Introduction of Lone Working into a Retail enviroment

Rory Russell Loss Prevention

Agenda • Introduction• Risks of Lone Working within Retail • Trials and selection process• Lone Worker protection device• Challenges• Roll out process

I have worked in the retail sector for 25 years as a Loss Prevention / Security expert. My responsibilities are the protection of;• Employees• Customers• Company money• Property• Assets

To ensure these requirements are fulfilled I work closely with Health and Safety. 18 months ago I was tasked with sourcing a device to;

• Minimise risk to staff such as violence / verbal aggression etc.• Help manage accidental injuries • Reduce staffing costs during mornings and evenings

Introduction

Risks of Lone Working within Retail

• Assault • Robberies during the day • Deliveries (opening back doors)• Staff being stalked by customers at or travelling to and from

work • Dealing with unforeseen incidents • Arson , verbal abuse, criminal damage

Risks of Lone Working within Retail

• Slips, trips, falls • Known or unknown medical conditions

Selection requirement • Police Approved through ACPO

Secured By Design• Direct link to BS5979 Cat II ARC

(Alarm Receiving Centre)• Cost per year

Trial requirement • Contains mobile phone (GSM/GPRS) technology• Automatic ‘Man Down’ alarm• Ability to leave a message with the ARC• GPS enabled • Red Alert function• Audio Recording technology• Transparent Customer support

5 devices reviewed

2 devices Trialled over 3

months

1 device selected role out

2014

Other trial requirements:

• Easy to use registration process • User friendly, when activating device

• Battery Life

Benefits of a device based solution

• Enables Audio recording which can be used in court• Emergency response using URN to location (GPS)

with on-going commentary • Reduction payroll hours 2 hours each morning 1 hour

each evening 7 days each week 40 weeks a year • Peace of mind for staff

Challenges

• Staff not using the Identicom device correctly• Staff reluctant to use device • Maintaining personal information • Roll out to around 200 of the 285 stores.

Points to note

• Customer support from SoloProtect• Professionalism of monitoring centre when dealing

with staff in stores • Regular updates of personal information every 3 -6

months • Monthly reports on activations/usage etc

Questions