01.08.14
Lone worker solutions for Network Rail
The launch of the new enhanced Sentinel card system has ushered in the use of new technology and new ways of working for rail workers in the UK. Coinciding with this, Network Rail is introducing two new Lone Worker Protection services – Push4Help and Heartbeat – both activated from workers’ mobile devices. Steve White, technical director of Lone Worker Solutions, explains more.
The Everyone Home Safe Every Day campaign highlights Network Rail’s commitment to keeping staff safe. This extends to ensuring that any individual working alone is protected.
The Heartbeat service monitors you on a regular basis at chosen intervals, (for example 60 minutes), whereas Push4Help is an immediate push-button alert system that feeds directly through to an operator who can monitor any ongoing situation with the individual – calling emergency services if necessary.
Lone Worker Protection in a nutshell:
• Lone Worker Protection is a service that employees can opt-in to – it has to be activated from their mobile device each time they want to use it.
• Users must leave a message whenever they want to activate the service. The message must, at the very least, contain who to call in the event of an emergency. Ideally, some location information should be left too.
• Users determine which services to use depending on their own circumstances
• GPS only works if you have activated it on the phone
• Will be available to all Sentinel card holders
Both services are provided by Lone Worker Solutions Limited based in Bury, Greater Manchester. Its technical director, Steve White, answered users’ questions:
Q) What are the benefits of Lone Worker Protection for the user?
The user safety aspect. No matter where you are, we have a solution where in the case of an emergency we can send help to you as quickly as possible. And that is whether you are working alone in remote areas or in dangerous urban areas. The Lone Worker Protection provides a single point of escalation no matter what mobile phone you use; no matter who you are or where you are, there is a support solution for you.
Q) Once I enrol for Lone Worker Protection will I need to upgrade my phone or my service?
No. The Heartbeat or Push4Help works across both smart and non-smartphones. There is a dedicated app for Windows, Android and iPhones, with BlackBerry and non-smartphones supported by the voice Heartbeat service. All the apps are managed by a single platform.
Q) Are there other companies using this service?
A number of shipping ports around the UK use the system, along with homecare health providers, key security personnel, engineering and utility companies.
Q) What about people who work in areas of no phone reception – how would they use this service?
Yes, we know this is a common problem in various parts of the rail network. In this instance the person would use the Heartbeat system. The Heartbeat system activates the response timers on both the app used by the lone worker and the Lone Worker Manager Platform. So even if the mobile phone loses signal, the platform still expects a response and so will activate an alert.
Q) How will people know of any upgrades or if the system goes down?
If you have installed the app on your phone, you will be alerted automatically each time there is an upgrade. The app will always inform you if there is an issue with the Lone Worker Manager Platform. This will appear on your mobile phone screen.
Q) What about data security – how secure is the information you will hold on people?
Very secure. All data is held in data centres adhering to the highest ISO standards. Your data is subject to data protection legislation. The only way an employer can access information about you is through a court order. In introducing the service to Network Rail, we have made sure the system’s security is very robust. This has been a big concern for the rail unions, so I’m glad to say that our system more than meets that requirement.
Q) So what’s next?
We’re constantly developing new applications and integrating dedicated devices such as mobile phones to provide lone worker protection regardless of where people work. Our goal is to provide a simple easy-to-use system for lone worker protection for all users. An example of what is in our development pipeline is a dedicated small satellite communication device that can be used in areas where there is absolutely no mobile phone signal. In the near future we will be releasing a dedicated Windows mobile app, which is now being trialled.
For more information on Lone Worker Protection, go to https://www.railsentinel.co.uk/LoneWorkerProtection or www.loneworkermanager.com
Watch a video about the new system on the RTM website here: http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-Videos?vid=100799654
(Above: Steve White)