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News
Latest news:
Dec 07: The impact of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act
Nov 07: Lone worker software achieves recognition at Scottish Software Awards
Nov 07: Exclusive pricing plan for NHS and government lone workers
Older articles can be found in the news archive.
December 2007
The impact of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act
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
Lone worker software achieves recognition at Scottish Software Awards
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 Wireless Innovation.
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
> Demonstrable commercial success or groundbreaking potential
> Evidence of success within the wireless/mobile market
“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
Exclusive pricing plan for NHS and government lone worker safety
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. Services can also be 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
Argyll joins forces with Orange to harness technology in the workplace
Argyll, the UK market leader in remote lone worker safety monitoring, is joining forces with Orange Business Services in a series of road shows to demonstrate how technology can be harnessed to support flexible working practices. Designed to show how companies can utilize the latest technology to become more productive and keep employees safe and secure, Orange and Argyll, together with other partners, will be giving presentations and demonstrations of a range products to support mobile workers.
Free of charge, the Evolution at work events will be held at:
• Glasgow Hilton Hotel on Thursday 18th October
• Birmingham, National Motorcycle Museum on Tuesday 23rd October
• London, Vinopolis on Thursday 25th October
• Manchester, New Century House on Tuesday 30th October
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
Cornwall Trading Standards adopt IdentiCare from Argyll
When an Animal Health Officer from Cornwall County Council Trading Standards Service, was attacked whilst on a site visit to a farm with a veterinary surgeon, they decided to review their lone worker protection. Now it has purchased Identicare as part of an integrated lone worker solution from Argyll, the UK’s market leader in mobile personnel monitoring.
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.