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Post by Kevin on May 31, 2005 8:19:18 GMT -5
Some related safety and security issues concearning our industry are Employee Safety on the Job Chemicals MSDS Ladders Night Time Cleaning Emergency Situations Employee Theft
and more..
Tell us how you implement these plans into your daily services?
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Post by Linda on Jul 31, 2006 15:22:13 GMT -5
Here's one for everybody. What would you do in this situation? One of my clients goes out of state a great deal, for a week at a time. He leaves his back door open a little so his cats can come and go as they please. The first time this happened I had to go to his basement and turn on the water, because he turned it off before he left . I was very very uncomfortable about this, but I did it anyway. Now I understand how some people get themselves in a very bad situation. I dont know if I am brave or stupid I am not worried about anything getting stolen, that is his ignorance. What would you do in this situation? Anyone could be hid in his home. Linda
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Post by Pages Personal Cleaning on Jul 31, 2006 15:41:51 GMT -5
Linda I wouldn't go in there alone for sure. And you shouldn't be responsible for turning his water on and off. I think I would tell him to have a neighbor or family member meet me there inside the home and have them go to the basement to turn the water on. Patti
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Post by Linda on Jul 31, 2006 15:47:08 GMT -5
The water was on today, but once again the door was standing wide open. I had my sister with me. I told her I wanted her to start helping me do his home each time. I wasn't comfortable going in there by myself in this situation. I have always been told to listen to my instincts and for some reason I am getting bad one. Things dont usually bother me like this.
Linda
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Post by Pages Personal Cleaning on Jul 31, 2006 16:13:16 GMT -5
Linda I am the same way. I always try to go by my instincts. We face a lot of dangers everyday in this business and I think people just don't realize what we go through. As for what happened today with us, I will never go back to that home again. Period. The dogs bothered us off and on the whole time. And she had the nerve to say they had 3 years of obedience training. Training in what? Patti
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Post by Linda on Jul 31, 2006 16:17:20 GMT -5
So in other words she wanted you to know they knew how to protect also. That is just rude to me. We have 3 dogs and we try very hard to keep our dogs from jumping on others. People do not like that. We dont even like it. One of ours always jumps on me, but I make him stop and he does. He gets very excited when I come out to the garage so I do try and understand, but once is enough, get down Linda
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Post by logan5127 on Jul 31, 2006 23:02:44 GMT -5
Just wait till the client says don't worry he want bite. Then after you are bit they say, well he never done that before. Linda, this guy could put in a pet door for the cat to go in and out. I put one in my garage and it works great. Its just a small door with a flap that is mounted in the bottom of the door. That way he could keep the doors locked and the house secure. Suggest it to him. Voice your concerns. If he is intelligent at all he will understand. There is no way to be completely safe. Carry some pepper spray with you when you work anywhere by yourself. Also can use the keys as a sharp object to scratch any would be attacker. People stalk and watch for victoms. If you arrive at a house every week at the same time , by yourself then pay attention to your surroundings. Look for anyone sitting in vehicles that may be watching your moves. Don't mean to scare anyone, just want you all to be careful. Some criminals even read the obituraries to see when funerals are going on. They know families will be at the funeral and will break into the houses while no ones home. If this guy lets people know he is out of town a lot then its a good possibility that someone may try to get in while he is gone.
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Post by Linda on Aug 1, 2006 12:03:42 GMT -5
That is one thing that is not in my favor at all, being observant I take those little tests every chance I get to try and be more observant, but it is hard. I do keep my keys in my hand until I have been thru anyones home. I thought about the pepper spray or maybe a small stun gun, but I know you have to be careful with that soooo. Anyway, I am going to talk to him soon as he returns about the little door for the pets. I think that is a good idea too. He could install it himself, he is good at that sort of thing. Linda
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sweetnessnow
New Forum Member
"An outstanding cleaning team."
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Post by sweetnessnow on Aug 1, 2006 12:55:04 GMT -5
This may sound like a silly question, but if he doesnt mind leaving his doors open for you to come, why won't he give you a key?
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Post by Linda on Aug 1, 2006 13:24:03 GMT -5
Not a silly question at all. I still dont know the answer though lol. I dont understand it at all. I guess he figures I dont need a key if he isnt going to lock the door Linda
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Post by Linda on Aug 1, 2006 13:24:39 GMT -5
Hmm, maybe he just doesnt want ME locking the door Linda
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sweetnessnow
New Forum Member
"An outstanding cleaning team."
Posts: 16
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Post by sweetnessnow on Aug 1, 2006 13:45:16 GMT -5
You have my sincere sympathy with this situation. I would ask him for a key and let him know that obviously it's more for his safety than yours. You could also mention recent news articles in your area of break-ins and how most criminals "case" out their territory before they strike. It's amazing to me in this business how many people are so naive.
And as an ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, get and keep on your person some form of protection. Even if it is a screwdriver; keep in the pocket of your work apron!!
I hope that's not too graphic, but our safety has to come first. Stay safe...
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Post by FreedomClean on Aug 1, 2006 16:20:52 GMT -5
I think the stated reason for the door being left open was for the cats(?). There's so many things here to consider. He could rob himself to try and get money from your insurance. That's a horrible thing to think, but I'm getting cynical in my old age. As for safety I'll tell you the same thing I tell my kids when they get off the school bus. Be aware of your surroundings; look for cars that don't belong, anything out of place. You can get pepper spray or mace on a keychain. I guess it all boils down to taking care of yourself. Good communication with the customer. If he doesn't want to lock the door for your protection, maybe he'd lock it for his.
Good luck, Linda and be safe!
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Post by Linda on Aug 1, 2006 17:23:12 GMT -5
I have already thought about that, but his first mistake is leaving his door wide open especially while he is in another state. My insurance would never cover any of it. They may investigate, but he would be out of luck if he tried to put it on me. I know things like this is heard often, but I would not take someone into his home that I didnt trust completely like my sister. Also, because of the circumstances I will be the one there at all times of cleaning. Me and my sister will do that job. If something happens then I know we are safe as far as robbery. There are too many ppl that would bet their life on how trustworthy I really am. That is a huge issue with me. I have never and will never be a thief. They leave candy dishes everywhere at work and they tell me to have at it. I dont. If they are not standing there to see what I take then I dont take it. I see others who do and I am just not comfortable with that. I just cant do it. It is kinda strange though. When he is in town he has me to lock the door behind me, but when he is out of town I am to leave it open. Im becoming very upset about this Linda
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