Sales Agent Safety

Workplace Controls

Qualico is committed to ensuring the safety and health of our internal and external Sales Agents and strives to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of hazards, incidents, harassment, violence, and other on-the-job hazards associated with working alone. Due to Sales Agents primarily working alone, they are at increased risk for certain hazards that require additional training and preventative measures.

When setting up a show home for Sales Agents to work out of, there are 4 key safety features in each show home:

  • A monitored alarm system with personal panic fob.
  • Access to a cell phone.
  • Video Surveillance in key locations.
  • The layout and permitted contents of a show home.
Alarm System and Panic Fob

All show homes are equipped with an alarm system and panic fob which is connected to an approved alarm company for remote monitoring. The alarm monitoring company is also responsible for acting when the panic fob is pressed, ensuring that police are dispatched to the show home location, as soon as possible.

  • Sales Agents will be trained by the Sales Manager on how to arm, disarm, and test the alarm system in each show home.
  • Sales Agents are to ensure they are familiar with the alarm system and routinely test it to ensure it is working properly.
  • Sales Agents should not hesitate to activate the panic fob or alarm system if they feel exposed to an uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situation.
  • The alarm in the show home should be set up to make an audible chime whenever the door opens. This will alert the Sales Agent that an individual has entered the show home and signals the individual that the Sales Agent has been notified of their presence. If the audible alarm is disabled during high traffic days, the Sales Agent will be required to reset the audible alarm as part of closing the show home at the end of the day.
  • Panic fobs are only effective while inside of the show home. In the event of an emergency or incident, if the Sales Agent leaves the show home, then other means of communication such as a cell phone will be required.
  • The panic fob may trigger an audible or silent alarm. Sales Agents should verify with their Sales Manager which type of alarm will be triggered at the show home location.
  • Sales Managers will ensure that the panic fobs are tested quarterly for proper function and performance.
Cell Phones

As noted in the section above, cell phones can be utilized as a safety control anytime a Sales Agent is working outside of the show home.

Sales Agents are to have access to a cell phone when working alone and it should be kept charged and easily accessible at all times.

It is important for Sales Agents to remember to take the cell phone when leaving the show home to accompany clients on site visits, tours of feature homes or at the end of the day.

The following Emergency Contact Numbers should be added to a Sales Agents cell phone:

  • Emergency Services
  • Roadside Assistance
  • The Builder
  • The Sales Manager
  • Other Sales Agents or Co-Workers
  • Family Members or Friends
Video Surveillance

All show homes are equipped with cameras at show home entry points, reception areas of offices or where surveillance is deemed necessary to protect our sales agents, contractors, individuals, and company property from harassment, violence, or loss.

Additional information regarding video surveillance can be found in the Video Surveillance Directive.

Layout and Permitted Contents of a Show Home

It is important to ensure that Sales Agents understand the importance of the layout of the home and the items that are stored or brought into the home for staging purposes.

The following safety features ensure that the layout of the home is designed to mitigate the hazards, incidents, harassment, violence, and other on-the-job hazards associated with working in a show home and working alone.

  • Main floor sales offices are to be created where the floor plan allows.
  • If a sales office is to be set up in a bedroom, the door to that room is to be removed.
  • The area surrounding the show home is to be well lit. The lighting will maximize visibility and reduce places where individuals may hide.
  • Show homes will receive regular maintenance to ensure lighting and door locks are functioning correctly, as well as ensure that the ice and snow are cleared from access points.
  • Weapons and potential weapons are not permitted in the show home. This includes cutlery, knives or fireplace tools.
  • Show homes are to be equipped with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
  • As a Sales Agent, be familiar with the location of both the fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
  • Sales Agents are also responsible for ensuring the first aid kit is checked regularly and notifying the Sales Manager when the first aid kit needs to be re-stocked.
Additional Workplace Controls

Along with the Workplace Controls mentioned above, Sales Agents will also receive the following training:

  • A generic safety orientation and Sales Agent Safety Training (IQA) prior to starting work.
  • How to complete work alone plans, use work alone apps; if applicable as well as the panic fobs within the show homes.

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