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Municipality of Beverwijk strengthens safety with a reliable alerting system
When employee safety and availability are under pressure, a fast and reliable way of alerting is essential. This urgency was also felt at the Municipality of Beverwijk. For years, traditional walkie-talkies were used, but they increasingly failed to align with everyday practice. They were bulky, heavy, and inconvenient, which meant employees often did not carry them. When the manufacturer also discontinued production, management became both time-consuming and costly. An alternative was necessary.
From outdated walkie-talkies to a reliable app
The first step toward modernisation was the switch to a customised communication application. However, while expectations were high, reality quickly proved otherwise. Alerts were not always delivered, and confidence in the system declined. Eventually, the application was taken out of service. The municipality had to search once again for a solution that truly worked.
This search brought Milena Stoyanova into contact with Tom Bontes (Sales Consultant at MultiBel). The conversations inspired confidence and led to a new choice: MultiBel, a communication and alerting solution that combines reliability with ease of use. The app was extensively tested in 2020–2021. The results were positive: all alerts were delivered, response times more than met requirements, and users were able to work with the app intuitively. This formed the basis for the final implementation.
Always reachable, always ready
Since its introduction, the Municipality of Beverwijk has used MultiBel on average once a month for incidents, ranging from aggression-related situations to company emergency response (BHV) alerts. Because the app is installed on employees’ smartphones, it is always within reach—unlike the old walkie-talkies.
Fixed alarm buttons at service counters are also connected to MultiBel, allowing the right team to be alerted immediately. This ensures speed, clarity, and calm during critical situations.
Training to stay sharp
A well-known challenge with alerting systems is that employees do not use them on a daily basis, which can cause knowledge to fade. To prevent this, Milena regularly organises drills and test sessions. The next round of exercises is scheduled for January, ensuring that everyone remains fully familiar with the app.
Broad focus on safety – including for lone workers
The MultiBel app is part of a broader package of safety measures within the Municipality of Beverwijk. Employees receive training in aggression prevention, dealing with aggressive behavior, and emergency response (BHV). In addition, the municipality conducts an annual risk inventory and evaluation to assess whether the measures still align with real-world conditions.
Last year, the focus was on lone workers. Around 65 employees were equipped with an emergency button connected to MultiBel and an alarm receiving centre. Its operation was thoroughly tested and provides lone workers with a stronger safety foundation during home visits and consultation hours.
Looking ahead: safety remains an evolving priority
Although the municipality now has a solid safety foundation, Milena expects that new risks and developments will continue to emerge. Safety is not a final destination but an ongoing process. With a flexible and reliable system like MultiBel, the organisation is well prepared for what lies ahead.
Advice to other organisations
Milena is clear: invest in a reliable alerting system. In critical situations, fast and clear communication is indispensable. It helps prevent escalation, increases employee safety, and ensures that teams know exactly what to do.
A reliable alerting system is essential to be able to respond adequately. MultiBel gives us the confidence we need.
