Safety monitoring for lone workers without a mobile phone

(09/07/2007)

Safeguarding lone workers in industries such as forestry, agriculture, construction, cargo and marine can be a problem for employers as the nature of their work may make it inappropriate for employees to use a mobile phone to raise an alarm in the event of an accident or attack. Now, Argyll Telecom has launched MaxCare, an accurate waterproof device, which can be worn comfortably on the arm, leg, shoulder or waist – it can even be sewn into an item of clothing.

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 Telecom’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 Telecom’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 came into effect in June.

Related topics:  Monitoring systems   Physical protection   Safety and protection systems 

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