Smurfit Kappa Recycling, part of the world’s largest fibre-based packaging group (Smurfit Kappa Group) has underlined its commitment of care to its drivers by adopting the market leading lone worker security device, Identicom. Supplied by Connexion2 with ‘Man Down’ detection, the Identicom solution comprises of fixed and inclusive monthly billing, includes the SIM Card, all network usage*, a 24/7 audio-link facility to an Alarm Receiving Centre, device training, monthly reporting on usage and a dedicated Customer Support team.
Mark Montgomery, Compliance Manager at Smurfit Kappa Recycling says: “Our 70 drivers work shifts, which means that they can start as early as 4.00 a.m. and may not finish until 11.00 p.m. As they may work in the dark, collecting recyclable paper and cardboard from skips and containers, we were conscious that they could be vulnerable if they had an accident, were taken ill or injured. We therefore decided to investigate lone worker solutions that would provide them and us with peace of mind knowing that they could raise the alarm in the unlikely event of something happening to them”.
Identicom allows a user to carry out an array of functions to help them reduce risk as part of their job role. The product’s form factor enables easy wear and discreet use to open audio-calls if required through opening a ‘Red Alert’. The unit also has an ‘Amber Alert’ voice message function which is used as part of the process of assessing risks dynamically. Users leave messages regularly to give a context of where they are and what they are doing, for use only if their device goes into a subsequent ‘Red Alert’.
The Identicom being used by Smurfit Kappa Recycling is the i777 model with an automatic ‘Man Down’ alarm. Whilst the units are GPS enabled, a user defines when location data is communicated and only the most current data is communicated – therefore a user isn’t tracked over a defined period of time and as such relevant location data is used to improve the safety of users should they require assistance.
“Initially the drivers were a little suspicious about Identicom tracking their movements but we were quickly able to reassure them that they were in control. We looked at other company’s products but Identicom was the most comprehensive with the best coverage and 24/7 availability. The drivers have now got used to Identicom and they appreciate the added security it provides and how easy the unit is to use.”
As manufacturers of Identicom, Connexion2 supply solutions direct to market through the SoloProtect brand whilst supplying indirectly through a number of authorised reseller partners. Connexion2 is fully approved against BS8484 through audit and as such all Solutions through SoloProtect are guaranteed an escalation to Police level where appropriate. Connexion2 shipped the 100,000th Identicom device in May 2012.
Smurfit Kappa provides a full spectrum of bespoke paper and board recycling solutions for businesses and organisations of all sizes including recovery of cardboard, office papers and plastics and security shredding. The Group’s paper mills in Birmingham and Kent reprocess 500,000 tonnes of material each year.
