Recently, there was a fire in the Bronx. Ten people died in the blaze; 9 children and a mother. Such a tragedy is a reminder to us all that accidents can happen at anytime, and can devastate our lives. Safety needs to be a major priority in all of our households. Being pro-active can help prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. When you have a nanny or other household employee in your home, you need to be sure that they know, and abide by, all of the safety rules that you have implemented. As you just changed your clocks for spring, you should also have changed the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. An emergency escape route that your family, and nanny, practice monthly with the children, including a meeting spot outside of the building, helps ensure that everyone knows how to get out safely. When you hire a household employee, you need to be aware of OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Act) rules that ensure the safety of employees in the work-place, which your home has become. Check with your state’s insurance fund to see if your state requires you to have worker’s compensation insurance. Even if it is not required, it is a good idea as it helps to protect you from liability. Also, be sure to check all your insurances to see exactly who and what are covered. According to the International Nanny Association, auto accidents are the most common type of claim involving a nanny. Be sure to have your nanny covered on your insurance if you intend on allowing her use of your vehicle. Go through your home carefully. Loose rugs, poisonous cleaning solutions, frayed electrical cords, overburdened outlets, and loose railings are all potentially dangerous to everyone in your home. Make sure that you keep your home as accident proof as possible to avoid liability, and to protect the ones you love. For more information on these and other household issues, including avoiding liability and paying on the books, visit the household employment experts at www.gtm.com.
