As the Code of Practice for the provision of lone worker device services, BS 8484 outlines the principles and operational procedures to be implemented by a remote monitoring centre, so that controllers can verify activation messages received from lone workers and assist response services when reacting to requests for assistance.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), there are between three to four million lone workers employed in the UK. Employers have a legal responsibility for the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees and it is their duty to assess risks to lone workers and, where necessary, equip them with alarm devices and access to services.

Speed of response can be critical in potentially life-threatening situations and precious time can be saved when providing the appropriate response. To assist both employers and employees, the CMC provides a range of lone worker monitoring services. As well as monitoring an extensive range of third party devices, it also acts as the control hub for Corps Security’s recently introduced Corpsguard smartphone app, which provides enhanced levels of personal safety through a variety of intuitive features.

Corpsguard can be used on Apple Iphone, Blackberry and Android devices and is activated by simply shaking or tapping the smartphone. This immediately sends SMS, email, Facebook and Twitter messages, along with an alert page, to the CMC detailing an exact GPS location. Once the CMC receives the alert, its personnel will review the data to verify it and attempt to contact the user to establish their situation. If there is no answer, or the evidence suggests a threat to life, local police will be informed. All activations, responses and alerts are logged with time, date and content for health and safety management, future auditing and compliance.

BS 8484 complements the CMC’s existing BS 5979 and ISO 9001 certifications, as well as its prestigious National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Gold accreditation. To maintain its NSI Gold status Corps Security has to adhere to all relevant British and European standards for technical performance, operate formal internal procedures and audit processes to give greater customer assurance, demonstrate a long-term track record of performance, and provide evidence of reliability and stability.

‘We’re delighted to have achieved BS 8484 compliance, which ensures that the CMC’s lone worker service is always fit for purpose,’ commented Nick Gilroy, Corps Security’s quality and compliance manager. ‘It provides users with a certified safety system for protecting and monitoring lone workers, and our ability to access police control rooms generates a guaranteed response to any emergency situation. BS 8484, alongside our other certifications and accreditations, reinforces the CMC’s position as the leading facility of its kind in the UK.’