Peoplesafe, the UK market leader in lone worker safety, has added to its product portfolio to enable employers to meet the protection needs of a broader range of staff.
Legislative rulings such as the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2008 mean that bosses now have a legal responsibility for ensuring the safety of employees out in the field.
Peoplesafe can now integrate its unique software application in to compatible Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), BlackBerrys and Smartphones, allowing employees to swiftly raise the alarm if they are in danger, as well as perform other safety checks.
While many of its competitors offer a limited range tied to specific suppliers, Peoplesafe operates independently of any device manufacturer and focuses its expertise on meeting individual needs.
And because use of the solution is managed by Peoplesafe, it is one of only a few systems on the market that meet the exacting British Standard 8484 code of practice.
The product takes its place in Peoplesafe’s growing line-up of simple and lightweight lone worker safety devices that fully comply with the standard.
Other devices include the award-winning Identicom, a discreet alarm disguised as an identity card holder that can locate and listen in during an emergency, and the Sonim XP3 Sentinel, the world’s most rugged mobile phone.
The phone application and accompanying customer service back-up mean that workers can put their device on ‘amber alert’ when going into a situation in which they might be at risk of harm. Regular checks as well as tracking technology can keep monitoring staff and managers informed of their safety and whereabouts at any hour of the day or night.
A ‘red alert’ is triggered if they fail to respond, and workers in trouble can also quickly raise their status to emergency at the press of a button.
Ian Johannessen, Managing Director of Peoplesafe, said the phone-based system prompted huge interest when visitors to the Safety and Health Expo at the NEC were given a preview earlier this year.
He explained that it means the company can help organisations meet the protection needs of a diverse workforce including, for example, those who regularly come face to face with members of the public, staff doing physical work outside or company executives working late.
“We’ll carry out a detailed consultation to ensure that individuals have a system that’s right for their personal working patterns and activities,” he commented.
“All Peoplesafe clients are allocated a dedicated account manager to ensure that each safety device is being used, that all training needs are met and that every organisation receives the necessary legal support and advice.”
It is estimated there are 6.8 million lone workers in the UK who could be vulnerable to sudden illness, injury or violence.
The number of physical assaults on workers last year increased by 57 per cent, according to the latest results from the British Crime Survey for 2008-09. Aside from the impact on individuals, the consequences of verbal and physical attacks can be significant for organisations, including increased sick leave rates, low productivity and staff retention and recruitment problems. The Sonim XP3 Sentinel has been designed for hard hat workers in rough and remote environments and has special functions including a ‘man-down’ ability to detect and locate an unconscious worker.
The durable-shell phone has been built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock and water and comes complete with software developed by Sonim in close consultation with Peoplesafe.
Peoplesafe’s clients include major names like retailers Argos, Halfords and Carphone Warehouse, house builders Persimmon and TaylorWimpey and leading car parking company Q Park.
Peoplesafe
Tel: 0845 5432088
Email: sales@peoplesafe.co.uk
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