Empower domestic staff through safety advice

According to a security company, domestic workers employed in homes with security systems have, in some cases, been found to be reluctant to press the panic button in a situation in which they feel unsafe. This is because they are worried that their employer will have to pay for the armed response call-out if it is a false alarm.

Managing director of a security company, Mr Clive Humphrey, said that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

“I encourage residents to speak to their domestic staff about the importance of pressing the panic button. They need to feel confident that help is available should they need it. It would be good to highlight that a certain number of call-outs are free every month so they can feel rest assured,” he said.

Mr Humphrey highlighted different measures that domestic workers and gardeners can take to feel safer while commuting to and from work, and while on duty:

r domestic workers or gardeners whose employers subscribe to some security companies can request the ‘Meet-and-Greet’ service for a patrol vehicle to meet them at the gate and escort them safely onto the premises when they are arriving for work. The service is dependent on activity levels in the area at the time as emergency signals take priority.

r Exchange cell phone numbers with other domestic workers at properties adjacent or opposite so that you can alert each other of suspicious people or vehicles.

r Never let strangers into the house or let them know that you are home alone.

Mr Humphrey said that there are a few ways in which to check that security armed response officers are who they say they are. His company’s security armed response officers carry two cards; one is a branded ID card with their name, PSIRA number and a photograph on it and the other is a PSIRA card which has their photograph.

“You can ask to see these cards, as this will prove they are authentic and not criminals posing as security officers,” said Mr Humphrey. He added that uniforms are also an important indicator.

He offers the following advice for homeowners:

•  talk about security and safety issues with your domestic worker and gardener.
•  Teach your domestic worker how to activate and disarm the alarm.
•  Have a safe room that can be used in an emergency. It must be equipped with a door that can be locked from the inside; a telephone and a panic button.
•  Enrol your domestic staff in the local crime-prevention forums which take place in most neighbourhoods every month. These are often arranged by the SAPS or a community member. The forums teach domestic workers valuable crime-prevention and safety tips.

To join the Bedfordview Domestic Workers Forum, contact Ms Penny Steyn, 082 461 6978.