As a sales agent or property manager (residential or commercial), you’re probably used to spending a lot of time alone.
You’re often in your car on the way to properties (belting out your favourite song – windows up, of course). You open and close homes for viewings and head to the office at odd hours to return signage or grab paperwork.
But just because you’re used to it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be diligent. And we’re not scaremongering, we’re being realistic.
Agents face a multitude of dangers when in properties alone. Of course, there’s the traditional scare tactic of suggesting a masked figure has been lying in wait to attack you. But what we’re talking about is the less dramatic, but more likely incidents, such as snake bites, dog attacks, getting locked in a bathroom, squatters in vacant properties, or firearms or drug paraphernalia in view. How many times have you faced a similar situation?
“She’ll be right” – probably, but why take the risk?
The most valuable asset in any agency is its agents. And Licencees-in-charge have a duty of care to provide safe work conditions for their employees.
“While incidents may be uncommon, the penalties for negligence are iron-clad, up to $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses,” says Gavin Hoult of SafeTCard.
“Employers who don’t make proper provisions for staff are also at risk of lowered business productivity, increased staff turnover costs, and private litigation and legislative costs for Work Health and Safety Act breaches.”
Low-cost peace of mind
Hoult says agent don’t need to invest huge amounts of money in ultra-sophisticated technology to protect themselves.
“It’s about providing an extra layer of security to your existing safety strategies,” he says.
“For example, SafeTCard looks like a business ID card but has 24/7 emergency monitoring, GPS/GNSS position and tracking only on alarm activation and live two-way voice communication capability. With one of these, an agent’s risk profile is greatly diminished and staff morale is increased.”
Hoult says if you’re considering a duress alarm to protect yourself or your staff, you must ensure it is verified.
“Police and Ambulance will not respond to duress alarms now unless they have been verified,” he says.
“Another key feature to look for is voice recording. SafeTCard’s recording feature is a great way to gather evidence if a situation does arise. It records any two-way communication between the perpetrator, emergency and dispatch monitoring room and the agent, and recordings are admissible in a court of law.
“Personal safety is about being diligent and doing what you can to minimise risk. With a personal protection like SafeTCard as part of your uniform, you can perform all your current duties, but with the peace of mind of knowing you’re not alone.”
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