This enables employers to meet the protection needs of a broader range of staff; and allows employees to raise the alarm if they are in danger besides do other safety checks. Peoplesafe is the brand for lone worker safety solutions offered by Rocksure Systems Ltd, based in Sheffield. The company points to the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2008 meaning that bosses now have a legal responsibility for ensuring the safety of employees out in the field.
While it claims 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. It meets the British Standard 8484 code of practice. Other Peoplesafe devices include the Identicom, an alarm looking like an identity card holder that can locate and listen in during an emergency, and the Sonim XP3 Sentinel, a rugged mobile phone.
The phone application and accompanying customer service back-up mean that workers can put their device on ‘amber alert’ when going in to 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.
A ‘red alert’ would be triggered if they failed to respond and workers in trouble can also quickly raise their status to that of an emergency at the press of a button.
Ian Johannessen, Managing Director of Peoplesafe, said the phone-based system prompted interest when visitors to the Safety and Health Expo at the NEC in May were given a preview.
He said 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 said.
“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 consultation with Peoplesafe.
Peoplesafe’s clients include names like retailers Argos, Halfords and Carphone Warehouse, house builders Persimmon and TaylorWimpey and car parking company Q Park.
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