Gallagher has introduced RiskTalk, a voice-operated risk assessment tool to help businesses cut down on the time and expense of undertaking workplace safety assessments and benefit from increased reporting reliability. It is the first of its kind in the UK.
By simply speaking into their phone or tablet in response to a set of prescribed questions, users are allowed to report hazards and are guided through the risk assessment process, with RiskTalk identifying risks present in the work environment and detailing how managers can control them.
RiskTalk can generate reports and convert them to PDF files if hard copies are required. All entries are time-, date-, and author-stamped, making it easy to prove they were completed prior to a safety-related incident occurring.
The app also allows users to take photos in-app and send recorded voice memos straight to a cloud storage system where managers can approve assessments using a voice sign-off feature.
In-built speech recognition technology helps process recordings in up to 220 languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
The app even works offline, enabling users to continue to conduct risk assessments and store data in areas with limited network coverage.
In research commissioned by Gallagher last month, 45% of firms felt that completing risk assessments was an expensive process, costing their business an average of £1,500 a year. Despite this, one in two companies (49%) were concerned that they were still not carrying out risk assessments thoroughly enough to protect their organisation, employees, and clients.
“We’re delighted to be bringing this innovative risk assessment tool to UK businesses. It is easy to use, makes the process of undertaking risk assessments quicker and more reliable, and businesses will benefit from increased peace of mind that in the event of an incident they are more likely to have a robust defence,” said Neil Hodgson, managing director of risk management at Gallagher.
“This is particularly important when you take into account that half of UK firms are unsure whether they are completing the risk assessment process correctly.
“Evidence of risk assessments carried out and the steps taken to mitigate any identified risks can be crucial in the defence of an insurance claim for personal injury or illness, or intervention by the HSE or other regulatory authority,” Hodgson added.
