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Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents

Article by LDS Agents

Whether young or old, male or female, every day you put yourself at risk just doing your job. This article isn’t meant to frighten but rather to inform. Accidents happen, it is a fact of life. And just as often, things much more dangerous can happen. Here are a few tips to keep you safe, aware and reduce your risk of becoming a victim.1. Cell phone – The very bread and butter of your real estate business. A cell phone can also be your greatest asset when it comes to an emergency. Having your cell programmed with a few emergency numbers in your speed dial could very well save your life. Which numbers should be in your speed dial? 911 of course – you’d think that would be a no brainer, but very few people think to include it in their cell phone. Your office number so if there is a problem you can speak with a live person to get help.Your emergency contact – police/rescue/EMT’s often look for an emergency contact in a person’s phone, but having it listed as “Joe” or “Sally” won’t tell them anything. Even if it means adding a duplicate entry have an contact in your phone labeled Emergency Contact then list the name, relationship, home, office and mobile phone numbers and an address.2. Keep your cell phone on your person. It won’t do any you good if you fall in the bathroom in the house you’re holding open, if the phone is tucked safely into a kitchen cabinet or in your car. Keep it close at hand, on your belt, in a pocket or on a lanyard around your neck.3. Trust your gut instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable escorting a unknown person into the basement of a vacant home. Don’t do it. Let him go by himself, simply saying feel free to tour the home, I’ll answer questions when you’re done – then take a stroll outside – talk to a neighbor, call your office or spouse- let someone know your discomfort and make sure someone knows where your are.4. Use the buddy system. If you are meeting someone for the first time and you’re uncomfortable or have a bad feeling either skip the meeting all together or take someone with you, a friend from the office, your spouse, etc.5. Don’t look like a victim. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Look people in the eye when you meet them. Carry your keys threaded through your fingers (like brass knuckles). Stand up straight, don’t hunch down, or look at the ground when around strangers. Look people in the eye, if you are looking at a person in stead of the ground, it is much more likely that you could give a full description of that person to the police.6. Use common sense. Stay out of questionable neighborhoods after dark. Keep your gas tank filled. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Don’t flash wads of cash around. If you use an MP3 player, make sure the volume is set so you can hear someone coming up behind you. Let someone know where you’re going and when you are expected back. Keep your risk taking to investment, don’t risk your safety.These are just a few of the ways to keep yourself safe on the job and off. Every year real estate agents fall victim to foul play at the hands of someone looking at houses. Don’t become a statistic. Ask your broker about your office safety policy. Most of all be aware, be prepared, and be safe.R.E.L.D. “6 Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents.” February 2011http://realestatelicensedirect.com/6-safety-tips-for-real-estate-agents/

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If you have a forklift on your premises, you will need to consider the following points. If you truly answer any of them with “no”, you will want to consider the issue for the safety of your drivers and anyone entering the zone of the forklift travel.

1) Forklift operating area separated from pedestrians
2) Pedestrian access to forklift work areas restricted by barriers
3) Pedestrian walkways clearly marked and provided
4) Forklift in operation signs
5) Mirrors for drivers and pedestrians provided at all blind spots
6) Changes to workplace daily schedule communicated to ALL affected employees for forklift use
7) Forklift and tires suitable for use on all operating surfaces at this workplace
Seatbelt fitted to the forklift and used
9) Seat is in good shape
10) Forklift is on a regular maintenance schedule
11) Forklift is inspected and is certified each year
12) Forklift an appropriate size for the tasks
13) Forklift has a readable load chart
14) Operators understand the load chart
15) Load chart indicate the safe capacity for different attachments and is rated for each
16) Forklift fitted with correctly operating warning devices (horn works, turn signal and brake and reverse lights work, reversing beeper)
17) Forklift has a correctly operating speed control device fitted
18) Overhead cage is fitted on the forklift
19) Forklift operators hold an appropriate certificate for operation
20) Uncertified forklift operators are directly supervised in sight of an authorized person
21) Forklift operators observe speed limits and warning signs
22) Forklift operators receive appropriate training and instruction on all models of forklifts in operation and on workplace hazards and safe work procedures
23) Forklift operators understand the requirement to report any equipment damage and forklift incidents
24) Use a pre-test checklist at the beginning of each shift

If you have answered “yes” to these points, congratulations on a fine job on forklift safety. If you did answer “no” to a few, just make adjustments and introduce the policies to your employees and make sure if you do have visitors on the floor, to make sure everyone knows of the safety policies. Make everyone safe.