It appears since 9/11, efforts have been concentrated on the fight against terrorism and other threats to national and international security to the detriment of person safety. But thanks to the British Security Industry Association which has reminded us all that with over six million people in the UK working alone or without close or direct supervision, personal safety is too is of paramount concern.
As its practical demonstration of that concern, the BSIA has published a guide to help lone workers understand their own responsibilities as well as their employer’s obligations, and giving essential advice on using lone worker devices.
'Lone Workers - An Employees' Guide' provides those working alone with easy-to-follow advice on how to stay safe at work, including valuable information on risk assessments and the use of monitored lone worker services, including devices used to call for help. Advice is also given on what lone workers can expect from their employers, explaining duty of care and training.
Alex Carmichael, Technical Director at the BSIA said: "This guide recognises the importance of keeping lone workers safe and secure. Responsible employers will consider the health and safety of their lone workers as a top priority, and the use of lone worker devices can help by connecting such employees with an emergency response system that has direct links to the Police."
Carmichael added: "The BSIA and its members have been at the forefront of the drive to raise standards and awareness of lone worker systems through its work with British Standards, key involvement in the development of the standard relating to lone workers (BS8484) and its Lone Worker focus group. BSIA members meet strict corporate requirements, so customers who source lone worker services from them can be confident that they will receive quality advice and service."
Another plus for Meet the Buyers event
In another development, the fifth Meet the Buyers event, organised by the BSIA in partnership with the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), IFSEC organiser United Business Media and the International Trade Promotion Centre, took place on Monday 16th of May, on the first day of the IFSEC show.
The event which was formatted as a ‘speed networking’ event, where brief ten-minute introductory meetings are arranged in advance, this year’s edition of the popular event confirmed its extraordinary success and welcomed security procurement specialists from countries including India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Dubai and Nigeria.
It is said over the years, Meet The Buyers has achieved impressive results, introducing UK businesses to over 1,200 overseas buyers and resulting in almost £10 million worth of predicted sales.
Jumade Adejola, from Nigerian company Surveillant Fire Limited, who has attended the event for a second year running explained the reasons why, as a foreign company, this event is so beneficial: ‘My organisation has been dealing with UK companies for a number of years now, but being able to attend and be associated with Meet the Buyers puts us ahead of our competitors, as it proves we are serious about forging lasting links with UK businesses. We have seen a significant boost in sales last year following the event, and our relationships with UK companies have never been better, as being able to meet people face to face always allows for greater networking success.’
Whilst Wilf Butcher, Chief Executive Officer for the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, also said on the rare opportunity provided by the event: “The event does provide a unique opportunity to meet face to face with a number of commercial officers from across the world, all at the same time. There is real potential for companies to establish important business relationships as a result of this event, as long as attendees are well prepared and ready to seize the opportunities as they arise.”
‘I have been attending this event since 2007, and find it mutually beneficial for both Canadian and UK companies’, remarked Bernardette Terry, Trade Officer at the British High Commission in Ottawa. “The event is particularly useful in making UK companies view Canada as a viable route to the North American market, and is also a great way to showcase UK technology and expertise.”
During the meet, Trade and Investment officers from foreign Embassies and Consulates were also on hand to impart their expert knowledge and advice for those UK companies looking to break into overseas markets and expand their business.