Honeydew CPF hosts lifesaving domestic watch
Michael Steyn, the public relations officer for Honeydew CPF, said that the CPF is satisfied with how many people attended the training session.
In a collaborative effort to enhance safety and security within the community, the Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sector 1, in partnership with Honeydew SAPS and local security companies, conducted a domestic watch training session on May 15.
The event, held in Randpark Ridge and supported by the Randpark Ridge Village Association, saw the participation of 28 domestic staff members who were equipped with crucial safety tips and emergency protocols.
“The training was a very informal chat that teaches the dos and don’ts to domestic staff when they are out and at home,” explained Michael Steyn, the public relations officer for Honeydew CPF. This approach ensured that the information was accessible and easily understood by all participants.
Steyn expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the impact of the session. “We are extremely happy that we shared knowledge with the 28 people who attended. It’s been proven that these training sessions save lives,” he said. The training focused on various safety tips aimed at protecting domestic workers and the households they serve.
Among the essential safety measures discussed were the importance of keeping doors and security gates locked, not leaving doors open during the day, and always having a remote panic button at all times. “There is no use in leaving it in the kitchen when you go out to the washing line. Try and keep it on you and maybe not around your neck because everyone’s learned to look there. Maybe somewhere at the back of you, because if your hands get tied up, then you can still access it.”
The training also addressed the vulnerability of domestic staff during their commutes. “We spoke a bit about safety when they’re walking to and from the taxi because this is often when they are targeted in street muggings,” Steyn noted. To mitigate this risk, participants were encouraged to form walking groups with other workers in the area and to stay vigilant about their surroundings.
“They can flag down any of the marked security vehicles at any time and give them information or let them know they’re not feeling safe.”
Another critical topic was the accessibility of emergency contact numbers. Steyn urged employers to provide domestic staff with a list of emergency numbers, including those for fire, medical emergencies, and extended family members.
Steyn stressed the importance of knowing how to respond to medical emergencies, particularly when alone with children. “Do they know what to do if they’re home alone with children and find someone in the pool, or if someone has collapsed and is unconscious? Do they know how to get medical help, and what is the way that their employer wants them to get that help?”
Steyn recommended that domestic staff engage in discussions and role-play scenarios with their employers to better prepare for emergencies.
Lastly, Steyn proposed that employers consider enrolling their domestic workers in basic first aid or fire safety courses.
The session concluded with an open floor for questions, allowing participants to address specific concerns and receive personalised advice.
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