Due to working in remote environmental areas and with hazardous equipment and machinery, there are a number of risk factors to consider. Some of these include; falls from height, electricity, trains, heavy lifting, handling chemicals and operating machinery and power tools. Such risks made up 62.5% of all self-reported workplace risk factors last year* and while steps can be taken to reduce risk, accidents can still occur in such environments and having a way to alert someone could be life changing.
For Ground Control, the wellbeing of their employees has always been a priority for the business and health and safety remains at the forefront of all operations. Recognising that lone workers were exposed to greater risk, they set out to further strengthen their safety policy.
As a business already using technology to enhance the efficiency of operations across different teams, they recognized that an app based solution would be a perfect fit for the tech savvy business.
Key members of the Ground Control workforce field tested EcoOnline’s lone worker solution, powered by StaySafe, before choosing a solution and found it met all of their requirements. With employees entering areas of low signal on a daily basis, EcoOnline’s lone worker app, powered by StaySafe, low signal options were an important deciding factor. EcoOnline’s lone worker app, powered by StaySafe, continues to send alerts and session check-ins to the hub even in areas where there is no Wi-Fi or mobile data signal, so that employees remain protected wherever they are. The ability to panic when in need of assistance was also of interest to employees and managers.
Another feature Ground Control have found particularly useful, was EcoOnline’s lone worker app, powered by StaySafe, phone call alert notifications. This feature allows line workers to receive notifications of a panic, missed check-in, or session expiry via a phone call. This is used during out of hours working where line managers are no longer in the office and are in need of a more intrusive way of receiving an alert.
Gary Summerfield, HSQE Manager at Ground Control comments, “as a business facing a number of challenges such as low signal and out of hour operations, finding a solution that ticked all of our boxes was important. The lone worker app not only did exactly that, but they were also very supportive through the set-up and implementation process. From initial enquiry to roll out, EcoOnline’s team offered support and guidance to help the process run smoothly and efficiently.
Our employees find the app incredibly easy to use and line managers now feel they have more time to focus on other tasks while knowing they will be notified if a lone worker requires help.”
*HSE 2014/2015 Annual Report: Self-reported workplace risks.
