GB2552927A

GB2552927A - A method, apparatus, computer program for distributing alerts

Info

Publication number: GB2552927A
Application number: GB1611302.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Civval Adams; Gray Jonathan
Original assignee: Greendog Ltd
Current assignee: Greendog Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-29
Filing date: 2016-06-29
Publication date: 2018-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-29
Also published as: GB2552927B; GB201611302D0; GB2552927A8

Abstract

A first signal 22 is received to identify a previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28. One or more users 34 are identified as potentially affected by the hazard, and a second signal 32 is sent to those users devices to alert those users to the hazard. Either signal may comprise image or location information of the hazard. The image may be analysed to identify the hazard. The potentially affected users may be identified using a default list of users, retrieving location information of their devices and comparing them with the location of the hazard, or by using scheduling information of the users. Different amounts of information about the hazard may be transmitted to different users (34A-C, 34D-E) depending on their proximity to the hazard. The second signal may cause the receiving devices to provide location information, or may increase the frequency at which the devices provide their location.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A method, apparatus, computer program for distributing alerts

Abstract Title: Distribution of alerts by receiving a signal representing a hazard, and sending alerts to users potentially affected by that hazard (57) A first signal 22 is received to identify a previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28. One or more users 34 are identified as potentially affected by the hazard, and a second signal 32 is sent to those users’ devices to alert those users to the hazard. Either signal may comprise image or location information of the hazard. The image may be analysed to identify the hazard. The potentially affected users may be identified using a default list of users, retrieving location information of their devices and comparing them with the location of the hazard, or by using scheduling information of the users. Different amounts of information about the hazard may be transmitted to different users (34A-C, 34D-E) depending on their proximity to the hazard. The second signal may cause the receiving devices to provide location information, or may increase the frequency at which the devices provide their location.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB1611302.9

RTM

Date :13 December 2017

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

DVD

Wifi

Bluetooth

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

A METHOD, APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DISTRIBUTING ALERTS

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a method, apparatus and computer program for distributing alerts. In particular, they relate to a method, apparatus and computer program for distributing alerts in safety management of hazards at a work site.

BACKGROUND

The management of Risk Assessment and Method Statements on sites, such as work sites, is important to ensure that work on the site can continue unhindered and also that workers safety can be ensured.

It would be beneficial to ensure that information regarding a newly identified hazard at a site is distributed to the appropriate people quickly and efficiently to ensure that the safety of those people is maintained despite the newly identified hazard.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all,examples of the disclosure there is provided a method of distributing alerts comprising:

receiving, at an apparatus, at least one first signal comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard at a site;

determining, by the apparatus, one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site; and causing, by the apparatus, at least one second signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:

receiving at least one first signal comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard at a site;

determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site;

causing at least one second signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal comprising information to alert the one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform a method as describe herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising:

means for receiving at least one first signal comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard at a site;

means for determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site;

means for causing at least one second signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing a method as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a computer program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform at least:

causing at least one second signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a computer program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform a method as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a system comprising: an apparatus as described herein; and at least one user device.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig 1 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus;

Fig 2 schematically illustrates an example of a server;

Fig 3 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus;

Fig 4 schematically illustrates an example of a user device;

Fig 5 illustrates an example of a method;

Fig 6 illustrates an example of a method;

Fig 7 illustrates an example of signaling between a server and user devices in a system; and

Fig 8 illustrates an example of a system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to distributing alerts.

In examples, an apparatus may receive at least one signal, for example indirectly or directly from a user device, the signal comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard at a site, such as a work site.

For example, a user may be working on a work site and may discover a hazard on the work site that has not previously been identified and is therefore not listed on the Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) document for the site. Furthermore, the control measures for the previously unidentified hazard(s) on the site may not be in place and therefore the previously unidentified hazard(s) may represent a serious safety risk to people on the site and people who will be on the site.

In examples, the apparatus determines user(s) who are potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard(s) at the site. For example, the apparatus may retrieve location information/request location information of one or more devices of one or more users to locate the one or more users. The apparatus can use this information to determine if the one or more users are potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

In some examples, the apparatus may retrieve/request scheduling information of one or more users to determine if those users are scheduled to visit the site within a set time frame, for example the same day, to determine that they may be potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

In examples the apparatus may retrieve a default list of users, such as users named on a RAMS document for the site.

The apparatus may cause signal(s) to be sent to the devices of the determined user(s) to alert the user(s) of a previously unidentified hazard at the site.

That is, in examples users who are potentially at risk due to a previously unidentified hazard at a site can be quickly, efficiently and reliably informed of the previously unidentified hazard. This may be achieved by an app running on user devices.

A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that the safety risks posed by newly identified hazards at a work site, for example, can be mitigated to ensure safe working practice and to potentially save lives.

In some examples, the apparatus may control the user devices to enter an active state to more frequently provide location information so that the location of the potentially affected users can be monitored until it is clear that the previously unidentified hazard does not pose a safety threat.

A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that user devices can be controlled to provide location information in dependence upon the health risk which provides for safe working practices while conserving energy resources in the user devices.

Figs 5 and 6 illustrate a method 500, 600 of distributing alerts comprising: receiving, at an apparatus 10, at least one first signal 22 comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28;

determining, by the apparatus 10, one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28;

causing, by the apparatus, at least one second signal 32 to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal 32 comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

Figs 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus 10 comprising: at least one processor 12; and at least one memory 14 including computer program code 16, the at least one memory 14 and the computer program code 16 configured to, with the at least one processor 12, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform:

receiving at least one first signal 22 comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28;

determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28;

causing at least one second signal 32 to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal 32 comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

Figs 1 and 2 also illustrate an apparatus 10 comprising:

means for receiving at least one first signal 22 comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28;

means for determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28;

means for causing at least one second signal 32 to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal 32 comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

Figs 1 and 2 illustrate a computer program 15 that, when executed by at least one processor 12, causes an apparatus 10 to perform at least:

receiving at least one first signal 22 comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28;

causing at least one second signal 32 to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal 32 comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site 28.

Figs 7 and 8 illustrate a system 18 comprising: an apparatus 10 as described above; and at least one user device 34.

Fig 1 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 10 that may be a chip or a chipset. The apparatus 10 may be considered a control apparatus or controller(s).The apparatus 10 may form part of a further apparatus such as a server 60 illustrated in the example of Fig 2.

Implementation of an apparatus 10may be as controller circuitry. The apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in Figi the apparatus 10 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program15in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 12that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processors.

The processor 12 is configured to read from and write to the memory 14. The processor 12 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 12 and an inputs interface via which data and/or commands are inputs to the processor 12.

The memory 14 stores a computer program 15 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code 16) that controls the operation of the apparatus 10 when loaded into the processor 12. The computer program instructions, of the computer program 15, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in Figs 5 and 6. The processor 12 by reading the memory 14 is able to load and execute the computer program 15.

The apparatus 10therefore comprises:

at least one processor!2; and at least one memory 14including computer program code 16 the at least one memory 14 and the computer program code 16configured to, with the at least one processors, cause the apparatus 10at least to perform:

determining, by the apparatus, one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site;

causing, by the apparatus, at least one second signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined one or more users, the at least one second signal comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

As illustrated in Fig 1 the computer program15 may arrive at the apparatus'!0 via any suitable delivery mechanism 58. The delivery mechanism 58 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 15. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 15.The apparatus 10may propagate or transmit the computer program 15as a computer data signal.

Although the memory14 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/ormay provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 12 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 12 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

The blocks illustrated in the Figs 5 and 6 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 15. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

In examples, the apparatus 10 of Fig 1 provides means for performing the method illustrated in Fig 5 and/or 6 and as described in relation to those figures.

Fig 2 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 60. In the example of Fig 2 the apparatus 60 is a server 60.

The server 60 of Fig 2 comprises one more transceivers 62, one or more inputs/outputs 64 and the apparatus 10 illustrated in the example of Fig 1.

The apparatus 10 provides means for controlling the operation of the server 60. For example, the apparatus 10 provides means for controlling operation of the one or more transceivers 62 and the one or more inputs/outputs 64.

As illustrated in the example of Fig 2, the elements 62, 64 are operationally coupled to the apparatus 10 and any number or combination of intervening elements can exist between them (including no intervening elements).

In some examples, the elements 62, 64 are operationally coupled to each other and/or may share one or more components. For example, the one or more transceivers 62 and the one or more inputs/outputs 64 may share one or more components.

In some examples, the elements 62, 64 are operationally coupled to and/or share one or more components with other elements not illustrated in the example of Fig 2.

The one or more transceivers 62 are configured to receive signals such as radio frequency signals. Any suitable transceiver(s) 62 may be usedand in some examples separate transmitter(s) and/or receiver(s) may be used.

In some examples, the one or more transceivers 62 are configured to operate using one or more short or shorter range protocols such as Wifi and/or Bluetooth. In some examples, the one or more transceivers 62 are configured to operate using one or more long or longer range protocols such as one or more cellular protocols.

However, the one or more transceivers 62 may operate using any suitable protocol over any suitable distance(s).

In examples, the one or more transceivers 62 are configured to receive one or more signals directly or indirectly from one or more user devices 34 and to transmit one or more signals directly or indirectly to one or more user devices 34. In examples, the received and/or transmitted signals comprise information and therefore the one or more transceivers 62 may be configured to transmit and/or receive information to/from one or more user devices.

In the example of Fig 2, the apparatus 10 is configured to control operation of the one or more transceivers 62. Information, such as control information, may be transmitted between the apparatus 10 and the one or more transceivers 62 and/or data/information received by the transceiver(s)62 in one or more signals transmitted to the apparatus 10.

This can be seen in the example of Fig 2 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more transceivers 62 and the apparatus 10.

The one or more inputs/outputs 64 are configured to receive information inputted into the server 60 and/or output information from the server 60.

Any suitable inputs and/or outputs, such as any suitable user inputs/outputs may be used.

For example, the server 60 may comprise user inputs devices such as keyboard(s), joystick(s), pointer device(s), touch inputs(s), audio input(s), such as microphone(s) and so on.

Similarly, the server 60 may comprise any suitable user output device such as display(s), audio output(s), haptic output(s) and so on.

In the example of Fig 2, the apparatus 10 is configured to control operation of the one or more inputs/outputs 64. Information, such as control information, may be transmitted between the apparatus 10 and the one or more inputs/outputs 64. Data/information received via the one or more inputs 64 may be transmitted to the apparatus 10.

This can be seen in the example of Fig 2 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more inputs/outputs 64 and the apparatus 10.

The server 60 may comprise any number of additional elements not illustrated in the example of Fig 2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements illustrated in the server 60 of Fig 2 may be integrated and/or combined. For example, the one or more transceivers 62 may be at least partially combined with the one or more inputs/outputs 64.

In examples, the server 60 does not comprise one or more of the elements illustrated in the example of Fig 2. For example, the apparatus 60 may not comprise the one or more inputs/outputs 64.

Fig 3 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 11 that may be a chip or a chipset. The apparatus 11 may be considered a control apparatus and/or controller(s).The apparatus 11, in some examples, forms part of a user device 34 such as the one illustrated in the example of Fig 4.

Implementation of an apparatus 11 may be as controller circuitry. The apparatus 11 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in Fig 3 the apparatus 11 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program19in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 13 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processor 13.

The processor 13 is configured to read from and write to the memory 17. The processor 13 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 13 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 13.

The memory 17 stores a computer program 19comprising computer program instructions (computer program code 21) that controls the operation of the apparatus 11when loaded into the processor 13. The computer program instructions, of the computer program 19, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods described herein. The processor 13 by reading the memory 17 is able to load and execute the computer program 19.

The apparatus 11 therefore comprises:

at least one processor 13; and at least one memory 17 including computer program code the at least one memory 17 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 13, cause the apparatus 11 at least to control the function of the user device(s) 34 as described herein. In examples the functions of the user device 34 are controlled by an app running at the user device 34.

As illustrated in Fig 3, the computer program 19may arrive at the apparatus 11 via any suitable delivery mechanism 59. The delivery mechanism 59 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 19. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 19. The apparatus 11 may propagate or transmit the computer program 19as a computer data signal.

Although the memory 17 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 13 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 13 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

In examples, the apparatus 11 of Fig 3 provides means for controlling one or more user devices such as the user device 34 in Fig 4.

In some examples, the memory 17 stores a computer program 19 that when executed by the one or more processors 13 provides an app at a user device 34, such as the user device 34 illustrated in the example of Fig 2, the app configured to communicate information with the apparatus 10/server 60 and to provide information to a user and/or facilitate user interaction with the apparatus 10/server 60. In examples the app is used in the management of safety documents, such as RAMS documents and/or identification of hazards and distribution of alerts regarding hazards.

Fig 4 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 34. In the example of Fig 2 the apparatus 34 is a user device 34. For example, the user device 34 may be a mobile telephone, laptop, tablet, phablet or any other suitable portable device.

In Fig 4, the user device 34 comprises one or more sensors 66, one or more transceivers 63, one or more inputs/outputs 65 and the apparatus 11 described in Fig 3.

The apparatus 11 provides means for controlling operation of the user device 34.

As illustrated in the example of Fig 4, the elements 66, 63 and 65 are operationally coupled to the apparatus 11 and any number or combination of intervening elements can exist between them (including no intervening elements).

In some examples, the elements 66, 63 and 65 are operationally coupled to each other and/or may share one or more components. For example, the one or more sensors 66 and the one or more transceivers 63 may share one or more components.

Additionally or alternatively, the elements 66, 63 and 65 may be operationally coupled to and/or share one or more components with other elements not illustrated in the example of Fig 4.

The one or more sensors 66 are configured to receive/obtain information. For example, the one or more sensors 66 may be configured to obtain information regarding a hazard 26, such as a previously unidentified hazard 26, at a site 28.

In examples, the one or more sensors 66 comprise any suitable sensors for obtaining information. For example, the one or more sensors may comprise one or more image sensors, one or more radiation sensors, one or more temperature sensors and/or one or more location sensors and so on.

In examples where the one or more sensors 66 comprise one or more image sensors any suitable image sensors may be used. For example, any suitable sensors for obtaining image information/capturing an image such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) and so on may be used.

In examples the apparatus 11 causes the user device 34 to at least capture image information of the previously unidentified hazard 26 and cause at least one signal comprising image information to be sent to the apparatus 10, for example at a server 60.

In examples the apparatus 11 may cause the user device 34 to, at least analyse the captured image information to identify the previously unidentified hazard 26.

In examples where the one or more sensors 66 comprise one or more location sensors any suitable location sensors may be used. For example any suitable positioning system, such as global positioning system (GPS) and any suitable positioning method, such as GPS may be used to determine the location of the user device 34.

In some examples signals transmitted and/or received by the one or more transceivers 63 are used to determine or assist in determining the location of the user device 34. For example, cellular radio signals received and/or transmitted by the one or more transceivers may be used to determine or assist in determining the location of the user device 34.

In examples, Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons (BLE) are used in determining location information of the user device 34.

In examples a combination of different location sensors and location methods are used to determine the location of the user device 34.

In examples, the apparatus 11 is for controlling the operation of the one or more sensors 66. Information, such as control information, may be transmitted between the apparatus 11 and the one or more sensors 66. In examples, information received/obtained by the one or more sensors 66, such as image information, may be transmitted to the apparatus 11.

This is shown in the example of Fig 4 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more sensors 66 to the apparatus 11.

The one or more transceivers 63 are configured to receive signals such as radio frequency signals. Any suitable transceiver(s) 63 may be used and in some examples separate transmitter(s) and/or receiver(s) may be used.

In some examples, the one or more transceivers 63 are configured to operate using one or more short or shorter range protocols such as Wifi and/or Bluetooth. In some examples, the one or more transceivers 63 are configured to operate using one or more long or longer range protocols such as one or more cellular protocols.

However, the one or more transceivers 63 may operate using any suitable protocol over any suitable distance(s).

In examples, the one or more transceivers 63 are configured to receive one or more signals directly or indirectly from one or more servers60 and to transmit one or more signals directly or indirectly to one or more servers 60. In examples, the received and/or transmitted signals comprise information and therefore the one or more transceivers 63 may be configured to transmit and/or receive information to/from one or more servers 60.

In the example of Fig 4, the apparatus 11 is configured to control operation of the one or more transceivers 63. Information, such as control information, may be transmitted between the apparatus 11 and the one or more transceivers 63 and/or data/information received by the transceiver(s) 63 in one or more signals transmitted to the apparatus 11.

This can be seen in the example of Fig 4 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more transceivers 63 and the apparatus 11.

The one or more inputs/outputs 65 are configured to receive information inputted into the user device 34 and/or output information from the user device 34.

For example, the user device 34 may comprise user inputs devices such as keyboard(s), joystick(s), pointer device(s), touch inputs(s), audio input(s), such as microphone(s) and so on.

In the example of Fig 4, the apparatus 11 is configured to control operation of the one or more inputs/outputs 65. Information, such as control information, may be transmitted between the apparatus 11 and the one or more inputs/outputs 65. Data/information received via the one or more inputs 65 may be transmitted to the apparatus 11.

This can be seen in the example of Fig 4 by the double-headed arrow linking the one or more inputs/outputs 65 and the apparatus 11.

The user device 34 may comprise any number of additional elements not illustrated in the example of Fig 4. In examples, the user device 34 may not comprise one or more of the elements illustrated in the example of Fig 4. For example, the user device 34 may not comprise the one or more sensors 66.

In examples the user device 34 may run an app that stores site locations and associated risks, for example in memory 17. The site locations and associated risks may be received from server 60.

The app on the user device 34 may locally monitor the location of the user device 34 and send a local push notification when the user device 34 is within a predefined radius of a site 28, alerting the user to risks on the site 28.

In examples the notification, presented by the app on the user device 34, includes the name of the site 28 that is nearby, a count of the number of hazards documented for the site 28, link(s) to additional information regarding the documented hazards and/or a link to the RAMS document for the site 28.

The local based location monitoring and notifications is advantageous and provides technical benefits. For example, the local monitoring and notifications preserves battery life of the user device 34 as there is no requirement for a data connection each time the location of the user device 34 changes.

In examples the app may allow a user of the user device to read, edit and sign receipt of RAMS documents.

Fig 5 illustrates an example of a method 500. For example, the method 500 may be a method 500 for distributing alerts.

In examples, the method 500 is performed by the apparatus 10 of Fig 1 or the server 60 of Fig 2.That is, in examples, the apparatus 10 of Fig 1 and/or the server 60 of Fig 2 comprises means for performing the method 500.

In the following discussion of Fig 5, some of the elements referred to are found in Figs 7 and/or 8.

At block 502, at least one first signal 22 comprising information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28 is received at an apparatus 10.

For example the at least one first signal 22 may be received by the one or more transceivers 62 of the server 60 and transmitted to the apparatus 10in Fig 2.

In examples, the at least one first signal 22 may be received directly/indirectly from a user device 34 such as the user device 34 illustrated in the example of Fig 4. In examples a user of a user device 34 may input information of the hazard 26 into a user device 34 for example using an app running at the user device 34. In examples the user may select a hazard 26 from a tailored list for the site 28 and in response the user device 34 sends the at least one first signal 22 to the server 60. The user may also flag, for example using the app, whether control measures for the hazard 26 are in place on the site 28.

In some examples, the received at least one first signal 22 comprises location information of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28. For example, a user device 34, such as the user device 34 illustrated in the example of Fig 4, may be used to provide location information of the previously unidentified hazard 26. In some examples, location information, such as GPS information, may be provided in the at least one first signal 22.

Accordingly, in examples the method 500 comprises receiving location information from one or more devices.

In examples, any suitable location information of the hazard 26 may be used to identify the location of the previously unidentified hazard 26 on the site 28. For example, a user of a user device 34 may manually input location information, such as coordinates, of the hazard 26.

In some examples, the at least one first signal comprises image information of the previously unidentified hazard 26. For example, the at least one first signal 22 may comprise an image, such as a photograph,captured using a user device 34 such as the user device illustrated in the example of Fig 4.

In examples, the apparatus 10 may cause the received information which may include location information and/or image information of the previously unidentified hazard 26 to be stored in the memory 14.

For example, the apparatus 10 may cause storage of the information in a data structureassociated with the site 28.

At block 504 one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 are determined by the apparatus 10.

Any suitable method for determining, by the apparatus 10, one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 may be used.

In examples, determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 comprises retrieving a default list of users associated with the site 28. For example, the default list may be stored in the memory 14 in a database or other suitable structure and the apparatus 10 may retrieve the default list from the memory 14.

In examples, the default list of users associated with the site 28 is the users named on the RAMS document for the site 28. Accordingly, in examples determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site 28 comprises retrieving the RAMS document for the site 28 and extracting the list of users from the RAMS document. In some examples the named users and their contact details are stored in a data structure, such as the memory 14, for ready access by the apparatus 10/ server 60.

In some examples, determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site comprises retrieving location information of at least one device 34 and comparing the retrieved location information with location information of the site 28 and/or location information of the previously unidentified hazard 26.

In examples, the apparatus 10 receives location information from one or more devices 34, for example using the one or more transceivers 62, and causes the location information of the one or more devices 34 to be stored in the memory 14.

Similarly, location information of the site 28 may be received by the one or more transceivers 62 and/or inputted using the one or more inputs/outputs 64 and may be stored in the memory 14.

The apparatus 10 may retrieve the location information of the one or more devices 34 from the memory 14 and may also retrieve the location information of the site 28 and may compare the device and site location information to determine one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

For example, the apparatus 10 may determine that a user is potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 if it is determined that a user device 34 is within a predetermined distance of the previously unidentified hazard 26 and/or site 28. In examples, any suitable predetermined distance may be used. For example, a “geofence” may be defined in relation to the site 28 and the apparatus 10 may determine if one or more of the user devices 34 are within the geofence.

In some examples, determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 comprises retrieving schedule information of one or more users and processing the schedule information to determine one or more users scheduled to visit the site within a predetermined time frame.

In examples, the schedule information of one or more users may be received via the one or more transceivers 62 and/or the one or more inputs/outputs 64 and is caused to be stored in the memory 14. The apparatus 10 may retrieve the stored schedule information from the memory 14 to determine users who are scheduled to visit the site 28 within any suitable predetermined time frame, for examplel hour, 5 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours and so on.

In examples, the apparatus 10 determines that one or more users scheduled to visit the site 28 within the predetermined time framefrom receipt of the at least one first signal 22 are potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site

28.

In examples, determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 comprises comparing the default list with location information of one or more user devices 34 and/or schedule information of one or more users.

For example, the apparatus 10 may retrieve location information and/or schedule information from the memory 14 and may also retrieve the default list from the memory 14 and compare this information as a cross check of users that are potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

In examples, the use of location information and/or schedule information allows the apparatus 10/server60 to determine users whose location information and/or schedule information indicate that they may be potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 but who are not listed in the default list associated with the site 28.

As used herein, users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 is intended to mean users that the previously unidentified hazard 26 may endanger. For example, users within a certain proximity of the hazard 26 and/or site 28 and/or users determined to be on site 28 or scheduled to be on site 28 within a certain amount of time from identification of the hazard 26and so on.

At block 506, at least one second signal 32 is caused by the apparatus 10 to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the one or more users, the at least one second signal 32 comprising information to alert the determined one or more users of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.For example, the at least one second signal 32 may be sent to one or more devices 34 such as the device 34 illustrated in the example of Fig 4.

In examples, causing, by the apparatus 10, at least one second signal 32 to be sent comprises causing, by the apparatus 10, at least one message to be sent.

Any suitable message may be used, for example, a short message service (SMS), email and so on. In some examples, a message, such as a push notification, is transmitted to the user devices 34 to be presented by an app running on the user devices 34.

In examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises information of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28. For example, the at least one second signal 32 may comprise information descriptive of the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28 such as the nature of the hazard 26 and/or control measures for the hazard 26.

In some examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises information to cause an app running at the users device(s) 34 to present information regarding the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

In some examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises image information of the previously unidentified hazard 26. For example, the image information may comprise image information received from a user device 34 at block 502 such as one or more photographs of the at least one hazard 26 to aid identification of the previously unidentified hazard 26 by the users of the user devices 34.

In examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises location information of the previously unidentified hazard 26. For example, the at least one second signal 32 may comprise location information identifying the location of the previously unidentified hazard 26 on the site 28 to allow display of the location by a map application, for example, on the user device 34.

Accordingly, in examples the apparatus 11 causes the user device 34 at least to receive one or more signals comprising location information of the previously unidentified hazard 26 and cause display ofthe location of the previously unidentified hazard 26 on a map.

In examples, the map application may be part of a broader application running at the user device 34 facilitating communication between the user device 34 and the server 60.

In examples where control measures for the hazard 26 are not in place the at least one second signal 32 may cause the user device(s) 34 to display a notification to stop work immediately until control measures are in place.

In examples, the method 500 comprises controlling what information is comprised in the at least one second signal 32 in dependence upon the location of the one or more users. In some examples, additional information is comprised in the at least one second signal 32 in dependence upon the location of the one or more users.

For example, if it is determined that a user device or devices 34 is relatively close or proximate to the hazard 26 and/or site 28, such as within a predetermined distance, additional information may be included in the at least one second signal 32 sent to those user device(s) 34. For example, additional information regarding the hazard 26 such as control measures or immediate actions to be taken by the users of those devices 34.

Accordingly, in examples, additional information is provided in the at least one second signal 32 to one or more users determined to be within a predetermined distance of the hazard 26 and/or site 28. The predetermined distance may be a value previously set in relation to the site 28 and stored in the memory 14.

In examples, the predetermined distance is determined to be within the boundaries defined of the site 28 or within a geofence defined around the site 28. The boundaries of the site 28 and/or geofence may be stored in memory 14 and retrieved by the processor(s) 12 when required.

In examples, controlling what information is comprised in the at least one second signal 32 in dependence upon the location of the one or more users comprises transmitting additional message(s) to user devices 34 determined to be within a predetermined distance of the hazard 26 and/or site 28.

In examples, the additional information comprises location information of the determined potentially affected users. For example, the apparatus 10 may retrieve from memory 14 location information of user devices 34 of the potentially affected users and may include the location information in the at least one second signal 32 in dependence upon the location of the one or more users.

The user devices 34 may display the location information of the determined potentially affected users using a map application, for example, to assist in determining what actions must be taken to ensure the safety of the potentially affected users.

In examples the method 500 comprises causing, by the apparatus 10, at least one second signal comprising additional information to be sent to at least one device 34 of a predetermined user or users.

For example, details of a predetermined user may be stored in memory 14 and additional information sent in at least one second signal 32 sent to a device 34 of the predetermined user. In examples the predetermined user is a responsible person, such as a manager or site overseer. The predetermined user may or may not be a user potentially affected by the hazard 26.

The additional information sent to the predetermined user(s) may comprise location information of the determined potentially affected user devices 34 to allow the predetermined user to manage the response to the identification of the previously unidentified hazard 26 to ensure the safety of the determined user(s).

The user device(s) 34 of the predetermined user(s) may display the location information of the determined potentially affected users using a map application, for example, to assist in determining what actions must be taken to ensure the safety of the potentially affected users.

In some examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises information to cause the one or more devices 34 to provide location information of their location in response to receiving the at least one second signal 32.

For example, at block 504 the apparatus may retrieve the default list of users and cause at least one second signal 32 to be sent to the user devices 34 of the users on the default list. The at least one second signal 32 sent in this way may comprise control information to cause the user devices 34 to respond with their location information. This can allow a determination of where the users on the default list are in relation to the previously unidentified hazard 26 on the site 28.

Accordingly, this allows for a quick check of whether the users on the default list, for example, are in danger from the previously unidentified hazard 26.

In examples, the at least one second signal 32 comprises and/or provides a link to information of a previously unidentified hazard 26.

For example, the at least one second signal 32 may cause the app running at the user devices 34 to display information about the hazard 26 such as descriptive information and/or control measures and whether the control measures are in place.

The information may be displayed or the user of the user device 34 may access the information by selecting a link in the app which may cause the user device 34 to present the requested information. Alternatively, when the user selects the link the apparatus 11 may cause transmission of one or more signals to the server 60 requesting the information which then may be subsequently sent by the server 60 to the requesting user device 34 for display.

The method 500 is advantageous as it provides for efficient notification of a potentially serious hazard 26 at a site 28 to people that may be affected by the hazard 26 to allow the people to avoid injury or harm from the hazard 26.

In the example of Fig 5 processing and control takes place at the apparatus 10 of the server 60. However, in some examples at least some of the processing and/or control may occur at one or more of the user devices 34.

For example, analysis of image information may occur at a user device 34 or as a combination of the user device 34 and the server 60. See, for example, Fig 6.

Fig 6 illustrates an example of a method 600. For example, the method 600 may be for distributing alerts.

In examples, the method 600 is performed by the apparatus 10 of Fig 1 or the server 60 of Fig 2. That is, in examples, the apparatus 10 of Fig 1 or the system 60 of Fig 2 comprises means for performing the method 600.

Block 602 is equivalent to block 502 of Fig 5 and may be as described in relation to block 502 of Fig 5. In the example of Fig 6, at block 602 the at least one first signal 22 comprises image information of the previously unidentified hazard 26.

At block 604 the received image information is analysed by the apparatus 10 to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

Any suitable analysis of the image information may be used to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.For example, image analysis/recognition techniques may be used to identify features of the image information to allow identification of a hazard 26.

Accordingly, the method 600 comprises analyzing, by the apparatus 10, the received image information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site

28.

In some examples, sensor information other than image information is received in the at least one first signal 22. For example, sensor information obtained by the one or more sensors 66 of the user apparatus 34 may be included in the at least one first signal 22. The sensor information may be analyzed by the apparatus 10 to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28.

In some examples, the analysis of the sensor data such as analysis of the image information is performed by the apparatus 11 in the user device 34 and the results of the analysis included in the at least one first signal 22.

Block 606 is equivalent with block 504 in Fig 5 and may be as described in relation to block 504 of Fig 5.

Block 608 is equivalent with block 506 of Fig 5 and may be as described in relation to block 506 of Fig 5.

At block 610 the apparatus 10 causes at least one control signal to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined potentially affected users to cause the one or more devices 34 to enter an active state.

Accordingly, in examples the method comprises causing, by the apparatus 10, at least one control signal to be sent to one or more devices 34 of the determined potentially affected users to cause the one or more devices 34 to enter an active state.

In examples, the information to cause the one or more devices 34 to enter the active state may be included in the at least one second signal 32 and therefore in some examples block 610 may be considered to be part of block 608 and the at least one second signal 32 may be considered a control signal.

In examples, entering the active state changes the functionality of the user devices 34. When not in the active state the user devices 34 may be considered to be in a passive state.

In examples, when in the passive state the user devices 34 periodically transmit their location information to the server 60 with a period, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and so on.

In the active state the frequency at which the one or more devices 34 provide their location information to the apparatus 10, 60 is increased. Accordingly, entering an active state comprises, in examples, increasing the frequency that the one or more devices 34 provide their location information to the apparatus 10, 60.

This can allow a predetermined user to monitor the location of the user devices 34 of the determined potentially affected users in real time. This is advantageous as it allows a predetermined user, or other user, to manage the safety of the users regarding the hazard 26.

Other changes in functionality may also be provided when the devices 34 are caused to be in the active state. For example, display of location of potentially affected usersmay be caused in the active state to allow the potentially affected users to see the location of other users.

In examples, the method 600 may comprise causing by the apparatus at least one control signal to be sent to the one or more devices 34 of the determined potentially affected users to cause the one or more devices 34 to leave the active state. Such a signal or signals may be considered a cancellation signal.

For example, when it is determined that the hazard 26 has been rendered safe and/or control measures are in place with regard to the hazard 26 the cancellation signal to return the one or more devices 34 to the passive state may be transmitted.

Additionally or alternatively the predetermined user may provide an input to a user device 34 which may transmit one or more signals to the server 60 to control the server 60 to provide the cancellation signal and/or the cancellation signal may be sent from the user device 34 of the predetermined user(s).

Fig 7 illustrates an example of signaling between a server 60 and user devices 34 in a system 18.

In the example of Fig 7, the server 60 is as described in relation to Fig 2 and the user devices 34 are as described in relation to Fig 4. In the example of Fig 7 there are three user devices 34A, 34B and 34C associated with three users A, B and C.

At the signal marked a in Fig 7 user device 34C, associated with user C, sends at least one first signal 22 to the server 60. The at least one first signal 22 comprises information to identify a previously unidentified hazard 26 at a site 28.

In the example of Fig 7, the at least one first signal 22 includes image information of the hazard 26 captured by the user device 34C. In some examples user C inputs information of the hazard 26 into user device 34C, for example by selecting a hazard from a tailored list presented in an app running at user device 34C.

After inputting information of the hazard 26 in the user device 34C the app may present information and control measures required to mitigate the risk presented by the hazard 26.

In examples a user may use a user device 34, for example an app on the user device 34, to flag that control measures for the hazard 26 are or are not in place.

The server 60 determines that users A, B and C are potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard 26 at the site 28. In the example of Fig 7 the server 60 determines that these users are potentially affected by the hazard 26 by retrieving a RAMS document from memory 14 and locating the users listed in the RAMS document.

The server extracts contact information for the user devices 34A, 34B and 34C from the default list and transmits at least one second signal 32 to user devices 34A, 34B and 34C as illustrated by signals marked b in Fig 7.

In the example of Fig 7, the at least one second signals 32 comprise information to cause the user devices 34A, 34B and 34C to provide their location information 40.

At the signals marked c in fig 7 the user devices 34A, 34B and 34C transmit signals to the server 60 comprising location information 40A, 40B and 40C. The server 60 stores the location information in the memory 14.

The server 60 compares the location information received from the user devices 34A, 34B and 34C with location information of the site 28 and the hazard 26.

Upon comparing the location information the server 60 determines that user C is located close to the previously unidentified hazard 26 and that users A and B are off site.

At signal d the server 60 transmits control signal 54 to user device 34C to cause user device 34C to enter the active state.

As indicated by signals e in Fig 7 in the active state user device 34C provides location information 40A in further signals to the server 60 at an increased frequency.

In the example of Fig 7 the user device 34C provides location information 40A to the server 60 very frequently, for example every second or less, to allow a real time view of the location of user device 34C, and therefore user C, to be provided.

In Fig 7 the location information 40A received from user device 34C is provided to a user device 34of a predetermined user (not illustrated in Fig 7) to allow thepredetermined user to be aware of the location of user 34C.

At signal f the server 60 provides a cancelling signal to the user device 34C to cause the user device 34C to return to the passive state and to decrease the frequency at which user device 34C provides location information 40A to the server 60.

In the example of Fig 7 the cancelling signal 68 is transmitted to the user device 34C when the server 60 receives a signal from the predetermined user device 34 indicating that the cancelling signal 68 should be sent.

In other examples, the cancelling signal 68 may be sent automatically by the server 60 when it is determined by the server 60 that it is safe to do so.This may be done by the server 60 monitoring the location information 40A of the user device 34C relative to the hazard 25 and/or site 28.

Fig 8 illustrates an example of a system 18. In the example of Fig 8 the system comprises a server 60 as described in relation to Fig 2 and a plurality of user devices 34A to E as described in relation to Fig 4.

Accordingly, Fig 8 illustrates a system 18 comprising an apparatus 10 as described herein; and at least one user device 34.

In Fig 8 a site 28 is indicated by a line encompassing an area. This line is the defined boundary of the site 28. In examples this may be considered a geofence.

In the example of Fig 8 there are five users A, B, C, D and E with associated user devices 34 A to E. The users A to E are at various locations with regard to the site 28.

In Fig 8 the user of user device 34C had discovered hazard 26 on the site 28 which had previously not been identified on the site 28. For example, the hazard 26 is not listed or addressed in the RAMS document for the site.

In the example of Fig 8, the user of user device 34C uses an app running on the user device 34C to select the hazard 26 from a tailored list of hazards potentially at the site 28. The user of user device 34C also takes a picture of the hazard 26 using user device 34C.

At least one signal 22 is transmitted from the user device 34C to the server 60, the at least one signal 22 comprising information to identify the hazard 26. In the example of Fig 8 the at least one signal 22 comprises location information of the hazard 26 and image information of the hazard 26.

The location information is obtained using the one or more sensors 66 of the user device 34C.

The server 60, in Fig 8, receives the at least one signal 22 and stores the information in memory 14.

In response, the server 60 retrieves the default list of users potentially affected by the hazard 26. In the example of Fig 8 users 34A to 34E corresponding to user devices 34A to 34E are determined to be potentially affected by the hazard 26 on the site 28.

In response, the server 60 transmits at least one second signal 32 to each of the user devices 34A to E to alert the determined users of the hazard 26 at the site 28.

In Fig 8, the at least one second signal 32 is a push notification that causes an app running at each of the user devices to provide an alert to the users 34A to E.

As can be seen in Fig 8 user devices 34A, 34B and 34C are located in the geofence of the site 28.

The server 60 retrieves location information of the user devices 34A to E from memory 14 and determines that user devices 34A to C are within the geofence of the site 28.

The server 60 transmits additional information in the at least one second signal 32 to user devices 34A to C due to their proximity to the hazard 26.

As can be seen in Fig 8, user devices 34D and E are off site and therefore not within the geofence 28 of the site 28.

However, user device 34D is associated with a predetermined user and is circled in Fig 8. The server 60 transmits to the user device 34D location information of all potentially affected user devices 34A to E so that the user of user device 34D can monitor the location of the potentially affected users until the hazard 26 is made safe and control measures confirmed.

In the example of Fig 8 the at least one second signal 32 alerts the users A to C to leave the site immediately.

In the example, the user of user device 34D provides an input which causes at least one signal to be sent to the server 60 when the hazard 26 has been made safe.

In response the server 60 transmits at least one further signal to the user devices 34A to E of the potentially affected users providing access information to allow the users A to E to be able to reenter the site 28.

Examples of the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, examples of the present disclosure provide for safe and efficient identification of hazards on work sites.

As used here “for” should be considered to also include “configured or arranged to”. Similarly, “configured or arranged to” is intended to include “for”.

Examples of the disclosure provide technical advantages with associated technical effects. For example, examples of the disclosure provide for quick and efficient determination of users potentially in danger from a hazard.

Furthermore, examples of the disclosure provide for quick and efficient alerting of determined users to ensure the users are not harmed by the hazard.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one” or by using “consisting”.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

l/we claim: 5

Claims

1. A method of distributing alerts comprising:

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein causing, by the apparatus, at least one second signal to be sent comprises causing, by the apparatus, at least one message to be sent.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one second signal comprises information of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the received at least one first signal comprises location information of the previously unidentified hazard at the site.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one first signal comprises image information of the previously unidentified hazard.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one second signal comprises image information of the previously unidentified hazard.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the method comprises analysing, by the apparatus, the received image information to identify at least one previously unidentified hazard at the site.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one second signal comprises location information of the previously unidentified hazard.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site comprises retrieving a default list of users associated with the site.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site comprises retrieving location information of at least one device and comparing the retrieved location information with location information of the site and/or location information of the previously unidentified hazard.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising receiving location information from one or more devices.

12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site comprises retrieving schedule information of one or more users and processing the schedule information to determine one or more users scheduled to visit the site within a predetermined time frame.

13. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein determining one or more users potentially affected by the previously unidentified hazard at the site comprises comparing the default list with location information of one or more users and/or schedule information of one or more users.

14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising controlling what information is comprised in the at least one second signal in dependence upon the location of the one or more users.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein additional information is provided in the at least one second signal to one or more users determined to be within a predetermined distance of the hazard and/or site.

16. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising causing, by the apparatus, at least one second signal comprising additional information to be sent to at least one device of a predetermined user or users.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the additional information comprises location information of the determined potentially affected users.

18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one second signal comprises information to cause the one or more devices to provide location information of their location in response to receiving the at least one second signal.

19. A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising causing, by the apparatus, at least one control signal to be sent to one or more devices of the determined potentially affected users to cause the one or more devices to enter an active state.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein entering an active state comprises increasing the frequency that the one or more devices provide their location information to the apparatus.

21. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one second signal comprises and/or provides a link to information of the previously unidentified hazard.

22. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:

23. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as claimed in at least one of claims 2 to 21.

24. An apparatus comprising:

25. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of at least one of claims 2 to 21.

26. A computer program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform at least:

27. A computer program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform the method of at least one of claims 2 to 21.

28. A system comprising:

an apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 22 to 25; and at least one user device.

29. A system as claimed in claim 28, the at least one user device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the at least one user device to, at least:

capture image information ofthe previously unidentified hazard; and cause at least one signal comprising image information to be sent to the apparatus.

30. A system as claimed in claim 29, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the at least one user device to, at least analyse the captured image information to identify the previously unidentified hazard.

31. A system as claimed in claim 28, 29 or 30, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the at least one device to, at least receive one or more signals comprising location information of the previously unidentified hazard; and cause display of the location of the previously unidentified hazard on a map.

32. A method, apparatus, computer program and/or system as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

GB1611302.9

1-31