The pressure is real. High caseloads. "Client-centered" policies that seem to forget you're a person too. Supervisors who imply that safety concerns are excuses for not doing your job.
Here's the truth: An injured or traumatized worker helps no one. Your safety is not in conflict with good social work — it's a prerequisite for it.
Know Your Rights
You can refuse unsafe assignments. Document your concerns in writing. Request alternative arrangements.
You can request accompaniment. For visits flagged as high-risk, you have the right to backup.
You can leave dangerous situations. No policy override this. Ever.
You cannot pour from an empty cup.
You cannot serve from a hospital bed.
Pushing Back on Pressure
Document everything. Safety concerns in writing. Requests denied. Incidents that occur.
Know your union. If you have one, know what protections exist. If you don't, know your legal rights.
Build alliances. Other workers share your concerns. Collective voices are harder to dismiss.
Escalate appropriately. If your supervisor dismisses concerns, go higher. Create a paper trail.
Self-Advocacy Scripts
"I'm committed to serving this client, and I need appropriate safety measures in place to do that effectively."
"I'm documenting this conversation and my safety concerns for the record."
"I'm not comfortable with this assignment as structured. What alternatives can we explore?"
Agencies that don't protect workers eventually face lawsuits, turnover, and scandals. By advocating for safety, you're helping the system improve. Don't be silent.
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