We reported in our April issue that Identicom, a lone worker protection product, is being deployed by the National Health Service.
The product provider, Connexion2, has signed a partnership agreement with Attendo Systems UK, part of Attendo Senior Care, a provider of social alarms, to supply the card to local authorities and housing associations.
Measuring 102 by 72 by 14mm and weighing 70 grams, Identicom looks like a normal identity card holder, but is equipped with a dual or tri-band GSM module, GSM SIM card, lithium battery and control electronics, the makers report. The device includes a lanyard attachment that enables it to be worn around the neck as a standard ID badge, which hides a โrip alarmโ function that is triggered if the unit is forcibly removed from the wearer. Identicom, the makers report, enables the lone worker to use concealed buttons to covertly raise an alarm if threatened. That allows a third party, operations controller, to listen to what is happening and act. Attendo add that they can provide 24-hour monitoring and response.
The wearer is also able to notify their employer when they know they are entering a potentially hazardous situation and then Identicom, prompts the worker for a response to ensure all is well while on duty at specified intervals.
The Identicom badge has been introduced by Attendo Systems for use within a range of organisations across the UK including housing associations, councils and police forces and other public sector bodies. Attendo add that they can provide 24-hour monitoring and response for organisations that do not have staff on call throughout the day.
What they say
Paul Shead from Attendo Systems Ltd said: "Attendo Identicom ehances are existing product profile and provides a level of service previously unavailable to lone workers. With incidents of verbal and physical abuse increasing year on year, Identicom has now become a necessity for vulnerable and lone workers."
Identicom can be configured in a number of ways, thereby allowing an employer to adopt the device without the need to significantly change or alter working practices, according to the makers. The device can also support the pinpointing of a workerโs location using GSM/LBS technology.
"Identicom deliberately looks like any other ID card to ensure workers donโt put themselves at any further risk. The aggressor need not know that an operator is listening or that help is on the way", added Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2.
