TalkTalk, the UK provider of broadband, mobile and TV services, has turned to a lone worker protection company to help protect their field engineers while they work alone and out of hours.
TalkTalk selected 120 MySOS personal safety devices for use by their engineers, from Skyguard. The keyfob-sized alarm enables users to call for help in an emergency at the touch of a button. The product offers GPS, two-way audio communications, a ‘man-down’ fall detector and voice-memo (amber alert) function.
In the event of an incident, a user activates the alarm on their MySOS device. The alarm is sent via mobile phone technology to Skyguard’s 24-7 Incident Management Centre. There, controllers know who the user is, their line of work, medical history – even what they look like – (all this information is treated in confidence). Because the MySOS is GPS enabled, controllers will know where they are. They’ll listen to ambient sound in their vicinity. If it’s safe to do so, they’ll talk to them. They’ll review their information and preferred action in case of emergency. Within seconds, a course of action will be decided upon. It may be summoning an emergency service, Skyguard’s own National Response Service, or someone designated by the client. Whatever they do, Skyguard add, the action taken is designed to neutralise the threat or resolve the incident as quickly as possible.
The small size of the MySOS was a reason for TalkTalk’s decision. Alan Cowlishaw, Compliance Engineer for TalkTalk, says: “All the other options were too bulky and we wanted a supplier that reflected our own agile approach. It’s also very easy to use and the price was competitive. All in all, it’s complete peace of mind that our Engineers have protection when out working.”
Skyguard’s Marketing Director Will Murray added “It’s vital that organisations adopt a rigid lone worker policy. With fines of up to £20m for serious health and safety breaches, this is a clear message to businesses that lone worker safety must be prioritised. TalkTalk have demonstrated their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their Engineers by equipping them with the MySOS device.”
Visit www.skyguard.co.uk.
