One of the UK’s largest car parts distributors has teamed up with lone worker experts Peoplesafe to protect its staff.
Andrew Page Ltd has given 100 of its frontline workers special devices that can raise the alarm if they need help.
The devices are being used by staff at the company’s main distribution centre in Derbyshire and across the country at its 114 branches.
Since its formation in 1917, Andrew Page, which has its head office in Leeds, has grown to become to one of the UK’s largest distributors of autoparts and workshop equipment.
Peoplesafe, which has its headquarters in South Yorkshire, is one of the UK’s leading providers of simple and lightweight equipment and monitoring services to keep employees as safe as possible. It provides an NSI Gold accredited service (the highest possible industry recognition), which is fully compliant with the British Standard for lone worker provision (8484) and is supported by a 24/7 monitoring centre.
The two devices chosen from the Peoplesafe portfolio by Andrew Page are the Identicom and the Twig protector.
The Identicom, looks like a name badge, but has a Red Alert activation button on the back, which calls through to the monitoring centre. The discreet alarm button makes it ideal for public facing lone workers.
It also has a GPS locator, so people can easily be found in an emergency. Identicom is being used by Andrew Page staff working at the 100,000 sq ft distribution centre and by branch managers and HGV drivers throughout the country.
The other product, the Twig Protector, offers the same high level of protection as the Identicom, but looks like a mobile phone.
It has a man-down capability, which means it sets off an alarm if the user falls over. It also links to the monitoring centre. The design means that it is better suited to those whose roles are not public facing, but where use and durability are more important.
Ian Johannessen, managing director of Peoplesafe, said: “We are delighted to be working with Andrew Page as we know how they value their staff and their welfare.
“We have worked closely with them to provide the best possible solution for their lone workers and give them peace of mind.
“By utilising a combination of the Identicom and Twig devices Andrew Page staff can be sure that they are using the devices that are best suited to their lone working requirements and risks.”
Lisa Reed, health and safety officer at Andrew Page, said the decision to introduce the devices fitted in with the company’s strong focus on its people.
She said: “The personal safety of our staff is a priority. Employees now feel safer when carrying out their duties in the knowledge that emergency help is only a button push away.”
It’s estimated there are 6.8 million lone workers in this country, which is 22 per cent of the working population. They range from lorry drivers and social workers to shop assistants and farm workers.
Peoplesafe’s clients include a range of major retailers, house builders and facilities management companies.
Peoplesafe will be exhibiting at Safety and Health Expo at Excel in London from June 16 – 18 at stand number M2050.
