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News - Press releases April 2008
Smartcare GPS - SmartCare GPS is a powerful GPS location device which is small in size and lightweight. It is designed for personal security and has an inbuilt emergency call button as well as a motion sensor. Both these features ensure direct contact to your chosen control centre or emergency number should you encounter a difficult or threatening situation. As your location will be known, the control centre or emergency contact can deal with the situation efficiently and effectively. SmartCare GPS is designed to work on any mobile GSM network using 850, 900, 1800 or 1900 frequency (Quad Band). Works with all the Argyll product range AND features man-down SmartCare GPS offers controlled dialling allowing you to call four pre-programmed telephone numbers. When you slide the emergency button up, your current position will automatically be sent to the control centre and the four pre-programmed numbers will simultaneously be dialled in sequence. Includes: The Box: Handset, Battery, Travel Charger, Handsfree Headset, Quick Start Guide, User Guide Available Accessories: 900 mAh Battery, Travel Charger, Car Charger, Desktop Charger, Handsfree Headset, Case and Belt Clip
Argyll recently attended a Corporate Manslaughter (Homicide) seminar at the offices of top Scottish legal firm Biggart Baillie. Catherine Feechan talked the audience through the new Directors Duties legislation and Elena Fry updated attendees on the hard facts about the Corporate Manslaughter (Corporate Homicide) Act 2007. "Businesses involved in a fatal incident now face possible investigation and prosecution for Corporate Manslaughter. They cannot turn a blind eye to bad health and safety practices - they must make health and safety a priority. Elena Fry"The presentations were well received and audience questions added to the overall knowledge gathering. It is clear that companies, should an incident occur, need to take steps to preserve the evidence chain. This applies even when proper Health and Safety policies are in place. To illustrate the effects that the new Act could have on businesses, Elena talked through a 'what if' scenario. She used the examples of The Herald of Free Enterprise and the more recent Transco fine and advised how these cases 'may' have been viewed under the current legislation. Corporate Manslaughter (Homicide) is not going to be just another Act - the implications are huge. Are you covered? March 2008 Orange Director Heads up new sales team Former Orange Director, David Coombs, has been appointed as Sales Director at Argyll. Coombs spent the last three years as Partner Director in Orange running the IT partner channel working with such household names as IBM, Oracle, SAP, Sage to deliver mobile solutions to large corporate customers Previous to this, he spent four and a half years at Microsoft- as business development manager in the Manufacturing and Retail verticals working with a variety of customers such as M&S, Tesco, Amey, Laing O’Rorke and Balfour Beatty. Married with 3 children Mr Coombs lives in Northamptonshire
New Appointment Argyll have appointed former Scottish Enterprise Head of New Media, David Farrell-Shaw as Head of Marketing.
"I am looking forward to using my expertise to help develop the marketing strategy in, what I believe to be, one Scotland's top firms " David Farrell-Shaw Farrell-Shaw held posts of Web Marketing Manager, Web Manager, Managing Editor and Head of New Media during his eight year tour of duty with Scottish Enterprise. Prior to the SE role Farrell-Shaw was Web Manager for the Government, Education and Medical business units at Compaq Computer Ltd.
November 2007 The Scottish Software Awards, which attracted over 100 entrants, was held on 23rd Nov 2007 at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Glasgow. Argyll’s “CommuniCare” lone worker software was judged ‘Runner Up’ in the category for: Best Wireless /mobile Software Solution Sponsored by This award recognises Argyll as a company that has developed an innovative software solution for the wireless/mobile market sector. The judges assessment was based upon: > Level of innovation “CommuniCare” is a modular TeleCare solution that integrates GSM, Internet, VoIP and conventional landline communication technologies with GIS location mapping and bespoke GSM safety devices to deliver a comprehensive software based solution aimed at satisfying the health, safety and personal wellbeing needs for direct clients and Service Providers across multiple industry sectors. Cost effective to purchase and use, CommuniCare enables companies to discreetly monitor the day-to-day safety of vulnerable people such as lone workers, thereby ensuring the employer can meet moral obligations and health and safety legislation. Almost 17,000 subscribers across multiple industry sectors including the NHS; Local Authorities; Charities; Housing Associations; Private Healthcare; Construction; Transport; Finance; Security; Forestry and Public Agencies have currently adopted the solution. The technology is being developed further to include other vulnerable people such as the elderly, people living alone and those with potentially life-threatening medical conditions. Speaking after the awards, Tom Morton, Managing Director said “I’m delighted that our Software Engineers expertise and tireless dedication is being recognised by their peers within the Scottish Software industry. CommuniCare is a ground-breaking robust, innovative and market leading software that provides vital reassurance and around the clock safety monitoring for vulnerable people”
November 2007 The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 represents a substantial change in the management of health and safety. Coming into force on 6 April 2008, the new legislation will make it possible for companies and government bodies to face prosecution should gross management failure result in the death of a person – be they an employee, a member of the public or any other individual. Under existing legislation, a company’s guilt is associated with the gross negligence of an individual considered to be the embodiment of the company. While this is straightforward with regards to small companies, it has posed a problem in prosecutions against larger employers. The new Act will effectively remedy the current situation by making it possible for an organisation’s senior management team to be held accountable. The penalties are potentially steep – organisations found guilty can face unlimited fines, remedial and publicity orders. Not only does this pose financial repercussions, but companies also run the risk of damage to their corporate reputation. As a result, the Act is vitally important and must be factored into all aspects of health and safety management – including that of your lone workers. Lone worker safety is already subject to stringent health & safety legislation, calling for thorough risk assessments, robust lone worker policies and effective safety systems. Corporate Manslaughter adds a further incentive to put these pieces in place – if a company can demonstrate efficient health and safety management, this can stand as a solid defence should they face a Corporate Manslaughter prosecution. With nearly 10 years’ experience in the field of lone worker safety and monitoring in excess of 17,000 lone workers, Argyll is the UK market leader in lone worker safety monitoring. Drawing on our experience, we would advise all organisations to evaluate their health and safety policies in light of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. November 2007 Argyll, the UK market leader in lone worker safety monitoring solutions has announced an exclusive offer for the NHS and local and central government. Available until the end of March 2008, the offer represents the best possible value for public sector clients using Argyll’s CommuniCare orCare4Youservices. Included in the offer is a choice of bespoke lone worker safety devices including the new MobiCare GPS and IdentiCare. S ervices canalsobe operated using existing mobile phones. Public sector clients will also benefit from a financial contribution contribution toward specialist lone working training delivered either through the NHS CFSMS or via conflict management specialist Maybo. Argyll’s services currently monitor in excess of 17,000 lone workers including NHS and Local Authority personnel – ranging from community midwives and ambulance crews to parking attendants and neighbourhood wardens - throughout the UK. With active time-at-risk monitoring, passive location monitoring and discreet duress facilities, implementation of Argyll’s solutions significantly aids compliance with current health and safety legislation and fully meets employers’ Duty of Care. Tom Morton, Managing Director commented: “Every lone worker’s requirements are different – therefore there can be no genuinely effective one-size-fits-all solution and this is the reason why Argyll uniquely offers a choice of services and devices.” “The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act are steering the health & safety agenda of each and every organisation. Controlling the risks associated with lone working has never been more prominent and Argyll is committed to enabling clients to operate safe working practices using mobile technology to deliver a robust lone worker system.” www.argylltelecom.com/govoffer October 2007 Free of charge, the Evolution at work events will be held at: Attendees will have the opportunity to experience real life technology and solutions in action and discuss the technical and business issues that are changing the workplace. You will be able to receive practical advice and solutions to help you prepare your company for the future and the options available to help safeguard mobile employees. The road shows are aimed at all business managers including local government, finance, transport, retail, estate agents, emergency services, facility management, security, health & safety and the NHS. Delegates wishing to receive an invitation and details of the road shows should register on-line using the special form available on http://www.evolutionatwork.co.uk. Commenting, Tom Morton, Managing Director of Argyll, said: “These road shows are an ideal opportunity for managers to find highly effective solutions for changes in the workplace. These include fulfilling health and safety requirements including the monitoring of lone workers who may be operating in remote areas or in hazardous situations. Delegates will leave the road shows better equipped to meet the legislative requirements relating to the health and safety of their lone worker employees”. Since its foundation in 1998, Argyll has become the leading UK market provider of technology solutions to support employers and their lone workers. The company offers a wide range of products and services which have been specifically designed to support lone workers through monitoring and managing their time at risk, and providing them with the means of summoning immediate assistance in an emergency situation. August 2007 Trading Standards is a law enforcement agency, which has an impact on practically all aspects of life, from the safety of children's toys to the honesty of property descriptions when buying a home. Trading Standards investigate "clocked" cars and the welfare of farm animals. Whether the consumer is buying a loaf of bread, a pint of beer or arranging credit, the department is responsible for ensuring that sales are fair and legal. As many of Cornwall’s Trading Standards and Animal Health Officers work from home, safety procedures relied on them phoning the office when they returned home or filling in a computer diary so that colleagues would know their movements. Following the incident at the farm, Cornwall Trading Standards Service decided to investigate products that would enable personnel to discreetly raise the alarm if threatened or in the event of an accident. Various lone worker alarm technologies were evaluated culminating in the Identicare package being selected following positive feedback from users. Cornwall Trading Standards Service has now purchased a total of 21 Identicare units, which are now being used by its officers. “Our Animal Health Officers regularly go to farms and markets to enforce animal licensing and welfare, whilst our Trading Standard Officers can find themselves in potentially dangerous situations when enforcing the law , or responding to a complaint ,” said David Phillips, Head of Service at Cornwall Trading Standards. “Argyll’s Identicare was chosen for its simplicity of pricing, ease of use and its 24/7 monitoring centre”. When an employee feels they are entering a hazardous situation, they press an amber alert button, which notifies Argyll’s monitoring centre. In this way, the monitoring centre is able to note the wearer’s location and raise the alarm if the amber alert is not cancelled within a predetermined period. If the red alert is then pressed the centres’ support staff can discreetly listen in to what is happening and make an assessment as to the level of support required– involving the police if necessary. In the event of a verbal confrontation, the Centre can also record the conversation for future action. Argyll is providing Cornwall Trading Standards Service with a total solutions package that includes the Identicare unit, operator response, tracking, training and configuration with the most appropriate mobile network and ongoing support. “Argyll’s Identicare service has proven to be a reliable and cost effective means of support for our officers”, said Richard Bunt ICT Support Officer, “Both our Trading Standard and Animal Health Officers now have that extra degree of confidence when entering a potentially volatile situation”. Over 17,000 users successfully operate Argyll’s lone worker solutions across the UK in a diverse range of organisations that includes the NHS, charities, local authorities, housing associations and commercial organisations. The service is suitable for anyone working remotely from their office base and facing potential safety risks during the course of their normal working day. It enables employers to meet the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which specifies that employers must identify potential hazards, assess the risks involved and put measures in place to avoid or control the risks associated with lone workers. July 2007 Also incorporating a duress function, which meets employers Duty of Care and aids compliance with current Health and Safety legislation, MobiCare GPS is a compact, simplified mobile phone that offers limited call functionality. Suitable for a wide range of lone workers, MobiCare GPS is cost-effective, simple to use and enables employees to keep in touch with up to three nominated contacts. As MobiCare has limited dialling capacities, it minimises the costs normally associated with mobile phones but without reducing any of the benefits of maintaining regular contact with supervisors, managers or other colleagues. The Amber Risk button enables the worker to dynamically manage temporary risk activities – recording details of their time-at-risk, location and current job. More discreet than a mobile phone, MobiCare GPS ergonomic design is easy to use and is so lightweight it can be kept in a pocket out of sight, making it possible to discreetly raise the alarm if threatened. An LED keeps the user informed of battery strength and coverage whilst a vibration signal reassures the user that their duress signal has been received and action is being taken. A optional lanyard attachment automatically triggers a Red Risk alert should the device be forcibly removed from the wearer. In the event that the user needs immediate help, either because of an accident or from physical or verbal abuse, they can press the Red Risk button to send an emergency signal to Argyll’s 24-hour ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre), initiating an agreed incident management procedure or to the customer’s alternative monitoring facility (or a combination of both). MobiCare GPS 2-way audio channel enables users to communicate details of their situation verbally and for operators at the control room to listen in and record the call, whilst retrieving current location information and summoning immediate assistance from a nominated person or the emergency services if necessary. MobiCare GPS is the latest addition to Argyll’s portfolio of bespoke lone worker devices. The company’s established names IdentiCare, MobiCare, MaxCare, CommuniCare and Seeker currently provide over 17,000 users with lone worker safety solutions across the UK in a diverse range of organisations that includes the NHS, charities, local authorities, housing associations and commercial companies. June 2007 If you would like to find out more about our involvement in this event, contact us on events@argylltelecom.com or 0870 750 1475. A copy of the ALARM 2007 brochure can be downloaded from www.alarm-uk.org/events.aspx May 2007 Containing sophisticated mobile phone and satellite location monitoring technology, MaxCare is totally dependable and simple to use. Should the worker encounter difficulties they simply squeeze the MaxCare unit in order to trigger a duress signal. This signal is transmitted to Argyll's 24/7-manned control room where assistance is summoned, guided by the highly accurate GPS location technology, which pinpoints the wearer’s position. The armband uses vibration alerts to acknowledge that the signal has been received and that help is on its way. MaxCare also transmit audio, allowing the operators to monitor the incident and the lone worker to communicate details of their situation verbally. Sophisticated voice recording and audit trails ensure that every incident is captured and can be produced in evidence. When MaxCare is removed from its charging port, it vibrates to confirm sufficient charge is achieved and immediately notifies Argyll's server sending out a Green Alert. After locating the first satellite fix, MaxCare updates the server every 2½ minutes providing an historical trace of the wearer’s movements. MaxCare’s batteries typically last 12-15 hours before needing to be recharged. As the battery depletes, the unit vibrates providing advanced notification to the wearer and simultaneously updating the server. A second and final reminder is provided 30 minutes later notifying the wearer that the battery has approximately 10 minutes remaining. Able to be completely submersed in water (IP68 rated) and fully waterproof, MaxCare is ideal for outdoor and maritime use where a mobile phone would not withstand the rigours of rain or sea spray. MaxCare is one of a range of purpose-made lone workers safety devices available from Argyll that have been specifically formulated to meet Health and Safety regulations and the new Corporate Manslaughter legislation which comes into effect in June.March 2007 The ISO 9000 series of international standards for quality management is among the most widely known and successful of the 13,000 standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO has become the most recognized international reference for quality requirements in business-to-business dealings. During the auditor’s evaluation, Argyll was acknowledged to have effective management systems and quality controls in place – ultimately ensuring that regulatory requirements and the customer’s quality requirements are fulfilled. Tom Morton, Managing Director, said: “I am delighted for the team at Argyll. ISO accreditation recognises the dedication and sustained commitment, by every member of staff, to adopt Internationally recognised quality standards.” “ISO 9001 effectively represents a ‘seal of quality’ and speaks volumes for the company’s effective quality systems, level of service, dependability and customer care. With processes in place for continual improvement, we look forward to further enhancements to our quality management system.” About Argyll About SGS
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© 2007 Argyll. All rights reserved.