The December break is over for many of us and the wheels of the working world slowly start grinding again.
Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing & communications for Fidelity ADT, says you need the right mindset, tools and awareness to conquer 2025 safely on your commute and at the workplace.
“Life is unpredictable, so we find comfort in routine, which is good. However, routine can make us complacent, and can be hazardous in a workplace,” she says.
“The same goes for commuting. A humdrum routine each day can make you overly relaxed and forgetful of what is going on around you. There are hazards to commuting, whether walking, taking a bus or taxi or driving a car. We must remain alert.
“Regardless of how confident and comfortable you are with your daily commute and workplace tasks, it is imperative to avoid complacency.”
Hattingh reiterates that personal safety is each person’s responsibility. In addition, everyone has a role in crime fighting by being the eyes and ears of the police and related bodies, like private security companies and the CPF, and by reporting suspicious activity or persons.
Hattingh provided five crime trends to be aware of when commuting:
1. Taxi robbers often pose as passengers.
2. Smash and grabs are still rife at various intersections across South Africa. Be aware of hotspots and if you drive these routes, make sure all valuables are out of sight. Don’t talk on your cellphone with the window down; this is like taking candy off a baby for a snatch-and-go criminal.
3. Rather walk in groups and look for suspicious people loitering nearby. If an attacker who wants to rob you of your belongings approaches you, scream to attract attention. Carry pepper spray or a Taser and keep your cellphone out of sight.
4. Be aware of your surroundings when leaving and coming home. Don’t pull into your driveway if you see a strange car or people loitering nearby. Rather, drive to a safe place and report it to your security company.
5. Learners walking to and from school must avoid talking to strangers, no matter what they say their ‘emergency’ is. Also, don’t walk with earphones in and your cellphone for all to see. Regarding workplace safety, Hattingh says familiarity can develop into an overly relaxed attitude.
“All workplaces should have proper emergency protocols that are well communicated to all staff so that in the event of an emergency, everyone knows what to do and not do.
“In line with occupational health and safety compliance, companies must have crisis response crews made up of staff responsible for health and safety and being the first responders in any emergency.
“Don’t overlook first aid and emergency care in the workplace. Accidents happen quickly and are not planned. The health and safety team must be ready to administer immediate care and first aid until professional help arrives.
“Staff unsure of their company’s emergency protocols should ask a manager for clarity.”
Hatting adds a security system linked to an armed response service can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Since even the most secure workplaces can become targets for criminals, Fidelity ADT recommends these types of security systems to keep premises and staff safe:
• Business surveillance systems
• 24/7 security monitoring
• Surveillance cameras
• Fire alarm systems
• Access control systems
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