Openreach Unveils Peoplesafe App to Combat Engineer Abuse
Openreach has launched a new worker safety app, Peoplesafe, to provide enhanced protection for its field engineers, who have reported a surge in physical and verbal attacks. According to the company, the app will become mandatory for engineer teams and offers features like an SOS button, fall alarm, GPS tracking, live audio monitoring, and direct police dispatch. The move follows Openreach’s report of over 700 abuse incidents since April last year, ranging from threats with knives to racial harassment.
How the Peoplesafe App Works
Developed in collaboration with safety tech provider Peoplesafe, the app integrates various emergency response features aimed at lone workers. For example, its fall alarm uses motion sensors in an employee’s handset to notify support teams immediately. In addition, an SOS button allows engineers to summon emergency services at the press of a button, potentially cutting response times to just minutes.
Other functionalities include real-time GPS tracking for dispatch-specific emergencies, commute monitoring, and alerts for critical events, ensuring employees remain connected and safeguarded. Adam Elsworth, Safety Director at Openreach, highlighted that while the app will remain optional for office staff, it is expected to become a safety mainstay for the company’s field workforce. “The technology provides peace of mind for hundreds of engineers who often work isolated for large portions of the day,” he said.
Addressing Engineer Safety Amid Rising Abuse
Openreach revealed alarming figures that underscore the urgency of this initiative. Over 700 incidents of abuse—spanning spitting, physical attacks, and verbal aggression—were recorded in less than a year. Notably, some engineers reported being blocked inside vans or homes during assignments. The company has also noted an uptick in racially motivated incidents.
The app, which is designed to mitigate risks beyond Openreach’s direct control, underscores a broader push within industries reliant on field workers. By leveraging tech-enabled safety solutions, companies aim to reduce threats and provide better support to vulnerable employees.
Implications for Telecom and Worker Safety Innovation
Industry analysts suggest that Openreach’s move could encourage other telecom providers to strengthen worker safety programs, particularly for field teams who often operate in remote or high-risk scenarios. The rise of safety technologies like Peoplesafe coincides with growing corporate attention on employee well-being and compliance with health and safety regulations. Competitors are likely to monitor the rollout and measure its effectiveness as part of their own risk management strategies.
Looking ahead, integrating safety-focused innovation could become a hallmark for telecoms committed to retaining talent and protecting staff in challenging environments. The question remains whether other major operators will follow suit with similar measures—and how quickly the industry can adapt to ensure worker safety evolves alongside new threats.
