Corona virus and lone work

The new corona virus (scientific name: Sars-CoV-2) presents us with new challenges. With the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of Corona, such as working from home or the introduction of reduced working hours, many safety precautions lead to a situation where increased numbers of associates are working on their own and are thus classified as lone workers. Lone workers are defined as "people performing their working activities alone, out of earshot and sight of other persons." (Source: DGUV Regulation100-001, "Principles of Prevention", paragraph 2.7). Companies are very keen to keep their businesses up and running, whether they need to perform systemically important tasks, such as in the case of urban utilities and mobile emergency services, or to safeguard revenue to ensure their continued existence.

Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This also applies when these employees are working from home or performing tasks that they would normally do with another person. It is particularly important for people who are at an increased risk, i.e. those who work in precarious professions or have particular health concerns or are at an increased risk of acute health emergencies. Why is it so important?

• A medical emergency or an accident could remain unnoticed and have serious consequences.
• Assistance that could be provided by other people is not guaranteed or may be delayed for lone workers. For example, a first-aider must first be called.
• If the lone worker is not capable of acting, due to an emergency, or cannot move, they cannot call for help, and they need support.

In order to protect lone workers who are at an increased risk , the use of a personal emergency signal system, for example , is recommended. It can be operated via a smartphone, which means that the associate can use the same device as their work cell phone and to protect themselves whilst working alone. The new GuardMe lone worker protection solution from Bosch is an example of such a product. This solution was developed for Android-based smartphones, e.g. the Sonim XP8, which have the red emergency signal button required by social accident insurance institutions. They are also particularly resistant to damage through falls, moisture and extreme temperatures.

Together with an Android-based smartphone, Bosch GuardMe meets all the requirements of a personal emergency signal system in accordance with the regulations set out by the German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE) and is certified by theGerman Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) in accordance with standard DIN VDE V 0825-11.