Ensuring that domestic staff are safe and secure
JOBURG – Equipping your domestic staff with information to keep themselves and your homes well.
Security company urges homeowners to train their domestic staff on what to do if crime knocks on the door.
Beagle Watched Armed Response has known for a number of years that domestic staff, such as helpers and gardeners, are often viewed as soft targets for criminals looking for easy break-ins and robberies.
Managing director of Beagle Watch André Aiton stated that it is for this reason that homeowners must thoroughly screen and train their staff to avoid being victim to such. “Domestic staff members are often at your home, alone with your children and animals for most of the day. It is therefore very important that they know what to do and how to react in case of an emergency.”
According to Aiton, in a large percentage of crimes, some form of information has been provided to the criminals responsible for the attack. In many cases, this is innocently provided, but in others it is provided in exchange for a reward.
Aiton said thorough pre-employment screening of not only domestic staff, but of any temporary or contract staff is vital. He advises that employers ensure they have a copy of all the staff member’s identification documentation and personal details, such as contact details (including residence and if a migrant, home address) and next of kin information and to do thorough reference checks before employing any staff member.
Aiton also advised that a police clearance certificate is another precaution residents can take when verifying their staff. This is a background check by the police, using fingerprints to see if the person has been linked to any criminal activity in the past.
Once the new staff member joins, thorough training on basic home and personal safety and security and some first-aid training is highly advisable. Beagle Watch has conducted free training sessions for domestic staff members over the years and are once again offering this.
Aiton said, “Our officers set up an area in a park or convenient location and provide vital security and personal safety training for staff members in a non-threatening environment. Should clients be interested in arranging training for a specific street or area, they can phone our 24-hour call centre and we will be happy to oblige.”
Beagle Watch Armed Response shared the following safety tips for the usage by domestic staff:
- Spend time with domestic staff and brief them on safety procedures in the home.
- Thereafter, contact regular refresher sessions.
- Issue staff with panic buttons and train them how and when to use them.
- Ensure staff know how your security system works, and how and when to contact your security provider in an emergency.
- Brief staff on how to react in case of a home invasion, i.e. to remain calm and co-operate with the invaders, not to make eye contact, always to share the relevant information that the intruders demand, show them where the safe is, etc.
- Have a plan of action in case of a home invasion, medical, or fire emergency and refresh and rehearse and revise this plan often.
For more information, contact the Beagle Watch call centre on 011 678 1972.
