Staying safe in social work

NASW’s safety guidelines have 11 standards, from a culture of safety and field visit planning to post-incident support and student safety.

The IFSW ethics statement says social workers must be aware of situations that might threaten their own safety and security.

OSHA’s violence-prevention guidelines for healthcare and social service workers are advisory. But under U.S. law, employers must keep the workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm.

OSHA says cooperation between workers and employers in spotting hazards is the foundation of a good prevention program.

Think about

• Any recent incidents in the last two days
• Phone signal in the area
• The neighborhood and parking
• Time of day

OSHA suggests workers are briefed about the area they will work in, and given alternative routes where needed.

Think about

• Any known weapons or dangerous animals
• Entrances and exits
• Who else is likely to be present

NASW names higher-risk tasks such as removing a child or delivering unwelcome news. Plan extra support for these.

Before a visit, also think about the person’s current situation, such as recent substance use or a history of violence, without judgment or assumptions.

Things that raise risk

• Being new to the job
• Having no safety plan
• Working alone

Equipment to check

• A charged phone
• A working vehicle with fuel
• Emergency numbers saved

Before a visit, share

• Address and appointment time
• Expected length of the visit
• How to reach you
• Your vehicle details

Check in with your supervisor or a named person when the visit ends. If you miss a check-in, your agency should have a clear plan for tracking you down.

NASW suggests

• Agree on a code word that means “I need help”
• Keep emergency contacts on speed dial
• Keep your phone charged and carry a car charger
• Use an agency phone instead of your personal phone where possible
• Use your phone discreetly during visits

Never use a handheld phone while driving.

OSHA recommends a buddy system, especially when personal safety may be threatened. Agencies should have a policy for when a buddy is needed.

OSHA also says field workers should be able to ask for backup from another worker or law enforcement.

Habits that help

• Check the home for exit routes when you arrive
• Keep a clear path between you and the door
• Know the different ways out of the building
• Take extra care in unfamiliar homes

OSHA suggests workers avoid carrying unnecessary items that could be used as a weapon, and that name tags leave out personal details such as a last name.

NASW suggests carrying agency ID on visits.

Consider ending the visit if

• A weapon is shown or mentioned
• Someone blocks your exit
• Someone is very intoxicated or threatening
• Your gut says something is wrong

You can say something simple, like “I need to step out and check something,” then leave and call your supervisor. You can reschedule with support.

Signs tension may be rising

• A louder or faster voice
• Clenched fists or jaw
• Pacing or restlessness
• Staring or refusing to engage
• Threats or swearing aimed at you

People often escalate when they feel scared, powerless or unheard. Many people you work with are facing big losses, which makes strong feelings understandable.

Try

• Acknowledge feelings: “I can see this is really hard.”
• Avoid arguing or lecturing
• Listen more than you talk
• Offer simple choices when you can
• Speak slowly and calmly, in a low voice

Try

• Give the person plenty of personal space
• Keep your hands visible and relaxed
• Stand at an angle rather than face-on
• Stay between the person and your exit if you can

NASW suggests

• Check how the person is feeling about where you are going
• Clear the car of loose items
• Make sure the car is in good order with emergency equipment
• Use child locks, the right car seat and a second worker when driving a child

If the person or the vehicle doesn’t seem safe, agency policy should allow you not to drive.

OSHA ideas

• Ask for escorts to parking at night
• Have panic buttons or another way to call for help
• Meet agitated clients in open areas that still keep privacy
• Report all threats and assaults to a manager

NASW says schools of social work should teach safety and place students in settings with sound safety policies. Students who raise concerns should get support until it’s resolved, or be offered another placement.

Ideas

• Avoid posting real-time locations
• Check what a search of your name shows
• Set social media accounts to private
• Think twice before posting photos of your home or car

The NASW Code also asks social workers not to accept friend or contact requests from clients on social media.

OSHA suggests that if stalking is suspected, agencies consider changing the affected worker’s check-in times and travel routes.

Steps

• Ask about safety planning and legal options
• Keep a record of every incident
• Tell your supervisor right away

You might feel

• Afraid to go back to work
• Guilty, powerless or not good enough
• Tense with coworkers or family
• Worried about being blamed

These reactions are common. OSHA says prompt debriefing and counseling can reduce trauma and stress for victims and witnesses.

OSHA recommends reporting all assaults and threats, and keeping records to prevent repeat incidents. Workplace violence is under-reported.

Reporting is not overreacting. It helps your agency protect you and your colleagues.

OSHA says support should also cover workers traumatized by witnessing an incident.

If reactions last for weeks, see When your job exposes you to trauma, and talk to a professional.

The NASW and ASWB supervision standards say supervisors should train supervisees to handle conflict, threats, harassment and assaults, including the emotional aftermath. They should help plan for safety in the office and the community.

Good practice includes

• A clear process for reporting without blame
• Check-in and tracking procedures for field staff
• Regular safety training, including de-escalation
• Support and follow-up after every incident

The NCTSN suggests agencies regularly ask staff how safe they feel and how confident they are handling risky situations.

Ideas

• Check in after a colleague’s hard visit
• Offer to go along on a visit that worries someone
• Raise shared concerns together
• Share local safety knowledge with new staff