away without requiring training. When testing out an app, be sure to focus on its user interface and user experience to ensure it's user-friendly and intuitive.

Some things to consider:

• Is the user interface intuitive to navigate?

• Is critical information easily located?

• Can you add help and guidance for your users?

• Are checklists available to avoid free text?

• Is the app accessible offline for workers that are in more remote locations?

3. Fit for purpose

Does the app work for your organization? For your processes?

To be successful, it's important to evaluate the app’s configurability. You should be able to configure the app to meet your specific needs and integrate it into your existing processes. It’s important that the app can be aligned to your company branding, including terminology in forms.

Things to consider:

• Can you add, remove or rename fields on forms?

• Can you include your company branding?

• Can you make critical safety documents and policies accessible for your teams?

• Do you have flexibility around log-in?

• Do you need mobile action management?

Any app will offer different functionality. Ensure you trial them to understand if it fits your organization.

4. Scalability

Will the app scale with your business?

As you grow and mature your safety activities, you may want to expand what is available on your safety app. Ensure that you can easily control the app, make updates and decide what is available.

And then there’s cost. You don’t want company growth to be cost prohibitive. Ensure your solution can scale to your growth and still be cost-effective.

5. Security

Does the app meet your security requirements?

The app should have appropriate security measures in place to protect the privacy and security of the user's personal information.

Empowering your workforce and trusting them to effectively manage safety is critical in embedding health and safety at the heart of your operations. Leveraging technology, specifically mobile-first safety tools, can ensure safety doesn’t get buried in paperwork and laborious tasks.

To learn more about how you can engage your people in safety, check out our infographic: 7 Ways To Boost Employee Engagement in Health and Safety