Empower domestic employees

ADT Security is urging employers of domestics to ensure their staff are empowered with the knowledge to safeguard their own safety.

According to Martin Kriel, managing director of ADT Security's east coast region, domestic staff are often home alone for hours a day while the rest of the household is away at work and at school. He said it was for this reason that it was important that domestics know what to do in an emergency. He said there were precautions domestic staff could practice to enhance their safety as they commute to and from work, and while they are on duty.

“We encourage that domestic staff at adjacent and opposite properties get to know one another and, where possible, walk from and to public transport together. It is also a good idea to exchange cellphone numbers so that they can alert one another of suspicious people or vehicles,” said Kriel

He said at home it was important to always keep safety gates on outward-leading doors locked.

“They may not hear an intruder over the noise of the vacuum, or know that someone has entered the house while they are in the backyard. The alarm system must always be armed when they leave the house; even if it is only for a few minutes,” he said.

Kriel said anyone who arrived at the door should not just be let in.

“If there is any uncertainty about the individual’s identity, they should ask for proof that they are who they claim to be. While they wait outside the domestic should contact their employer or the company the person says they are from immediately.”

He added that homeowners also have a role to play.

“Teach domestic staff how to arm and disarm the alarm system, ideally they should have their own code and password. Have a list of emergency contact numbers – that includes your mobile number – stuck on or near the phone. These numbers should be saved to cellphone memory as well. Discuss any safety concerns or security issues you are aware of with your domestic staff,” said Kriel.