Environmental Health and Safety Update

Most of America is fully aware of the fiscal dangers involved in the real estate market and that realtors are experiencing major problems in their career as a result. But not many seem to think of the physical dangers that can occur through this line of work. Think about it, realtors take complete strangers around in their cars to isolated locations on a regular basis. That can be very dangerous, so precautions need to be taken to ensure safety. The need for caution in this line of work has led to the state of Ohio establishing September 13th – 19th as Ohio Real Estate Safety Week.

Tips to follow for your safety:

1. Request all prospective clients to come to your office and leave personal idenitification before going anywhere with them.
2. Always log all of your appointments with detailed information and introduce prospect to a co-worker prior to leaving.
3. Establish an emergency code word or phrase in your office to let someone else know that the police need to be contacted ASAP.
4. ALWAYS use your car!
5. Know the property that you are showing. Check all the possible escape routes in advance.
6. Leave your business card with date and time on the back and place in a kitchen cupboard.
7. If a client meets you at the property, write down their license plate number, car description and physical description.
8. Always walk behind the client, let them take the lead.
9. Have a policy that all realtors on an appointment must call at a specified time, if you don’t call the office is too call the police immediately. 
10. If attacked scream FIRE, this will grab attention faster. 

The bottom line is, if at anytime you feel uncomfortable with a client or at a particular location – leave immediately. Being concerned with a potentially embarassing moment is nothing compared to what would happen if you were right!

How well would your business fair if the unexpected occurred today? September is National Preparedness Month and employers are encouraged to make a plan to avoid issues that could affect their businesses in the event of a disaster. Unfortunately, due to the current economic strains companies are enduring, many businesses are cutting corners on safety. To help employers with their financial security, SafetySkills™ Emergency Response Series is available at a 20 percent discount all month long.

“Any disaster, no matter how severe or minor, can result in huge costs to a business,” said Trey Greene, CEO of noodleStream.com. “Making simple preparation strategies can save thousands. Training employees how to respond in the event of a fire, severe weather or a workplace injury will not only protect your business, but save lives.”

The number of preventable accidents reported in the news is escalating at an alarming rate. These incidents are making everyone a little more nervous including government agencies. Despite the new safety legislations being proposed to Congress, some feel that simple changes made by individuals can make a big difference in safety. 

“Our entire emergency management team has a role to play when it comes to preparing for and responding to the next disaster,” said W. Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “One of the most important parts of the team is the public. The more prepared the public is now, by getting an emergency response kit, making an emergency plan and getting a skill, like CPR, the stronger our emergency response team will be.”

To learn more about SafetySkills™ or to take SafetySkills™ Emergency Response Series, visit www.safetyskills.com.