Safety watches to protect Vic workers

High-tech watches worn by Victorian mental health staff could prevent and reduce violence against them while they are working out in the community.

Worn on the wrist, the 3G Safety Watch allows staff managing a crisis to quickly notify emergency services of their exact location via a 24-hour security monitoring centre.

The watches also have an `Amber Alert' function, which a doctor, nurse or paramedic can use to notify the monitoring centre that they are entering a risky environment.