Marina Developments Ltd case study

The need
With over 30 years’ experience and responsible for 18 major marinas and boatyards, Marina Developments Ltd(MDL) is Europe’s largest marina group. Having played a key role in establishing the modern-day marina, MDL continuously strives to raise the benchmark in all areas; with state-of-the-art facilities and the safest possible working conditions. Acknowledging their responsibilities under H&S legislation and duty of care and by identifying
and understanding specific risks encountered by its lone workers; MDL investigated a range of systems before deciding upon solutions provided by Argyll (Argyll).

While the marina staff are highly skilled and trained, there is always the potential for accidents around water. In the event that a person should get into difficulty, they must be able to call for help as quickly and efficiently as possible. While traditional radio-based communications devices or standard mobile phones can help, they are of limited use, can be unreachable in time of need and prove to be impractical around water and susceptible to damage.

Following risk assessments, MDL identified a need for their staff to have a more robust and flexible safety system. They also required management to be provided with knowledge of the safety and whereabouts of its marina staff at all times.

The solution
A proponent of modern technology, MDL had no hesitation in utilising Argyll’s hi-tech MaxCare device. Designed in the form of a waterproof armband and containing sophisticated mobile phone and satellite location technologies, MaxCare provides the marina staff with immediate access to a robust, reliable and easy-to-use emergency response system. To provide a further level of safety, GPS-based location information records a traceable log of a wearer’s position to within 10 metres.

Simplicity and dependability are key to MaxCare’s success and it is completely instinctive to use. Should the lone worker encounter difficulties they simply squeeze the unit in order to trigger a duress signal. This signal is transmitted to Argyll’s 24/365 manned control room. The armband uses vibration alerts to acknowledge that signals have been received and help is on its way. Assistance is summoned, guided by the highly accurate GPS location technology which pinpoints the wearer’s position. MaxCare also transmits 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.

MaxCare also overcomes a major problem associated with the marina, or any outdoor, environment – it is completely submersible in water (IP68 rated) and fully waterproof. MaxCare is one of a range of purpose-made lone worker safety devices available from Argyll and can be worn around the arm, waist or leg.

Why Argyll
MDL is just one of many organisations to have chosen Argyll because of their experience, expertise, flexibility and range of services and devices. Current clients include Marie Curie Cancer Care, Viridor Waste Management and Capita PLC.

Argyll operates at the forefront of mobile technology and software and works in partnership with a number of high profile organisations including mobile operators and device manufacturers. The company continually invests in failsafe and uninterruptible IT systems and operates an integrated control room. Argyll provides the best technical means of minimising risk and monitoring personal safety. Its services aid compliance with current Health & Safety legislation, can be customised to your organisational requirements and are compatible with client’s existing handsets, PDA, BlackBerry®, or any of Argyll’s range of purpose-made lone worker devices.

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