Utility Week - authoritative, impartial and essential reading for senior people within utilities, regulators and government
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/453358
utILIty WEEK | 16th - 22nd January 2015 | 23 Operations & Assets The surplus heat generated by the plant is being used to heat the town's public swimming pool, bowling cen- tre, football club, a primary school, and North Kesteven District Council's Sleaford office. The plant is providing this heat for free for 25 years – saving the recipients a collective £2 million in energy costs over that period. If you have an asset or project you would like to see featured in this slot, please send your pictures and details of the project to: paul.newton@fav-house.com. Pipe up Steve Reynolds T he key to protecting staff and safeguarding against liability is quite simple. Implementing a managed workflow using mobile technology is a proven method of minimising the risk of non-compliance. Role-specific workflows can be followed via a user- friendly enterprise mobile application, which also frees people from the burden of paperwork. Not only can this reduce the risk of non-compliance, but it also provides a greater level of traceability with real- time information to demonstrate work has been carried out correctly. A managed workflow on a mobile device such as a smart- phone or tablet can incorporate risk assessment procedures in a way that prevents field workers from continu- ing before these are completed. A vehicle inspection is one example of this, whereby a start of day func- tion instructs staff to carry out a risk assessment before continuing their work. Once completed, the risk assessment information is passed back to central office systems in real time. The same can be done for per- sonal protective equipment and tool checks, ensuring that fieldworkers are correctly kitted out to carry out their tasks safely. Implementing a workflow management system enables businesses to closely control how fieldworkers follow processes, by programming a specific order of work so that a consistent sequence is adhered to across the workforce. Because a high proportion of UK adults own a smartphone (70 per cent, according to Deloitte), there is also an opportunity to ensure sub-contractors adhere to the same workflow as the regular workforce. The company's mobile app can be quickly downloaded on to their mobile devices at low cost, with all business information kept securely within the app. With in-built GPS tracking, modern mobile devices can be harnessed to improve lone worker monitoring. This also monitors movement using sensors to detect any unusual lack of activity, which may indicate that something is wrong. If there is no movement, the device vibrates and the user can confirm that they are okay, with an option to press an SOS button to call for help. Minimising the potential for competency breaches and safeguarding staff begins with business processes. Ensuring these are consistent, that there is clear visibil- ity of the mobile workforce and empowering staff with information, are key to best practice. Steve Reynolds, managing director, TBS Enterprise Mobility and president, Mobile Data Association "Minimising the potential for competency breaches and safeguarding staff begins with business processes." "Mobile devices can be harnessed to improve lone worker monitoring"