Guardian 24

Overview

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive suggest that public sector workers are the most likely victims of serious violence. According to its 2008 report, sixc out of the 10 recognised public sectors are affected by the country's highest rates of violence. Safety becomes even more critical and difficult to manage when staff work alone, often having little or no contact with colleagues. A report by Hallam University in 2007 highlighted that nurses are particularly at risk from violent crime. The report calculated that two thirds of  employees (66.1%) claimed their employer did not  know their whereabouts or 'sometimes' knew their whereabouts when they were working.

Guardian24, working with Orange and Securitas Alert Services, are now helping an English NHS trust tackle this issue. Using innovative technology, nearly 1,000 lone workers are now equipped with a Guardian24 Identicom device, keeping them in touch with hospital headquarters, the police and colleagues whereever they are.

The Challenge

Serving approximately 300,000 local residents, the trust needed to meet government legislation requirements and help senior management ensure diligence in their duty of care for its 1,000 lone workers.

The Solution

During discussions with Guardian24, Orange and Securitas Alert Services, it was decided that all the trust's lone workers would be provided with the Guardian24 Identicom fully integrated with the Orange Network. Deliberately designed to look and feel like a standard identity cardholder, all lone workers at the trust now benefit from a discreet credit card-sized device that triggers alarms and provides details of thier location to Securitas or the police.

The Benefits

Once activiated, Guardian24 Identicom opens a call to Securitas(Alarm Receiving Centre) where the call can be managed by a highly trained operative, recorded and if necessary, escalated to the emergency services for an immediate response.

Using an Orange SIM, the Identicom device can also be used to trigger automatic text messages to be sent directly to colleagues and headquarters over the Orange network.

With a discreet activation button, workers can also alert potential issues without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk. The device can be used to record incidents, which can later be used as evidence in cases of physical or verbal abuse.

''NHS home workers provide an invaluable public service, but sadly, safety remains a major concern for both employee and employer. Unlike many other professions, lone workers in the NHS are often out of reach, working in isolation and with little contact with the Trust. Solutions such as the Identicom card help employers take back control of their employees' welfare. But that's not all, it gives lone workers the confidence they need to walk into any environment and provide the care and service that the public has come to expect and deserve.''
Geoff Hayter, Strategic Channel Partner Director, Guardian24

''Technology has advanced to a stage now where it is able to shape the way we all work and live. This is a great example of how technology is not just providing financial savings - but helping to ensure the security and welfare of lone workers. We look forward to working in partnership with innovative companies such as Guardian24 and Securitas Alert Services in providing British loen workers with the tools to feel safe, confident and in turn, more able to provide effective home care servies.''
Bob Pisolkar, Head of Public Sector, Orange UK

To download Case Study click here

For further information on the Identicom Lone Worker Device click here