Managing risks when employing new domestic staff
JOHANNESBURG – Homeowners are urged to remain vigilant and to do research before hiring a new domestic worker.
Fidelity ADT advised homeowners to conduct necessary research before hiring a contract worker, domestic worker, construction worker or builder and to be 100 per cent sure that the person is trustworthy before granting access into their homes.
General manager for inland region Fidelity ADT, Agnieszka Gryn said, “The people you have employed to work in your house or on your property form a vital line of defense against crime. You need to know that you can trust them with your property while you are away.”
According to Gryn, it is important to exercise caution when employing domestic workers, gardeners and contractors as many break-ins and robberies are perpetrated with the help of inside information.
Spokesperson for background screening company, Managed Integrity Evaluations, Claudia Naidoo-Van der Merwe confirmed that many families in South Africa were becoming vulnerable to attacks due to complacency in employment practices.
Naidoo-Van der Merwe warned families not to hire anyone or let children interact with anybody in a professional capacity without conducting a thorough background check beforehand.
“More than 25 per cent of the people the company has done criminal checks on carried certain risks. It is imperative that any employer performs a criminal background and reference check before engaging with potential employees who they may be allowing into their home,” Naidoo-Van der Merwe said.
Gryn also suggested doing a reference check with previous employers. Gryn said, “Ask questions about dismissals, responsibilities, any security issues, punctuality and so on. Their answers will give you a good idea of the person’s track record. Alternatively always work through a professional placement agency that will do these checks for you.”
Any good agency will ensure the candidates have been thoroughly screened, evaluated and assessed and their backgrounds checked. Some agencies provide candidates with additional training such child minding, CPR and housekeeping.
Gryn provided tips to residents on how they should respond if an unknown person rings the doorbell or calls on the intercom:
- Ask the person to identify him or herself by their full name
- Ask them to state their business
- Ask them to show identification such as company ID card, ID book or driver’s licence.
“Lastly, consider enrolling any employees who may be working for you for an extended period of time in local crime-prevention forums which take place in most neighbourhoods every month. These are often arranged by police or community members and teach valuable crime-prevention and safety tips,” concluded Gryn.
