AIRRADIO PARTNERS CONNEXION2 IN LONE WORKER PROTECTION SOLUTION FOR THE AIR TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
Connexion2, developer of the Identicom technologically advanced system for protecting vulnerable workers, has announced a strategic partnership with AirRadio, a company specialising in Operational Communications for the air transport industry. AirRadio will be offering the Identicom product to airlines, airports and ground operation companies: responding to a need for heightened security and peace of mind for workers and employers in the airline industry.
Identicom, looks like a normal ID holder, but is equipped with a dual or tri-band GSM module, GSM SIM card, lithium battery and control electronics. The device includes a lanyard attachment that enables it to be worn around the neck as a standard ID Badge, which hides a ‘rip alarm’ function that is triggered if the unit is forcibly removed from the wearer.
A second concealed button enables the wearer to notify their employer when they know they are entering a potentially hazardous situation and then Identicom, prompts the worker for a response to ensure all is well whilst on duty at specified intervals. Identicom enables the lone worker to covertly raise an alarm if threatened which opens up microphone functionality that allows a third party, operations controller, to listen to what is happening and take appropriate action.
“Airport staff are reporting an increase in abuse,” says John Evans, Business Development Director at AirRadio. “Frustration at delays or misuse of alcohol can all too often lead to airport staff taking the brunt of passengers’ anger or violent behaviour. Identicom will provide airline workers with a means of covertly summoning help without enflaming the situation”.
Identicom will be marketed alongside AirRadio’s existing voice and data wireless communication products. AirRadio will utilise its existing reseller agreement with Vodafone to provide GSM connectivity. AirRadio is expanding its customer service facilities to provide call centre support and automated response for the Identicom product.
Identicom is flexible enough to be configured in a number of ways, thereby allowing an employer to adopt the device without the need to significantly change or alter current working practices. The device can also support the pinpointing of a worker’s location using GSM/LBS technology.
“Violence at work is defined by the HSE as "any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work ". This includes threats and verbal abuse as well as physical assault. Even where staff are not physically harmed repeated occurrences of swearing, threats and verbal abuse can lead to depression, stress, reduced morale, absenteeism, retention problems and reduced productivity,” said Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2. “Identicom offers an effective way of addressing serious concerns regarding personal abuse that are today shared by employer and employee alike.” Ends
Notes to Editors:
About Connexion2:
South Yorkshire based Connexion2 developed Identicom over a 2 year period.
Currently being trialled by the NHS, it is intended that it will eventually be deployed among 150,000 NHS staff. Identicom is also being marketed as a worker protection system to vulnerable employees in the areas of social work, tax inspection, transport, teaching, service operators, property key-holders and estate agents.
About AirRadio:
AirRadio Ltd, formerly Speedwing Mobile Communications, is a member of The Team Telecom Group, a subsidiary of Spice Holdings Plc a multi-national services company. AirRadio provides mobile voice and data communications for mission critical environments to airlines, airports and ground operation companies. AirRadio’s portfolio of services include: ground and ground to air radio, mobile data services for local and wide area environments, cellular services and integrated applications for airport users.
Air Radio currently provides and supports radio communications to over 60 air transport customers at 14 major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham and Manchester as well as British Airways worldwide. AirRadio’s strategy is to provide comprehensive communications services to operational users at all major UK airports; utilising a common platform that enables these airports to achieve gains in operational efficiencies.
AirRadio will showcase Identicom on their exhibition stand at Ground Handling International Exhibition, Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, Budapest, Hungary – November 29th – December 1 2004.
