Tag Archives: protect yourself

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A NANNY/CAREGIVER JOB

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Online nanny job sites have become a popular way for nannies to find jobs and for parents to find nannies. While most of the people on those job sites are legitimately searching for an employment arrangement, there’s always the chance, no matter how slight, that a predator has slipped through the cracks and found his way into the family pool. You can protect yourself from these people by taking the following simple precautionary steps during your next nanny job search. 

Be cautious of a parent who insists on gaining personal information early in the process. There’s no reason a family needs your address, birthdate, Social Security Number or any other sensitive information before they hire you or present you with a written job offer contingent on a background check. If a parent is pushing you to share personal information that isn’t relative to evaluating you as a nanny, think carefully before moving forward.

Initiate the first phone call and block your phone number when calling parents. When it’s time for the first phone interview, ask the parent for his number and block your number before making the call. At some point, it will be necessary for the parent to have your phone number. However in the beginning, you can arrange a time to chat so you can protect your privacy until you’ve had a chance to talk with the parent and make an initial assessment.

Verify a parent’s employment before meeting with him. One of the simplest ways to verify a parent is who he claims to be is through his employer. If the parent is a lawyer, doctor, banker or other professional it’s a pretty easy process. Rather than simply asking for his direct cell phone number, look up his company’s phone number online and contact him through the main switchboard. Spend some time on the website reading his professional profile and viewing company photos he’s featured in. Confirming his employment doesn’t confirm he’s a safe person, but it does confirm he’s being honest about his name, profession, title and who he works for.

Meet at a public location for the first interview. The first time you meet a family, pick a public place that’s located in a populated, busy area. A favorite coffee shop or deli can offer comfortable seating, enough space for private conversations, and an informal setting that puts everyone at ease.

Make sure you tell a friend where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Even though you’re meeting in a public place, make sure to tell a good friend where you’re going, when you expect to return and who you’ll be meeting. Leave the family’s contact information with her and any details they’ve given you about their family. Check in with her when the interview is over to let her know everything went as planned.

Buy your own beverages or make sure you get it directly from the counter person. It’s hard to imagine that someone would slip a drug into your coffee or juice, but it can happen. A spiked drink won’t make you immediately pass out. It will make you disorientated, confused and easier to control. This allows your attacker to move you from the public meeting place to his car or another vehicle. An easy solution is to arrive a little early and get settled in with your favorite drink.

Openly talk about the safety precautions you’re taking. Predators are online looking for an easy way to find and lure in their next victim. By being aware of the possible risks of online sites and staying proactive throughout your job search, you’re putting predators on notice that you’re doing everything possible to keep yourself safe.

Follow your instincts. If a person or situation doesn’t feel right, listen to your instincts. Don’t worry about hurting the person’s feelings or losing the job opportunity. Your personal safely should always be your number one priority. If a parent is asking you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, politely yet firmly say no.

Report any suspicious behavior. Although you can’t file a complaint with an online job site based on a feeling alone, you can report any parent that acts inappropriately or asks you to do something that puts you in an unsafe situation. Keep the language of your report as objective as possible, focus on the parent’s behavior not your feelings about him, and include as many details as you have. Your action could save another nanny from danger.

Online job sites are a legitimate avenue for searching for a nanny position. Rarely is there a case of a predicator posing as a parent and victimizing a nanny. However, this is a case of it’s better to be safe than sorry. By taking a few simple precautions, you can take advantage of all a nanny job site offers and stay safe throughout the job search process.

This post gives insight into the ways a prospective nannie/caregiver can protect themselves while in the process of seeking good employment with responsible parents.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Weather Protection

GEARING UP FOR WINTER SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Joel Joshi

Now that the calendar has turned to autumn, the countdown to winter has officially begun. As winter weather can be both severe and unpredictable, anyone who is exposed to the elements, whether to, from or in the workplace should maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as the mercury starts to drop.

Know the Forecast, Be Prepared

It may seem self-explanatory, but knowing the weather is the easiest way to protect yourself from a cold, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous day on the jobsite.

Know the weather report before leaving home and plan accordingly. Try to dress in breathable, moisture wicking layers in order to conserve heat while allowing flexibility if the temperature should rise, with the outer layer being water/wind resistant.

If possible, try to balance warmth and dexterity, particularly if your job is hands-on. Protect your extremities: the head, hands and feet should be covered to avoid heat loss when the temperature dips. Although fingers stay warmer when in contact with one another in mittens, they are more cumbersome.  No matter what your role may be, ensure that the winter clothing you’ve chosen won’t compromise the equipment you need for your job.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is less easily apparent in the winter – but it’s just as dangerous of a threat! As the temperature falls, the level of physical exertion may not and water loss through sweat becomes easier to overlook. Don’t let this go unnoticed; doing so could lead to exhaustion, dizziness and muscle fatigue among other issues, multiplying the risk of error or injury.

Try to drink fluids throughout the day and go ahead and keep your thermos close at hand. Although coffee is commonly perceived as having dehydrating effects drinking coffee in moderation contributes positively to recommended daily fluid intake. The caffeine can increase alertness, and the warmth is obviously welcome on those cold mornings and evenings.

Watch Your Step!

Winter precipitation can cause problems in and around the workplace, particularly for those who work outside – but also because the wet snow can be tracked indoors where it will melt and create a slippery hazard in entranceways. 

The number one cause of accidents in the workplace is slips and falls, you can minimize the risks by taking some basic, proactive steps. Firstly, keep a mop close at hand in order to clean up wet spots and prevent slips. Secondly, keep walkways and entrances clear of snow, and use salt and sand to combat ice in these high traffic areas. Thirdly, consider wearing slip-resistant footwear when necessary. It may not always be fashionable but could save you from a rough tumble. Also, try to take smaller, more cautious steps in potentially icy/slippery areas.

When out on the jobsite, try to mark icy areas to prevent others from slipping. If you find a particularly icy spot, spread the word! Knowing to tread cautiously is often enough to prevent serious accidents.

Travel Safely

Whether headed into work or out to a jobsite, winter driving is inevitable for most workers. Beyond just taking it slow and driving defensively, be sure to equip your vehicle with the appropriate tires for the season. While all-weather tires may seem the cheaper option, a good pair of winter tires can protect you in ways all-seasons just can’t. Never cut costs on equipment that could save your life!

In addition to proper tires, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a winter safety kit that has all of the essentials: anti-freeze, road flares, a warm blanket, a flashlight, jumper cables, a towrope/strap, waterproof matches, a first aid kit, a small shovel, extra high-energy food and a charger for any cellular devices.

Wrapping It Up

In winter, a little preparedness goes a long way. Spending just a little time planning for the changing conditions can help keep you and your co-workers safe from harm.

This post was shared with us by Workforce Compliance Safety, a safety consulting company from the cold climates of Alberta, Canada.

 Our thanks to Joel  for this great winter advice – we love hearing from our friends in Canada; and please stay warm and safe! Pat