The debate on lone labour and the protection of isolated workers is more relevant than ever. The views are not always unanimous, but there is no doubt that working alone increases the likelihood of making mistakes and the risk of not receiving timely help in an emergency.

To explore these issues and try to clarify the most common doubts, we asked a few questions to Marco Zarrillo, Irbema's Sales Account in daily contact with companies, consultants and industry experts, each with very different needs.

Marco, what is the employer's role today in protecting isolated workers? Why is it important to assess all workplace risks?

From a regulatory point of view, in Italy, to date there is no legal text specifically regulating lone working. However, Article 17 of the Legislative Decree 81/2008 (Consolidation Act on Health and Safety at Work) obliges the employer to assess all risks (including those arising from lone working).

The purpose of the risk assessment is to define which prevention and protection measures must be introduced in the company in order to properly manage the risk, without neglecting the possible consequences in the event of a delayed rescue.

What measures should a company take to eliminate or minimise the risks of lone working?

With a view to eliminating or, where this is not possible, minimising the risks arising from lone working, it is certainly necessary for the company to set up specific operating procedures.

Secondly, it is important that the specific health surveillanceThe aim is to ascertain whether the worker is in a psycho-physical condition to carry out activities alone. In this regard, it is important to check that the worker does not suffer from epileptic seizures, asthma attacks, have dangerous allergic reactions, take sedative drugs, etc;

Finally, also the adoption of specific technical solutions is fundamental. Among these, one of the most effective is the use of man-down' devices.

What are man-down devices and how do they work? How do Twig devices differ from other devices for isolated workers?

Man-down devices are designed to send automatic or voluntary alarms in the event that an isolated person is in a dangerous or emergency situation. By alerting help immediately, such devices are essential for the protection of isolated workers, however, not everyone works in the same way. In particular, Twig man-down devices are the only ones in the world with WiFi data and VoIP to operate even in the absence of mobile radio coverage.

How are Twig Insulated Workers Devices classified from a regulatory point of view?

In Italy, devices for isolated workers Twig do not fall into the category IPR (personal protective equipment) and DPC (collective protection devices). Instead, they belong to the category of safety devices. Nevertheless, they are equal to PPE in terms of the choice of model according to the type of work environment.

Fortunately, in recent years 'man-down' devices have been included among the measures allowing access to the INAIL rate reduction (model OT23which replaced the previous model OT24).

From this point of view, the OT23 model allows companies to access the reduction in insurance premiumsdemonstrating that finally some (albeit minimal) improvements in occupational health and safety have been introduced.

What are the factors that have contributed to the growth of the market for devices for the protection of isolated workers in Italy?

In Italy in recent years the market for devices for the protection of isolated workers has growing. Several factors led to this development, among them undoubtedly the reorganisation and redistribution of work by companies with an increase in the number of isolated workers (this is due to the reduction of production in some industries, increase in smart working, etc.).

Also the generational turnover of RSPPsnow much more sensitive to the issue of lone working has contributed to the improvement, as has the progressive distribution of responsibilities in charge of different occupational safety figures (employer, competent doctor, RSPP, ASPP, manager and supervisor).

Surely there is also a greater attention to legal implications related to the topic (criminal, civil and administrative responsibilities), as witnessed by exemplary judgments (see the ThyssenKrupp case) that have made employers and RSPPs more aware. However, other factors also contribute significantly to the growth. To name but a few:

• inspections and audits by control bodies (INAIL and ATS) with the imposition of sanctions and prescriptions
• Increased corporate culture regarding the safety and health of workers Increased information on isolated worker protection devices
• introduction of health and safety improvement plans in large companies.
• safety at work with advanced hardware and software technology (often these companies can access local and/or European tenders)

What are the growth prospects for the market of devices for the protection of isolated workers in Italy?

Given the current situation, I feel I can say that the premises are good. The trend towards greater attention to the protection of lone workers recorded in recent years will only consolidate and grow further. Changes in the organisation of work shifts and smart working are other elements that are expected to contribute to the increase in the number of lone workers, and from this point of view an initial confirmation comes from foreign markets such as France and the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, to get a better idea of the developments that await us in the near future, I recommend reading the book Lonely work written byIng. Gianandrea Maria Gino, lecturer in 'Techniques for Prevention in the Environment and Workplaces' at theState University of Milan and expert in safety, occupational health and the environment.

In conclusion, do you think that Twig man-down devices can also be used in non-work contexts? If yes, in which ones?

Absolutely. Although they are professional-level systems, designed and certified for use by lone workers, the versatility and scalability of Twig man-down devices makes them ideal for use in other contexts as well.

For example, the seniors o people in distress who live alone feel much more protected with a system that can automatically alert relatives or trusted persons in the event of a fall, illness or attack.

The same applies to robberies, violence against women e assaults on staff, cases in which a portable alarm device (e.g: Twig Neo) that allows one to ask for help and be geolocated in a timely manner can make a difference.

If you would like more information on man-down devices for the protection of isolated workers, please do not hesitate to contact us on 039-249121 or write to info@irbema.com