Recent riots spur demand for safety technology.
- Peoplesafe reports a 10% increase in safety alarm requests.
- Workers in retail, hospitality, and healthcare feel unsafe.
- Over 7 million UK workers worry about safety weekly.
- Businesses urged to prioritise comprehensive safety strategies.
In light of recent riots and subsequent violent events, businesses across the United Kingdom are witnessing a growing demand for personal safety measures among employees. This sentiment is echoed by Peoplesafe, a prominent provider of personal safety technology, which has observed a 10% increase in requests for personal safety alarms over the last fortnight. The company attributes this surge to heightened safety concerns, particularly among sectors such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare, where staff frequently encounter potentially volatile situations.
According to research, concerns about personal safety are not isolated incidents but rather a persistent issue affecting many workers. The findings indicate that over seven million workers in the UK harbour weekly worries about their safety. Prior to the recent unrest, 57% of these individuals already feared aggression from the public, and 25% expressed reluctance to engage in roles involving direct public interaction, citing safety apprehensions as a primary factor.
Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe and Chair of the BSIA Lone Working Group, emphasises the imperative nature of addressing employee safety concerns, stating, “Terrible events like this bring to the fore concerns for personal safety. We have seen in research that this is not just down to isolated events – it is always there.” He argues for the necessity of comprehensive safety resources, including personal safety technology, to ensure that employees feel secure both during regular hours and beyond.
A case study involving Ingenica Solutions, a leader in healthcare software, illustrates the proactive steps some companies are taking. In response to employee safety concerns, Ingenica swiftly integrated personal safety technology from Peoplesafe into their operations, equipping field staff with the Peoplesafe app. This application offers an immediate emergency response feature, operating round the clock, which provides employees with peace of mind as they navigate their duties.
The ongoing violence has highlighted the pressing need for businesses to move beyond standard compliance and adopt more robust safety measures. “The recent rioting and violence has only amplified the obligation businesses have to make employee safety top priority,” asserts Naz Dossa. He continues to advocate for decisive action by employers across all sectors to implement effective safety solutions that transcend basic health and safety checklists.
The current climate necessitates that businesses prioritise employee safety through comprehensive measures, integrating technology and best practices.
