Protecting vulnerable workers

The first conviction under the new ‘Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007’ in February this year underpins the absolute requirement for companies to protect staff who face risk at work.

A geologist, left on his own and directed to finish up investigating soil conditions in a deep trench, was killed on 5 September 2008. The company was fined £385,000 – 128% of its annual turnover.

The Judge explained, “It may well be that the fine in the terms of its payment will put this company into liquidation. If that is the case it’s unfortunate but unavoidable. But it’s a consequence of the serious breach.”

Sentencing guidelines had set the starting fine at £500,000 (with potential for an unlimited fine) with a clear aim to ensure the message to all organisations and responsible managers is; Ignore health and safety at your peril!

Harnessing technology to protect your people

For many lone workers, using familiar mobile technology can fundamentally change how they manage risk during the course of their work.

code5 on your current mobile device is an affordable, simple, dynamic and rapidly deployable service integrating existing mobile technology and devices with our dedicated BS5979/BS8484 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

Solutions like code5 and SafeLocate deliver 24-hour access to last known locations and provide continuous position updates and automated safety checks, where agreed protocols are put in place to quickly find staff who have missed their scheduled safety check.

Additionally, users can quickly activate the code5 service gaining 24/7 access to highly trained operators who monitor, record, locate and take action to reach a safe resolution, engaging with emergency services when required. Specialist devices and dedicated training can also enhance the level of protection and solutions to cover all situations where staff face risk.

Managers can rest assured knowing their staff have finished their shift safely and workers can feel more confident with the knowledge that should something happen; their organisation has implemented a service that will help protect them and ensure they are safe and well.

Ultimately, it could be these simple measures that help you avoid fines that could put your whole business at risk.