By Leon Harris
Published in INsite
We
consistently hear concerns from Community Health Workers that they
often travel through or work in areas that have poor or no mobile
telephone reception. The quality of service in a particular
area will often vary between the different service providers.
Of particular concern voiced by workers is how they obtain assistance
should they be faced with an emergency, i.e. personal threat, vehicle
breakdown (in an isolated area) or accident.
Generally, mobile phone users (in Australia) are aware they can
dial 000 in the event of an emergency however, many
may not be aware that if they are using a GSM mobile phone and
are out of range of their contracted provider (e.g. Telstra, Optus
etc), by dialling 112 (not 000) they
should be connected to Emergency Services on another carrier's
service if available even if the phone is locked or the SIM is
removed. (112 service is not available on CDMA phones where the
emergency number remains 000). It may be prudent
to program 112into the speed dial of GSM mobile telephones
to prevent any confusion and delays in obtaining help.
Due to terrain or total lack of services there are however circumstances
where even this may not be sufficient in the event of requiring
assistance in an emergency.
There are also the times where non emergency communication
is required including field workers advising the "base" of
departure or arrival at client premises. It is important
that the "base" knows not only which clients are being
visited on any day but good communication is essential for the
"base" to
undertake welfare checks on its field staff.
Reliable communication for routine safety management (e.g. staff
advising "base" of arrival and departure at a client's
residence) and emergency communication (e.g. personal threats to
field workers) are OHS issues and require appropriate management
action (e.g. technology, policy, training and emergency response
capabilities).
There is however good news. There are options available
particularly for those who have to travel through areas where there
is little or no telephone communications. One option which
should be assessed by management is the use of satellite telephones.
The cost of satellite telephones has reduced considerably; in
addition, the Australian Government's Department of Communications
Information Technology and the Arts offers eligible users a "Satellite
Phone Subsidy Scheme".
The scheme has been developed for people working or living in
areas beyond GSM or CDMA terrestrial mobile coverage.
The amount of subsidy depends on the monthly access. The
scheme can provide up to 80 percent of the retail price, with a
maximum of $1500 (including GST). This Scheme started in
2002 and has been extended to 2007.
There are seven participating satellite phone service providers
to choose from.
To be eligible: You must be an Australian citizen, or permanent
resident or be a registered business in Australia. You must
live, work, or operate a business in an area not served by a current
terrestrial mobile service or where a terrestrial mobile phone
service is not planned for introduction within 12 months of the
application.
Amongst those eligible are community groups and not-for-profit
organisations.
Not eligible are persons who live and work in Western Australia. (However,
if you live outside WA and work within it, or live in WA and work
outside it, you may apply).
For further information and to see if you or your organisation
is eligible click here.
