When Guardian Angel were awarded the Worksafe NZ lone worker contract 4 years ago, the lone worker market looked quite different. There were not as many suppliers (in fact we were kind of it!) and there were a lot less products on the market, and thus less confusion.
This fatal incident highlights not only the importance of training users in safety equipment and processes for use, but also for us, highlights how a man down alarm in situations where workers are out of line of sight of each other would instantly alert others to an incident.
When implementing a lone worker safety solution your first priority is the safety of your people. How do you do this while ensuring your team are on board with the solution and don’t feel that they are being watched?
While the interpretation of the HSWA Guidelines as they apply to remote and isolated work are fairly ambiguous, what is clear, is that workers must have “effective” communication at all times.
While GPS location always works provided you’re in view of the sky, you may also have staff who need protection and are working in vast indoor spaces. Our latest blog post explains why a GPS solution wont work and what options are available.
Not sure which device will give your Lone Workers the greatest level of protection? Our information paper explains the differences between PLB/EPIRB/SPOT devices versus robust iridium communication/SOS devices.
In March 2017 the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council tragically lost one of their staff in a vehicle incident. Like all accidents, it was unexpected and the outcome was most severe. The loss of a life, a dad to two wee girls, a husband, friend and son.
Tonkin + Taylor were already using the inReach device. They have staff who are often out of cell cover, and at times, overnight.
Issues around PCBUs – a person conducting a business or undertaking – under incoming new health and safety legislation could prove tricky for organisations employing lone workers, says Guardian Angel Security MD Petra Hakansson.
Having GPS in your vehicles is fantastic, there are many benefits, but does this protect your lone and remote workers?
