How it works
Lone workers use the ‘one touch’ speed-dial facility on their mobile phones to provide regular spoken updates describing their latest location/appointment throughout the day. They are also required to input the length of their appointment using the telephone key pad to initiate a timed count down on the system.
When the countdown expires, if the lone worker hasn’t already provided a location update, the system automatically phones the worker to check they are safe. If the worker fails to reply or fails to confirm they are safe, (using a PIN number), the system alerts nominated colleagues, (known as ‘Responders’), and replays them the latest message left by the lone worker. Again, a PIN number is used to verify the identity of the Responder and confirms their intention to take appropriate action. Without this, the system escalates the alert to other Responders.
The system also features an Emergency Panic Alert facility which enables the lone worker to instantly request assistance via another ‘one touch’ speed-dial. No further action is required by the lone worker – the system immediately contacts Responders and they should take immediate action in accordance with their lone worker policy.
Why use LookOut Call?
- Lone workers cannot be overlooked
The system fully automates the ‘alert process’ which often proves unreliable when solely based upon Diaries/White Board or Buddy Systems. LookOut call never forgets to check staff are safe. - Staff feel happier
Staff using LookOut call feel more confident about working alone and this has positive side-effects in terms of reduced staff wastage and sickness. Staff who feel better valued are also likely to perform better. - Health and safety regulations
LookOut call helps an employer demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety of vulnerable lone working staff.
Nowadays, failure to convince the courts that every effort has been made to minimise lone worker risks can have costly consequences. In these days of ‘compensation culture’, Health & Safety is a significant business risk. The new Corporate Manslaughter Act will also widen the scope of courts to penalise organisations when negligence has been clearly proved. - Enhances Safety Training
LookOut call augments the benefits of safety training. Before each appointment the lone worker is virtually conducting a ‘mini risk assessment’ prior to leaving a message on the system. If a lone worker decides to use the ‘Watch Me’ facility, this highlights that extra caution may be required and helps the remote worker to become fully prepared before entering a premises.
Using LookOut Call.
If you are a Responder and you receive a phone call from LookOut call telling you that a lone worker is overdue you proceed as follows:
- Press the hash (#) key on your phone to acknowledge the alarm
- Listen to the latest message left by the lone worker, which will tell you their last known location
- Enter your PIN number to confirm that you have acknowledged the call and that you are taking appropriate action.
What happens if I don’t respond?
If you fail to acknowledge or fail to enter the PIN code, the next responder on the list will be contacted. Responders may also access additional information concerning the lone worker (e.g. a photograph or car registration details) via a private area of the LookOut call website, which may be useful when tracing the worker.
