The subject of lone working is a relevant and constantly evolving issue, with significant implications in terms of security e liability. Particularly in complex and operationally intensive work contexts, the risks associated with the isolation of workers can compromise the efficiency of operations and, above all, the protection of life and limb.
The introduction of technologically advanced devices, such as the man-down' wearable devices by Twigrepresents an action that not only significantly reduces risk, but also qualifies the companies' offerings and enables them to stand out in the competitive landscape.
To explore these issues in more detail, we consulted Marco Belleri, Sales Manager by Irbema who has been following the market for some time.
Marco, to begin with, what does it mean to work alone and what are 'man-down' devices?
The concept of working alone, as defined by the Canadian CCOHSIt concerns situations in which a worker operates without the possibility of being seen, heard or reached at short notice. This isolation may arise from physical barriers, working distances or special environmental circumstances, resulting in increased risk in the case of accident o aggression. The man-down' instrumentsare designed precisely to remedy these situations by detecting emergencies such as states of immobility or falls. These devices offer added value to companies by improving the safety of isolated workers and contributing to effective risk management.
What benefits can the use of Twig technology bring in these risk contexts?
The introduction of the Twig solutions as an improvement measure can be justified by highlighting several aspects. Firstly, they ensure a cost efficiency. The implementation of these technologies, in fact, decreases the expenditure associated with late or ineffective intervention in accidents and results in a lower incidence of serious or fatal accidents, thus reducing the economic implications for the company. Thanks to the same, it is also possible to obtain INAIL incentives which are included in periodic calls (e.g. OT23), dedicated to companies adopting innovative measures for the prevention of isolated work risks. The advantages in terms of liability are an additional benefit: preventing high-risk situations for isolated workers contributes to fulfilling legal obligations regarding safety at work and improves the company's reputation, positively impacting on the company's image. Finally, these devices help prevent potential civil, criminal or administrative proceedings.
These devices not only meet regulatory requirements and best practices in occupational safety, but also offer an innovative solution that can result in more efficient risk management, greater protection for isolated workers and a significant strategic advantage for the company.
Speaking of liability, what are the employer's burdens?
In the event of an accident or death of an isolated worker, the employer's responsibilities can be classified in three main areas: criminal, civil e administrative.
As regards criminal liability, the employer may be subject to it if it is established that he did not take all the necessary measures to prevent the risk. In particular, under the Legislative Decree 81/2008 (Consolidation Act on Safety at Work), the main criminal offences include failure to assess risks e non-compliance with preventive measuressuch as the absence of adequate tools or procedures to mitigate the risks associated with isolated work. Not only that, in the case of manslaughter or of culpable personal injury, the employer can be accused of negligence, recklessness or inexperience if it is proved that the preventive measures taken were insufficient or absent.
Liability refers to compensation for damages suffered by the employee (or his or her family members) in the event of injury or death. The main items of compensation include pecuniary damagecompensation for the employee's loss of income or expenses incurred as a result of the accident, and non-pecuniary damagei.e. compensation for biological, moral or existential damage suffered by the victim or his family. In addition, theINAIL may take recourse against the employer to recover the sums paid by way of restitution or annuity to the victim.
Administrative liability under the Legislative Decree 231/2001, provides that a company can be held directly liable for offences committed by its managers or employees if it has not adopted an appropriate organisational model to prevent such offences. In the event of the injury or death of an isolated worker, administrative sanctions may include fines, suspension of activity e reputational damage.
Would you like more information on man-down devices for the protection of isolated workers?
Contact our experts for a free consultation.
- info@irbema.com
- 039 249121
