Security hints and tips for domestic workers
A guide to help domestic workers ensure they are safe inside and outside of their employer's house at all times.
Housebreakings are common in South Africa. Therefore, it’s important to have a plan and basic guidelines in place to ensure that everyone in the house, including your domestic worker, knows what security measures to apply to keep safe.
Read more: ENSafrica celebrates a win for domestic workers
Howard Griffiths of Global Investigations Footprint shares tips on what your domestic worker and any other employee you have working at home should know about home safety.
Visitors:
- Do not allow anyone access to the property unless you have been instructed to do so by your employer. This includes service providers such as electricians, Telkom etc.
- Robbers may pose as police or government officials – don’t let them intimidate or frighten you – always contact your employer and your security company first – ask them to send a reaction officer to assist you.
Phone calls from strangers:
- Instead of giving away that you’re home alone, when someone calls to speak to your employer, let them know that your employer is currently busy and you will take a message to inform them to return the call
- Do not give away any information regarding the security of the home
- Ensure that your doors and windows are locked at all times when you are away from home
- When you are doing work in the garden or outside of the home, ensure that you keep your phone and panic button (you should have one of these – ask your employer) on you at all times. Intruders may take this opportunity to strike while you are not expecting it
- Always be vigilant when you are doing work outside of the home, like taking out the rubbish. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity or unfamiliar people wondering around. Remember to keep the gate closed at all times.
- Garages and rooms detached or separate from the home should always be locked.
If an intruder gains access to the home:
- Press your panic button and call your security company. It’s critical to know who you need to contact if there is an intruder on the property. Knowing how to report a break-in and what details need to be provided are vital in this instance
- Ensure that you have all the necessary emergency contact details readily available at all times
Making a Difference (Mad) hosts a meeting at Berario Recreation Centre for domestic workers.
Also read: Security tips shared with domestic staff
In Case of an Emergency (ICE)
- Ask your employer to draw up a list of all the necessary contact numbers you will need in the event of an emergency. This includes service providers like the security company and your employer contact details, alternative numbers, family, and trusted friends.
- Add ICE on important contact numbers to your phone so that you can quickly make a call in case of an emergency.
Protect your pay
- Ask your employer to transfer your salary into a bank account where you know your money will be safe, rather than carrying cash on you and making yourself vulnerable to potential robbers
- Keep only the cash you need on you for taxi fare, etc.
Going to and from work
- Do not walk alone
- Do not share private information about your employer with other domestic workers. Oftentimes, a small fee is paid for information that will assist criminals in gaining access to your employer’s property.
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Related article: Two elderly men and their domestic workers fall victim to robbers
