Connells Group has signed a new 36-month contract with Totalmobile to provide surveyors working for the firm with SOS fobs to keep them safe not only while at work but also in their personal lives.

After Connells Group acquired Countrywide, it needed an integrated lone working solution to keep its employees safe when working alone. The original plan was to adopt the app solution previously used by Countrywide, however after being contacted by Totalmobile and learning what Protect could offer, Connells Group decided to make the switch.

In April 2023 Connells Group distributed over 570 SOS fobs to lone workers. Surveyors carry the fob with them at all times while at work, which involves going out to residential properties to carry out surveys.

If the employee is under duress at any point, or has an accident / medical incident, they can press the alert button on the fob and will be connected to one of over 100 lines at a Belfast-based call centre. A trained operator will answer the call and listen to assess the situation – if the agent is unable to speak directly to the operator, they can use a company codephrase to indicate they need assistance, otherwise the operator can make decisions based on what they hear. If the agent is in a position to communicate they can alert the operator to the situation to seek help.

Jason Hill, group head of fire, health and safety for Connells Group, commented: “Our previous inherited app solution was adequate, but it wasn’t able to offer our employees the level of safety and security that Totalmobile Protect can. Once our employees have the fob and turn it on, all they have to do is carry it with them and they’re benefitting from it.

“One unique selling point for us was the number of call lines available – with over 100 we’re confident that our employees will never need to wait for a response, and that gives us great reassurance. The fobs also have GPS tracking provided by three different SIM cards in the device, ensuring that no matter where they are the fob can send and receive signals. Their location is only checked once the alarm has been raised – meaning that our employees can carry this with them outside of work hours too. This will give great peace of mind to our colleagues ”

Hill added: “I received feedback recently from a female lone worker surveyor who had previously been involved in a situation with a vulnerable person which was upsetting, and could potentially have escalated. Having the fob now gives her the reassurance that she will have support in similar situations in the future, all at the touch of a button.”

“We’re pleased that in the short time Connells Group has been using Protect its employees are already seeing the benefits,” said David Webb, MD of property & FM at Totalmobile. “Any workers operating alone should feel as safe as they would with a team of colleagues around them, and that’s what Protect is able to offer.”