Worker Safety
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Transcript of Worker Safety
WORKER SAFETY
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HOW TO USE THIS PRESENTATION
CompetenciesSW122-01 Understands the provisions of agency policies, procedures, and formal protocols designed to ensure the safety of staff members
Curricular competencies:
• Awareness of potentially dangerous conditions in workplace and/or in the field
• Ability to recognize potentially dangerous conditions in workplace and/or in the field
• Ability to react appropriately and safely when faced with dangerous situations
• Knows the emotional and behavioral indicators of escalating violence and potential dangerousness and safety strategies, including developing an exit plan to protect oneself during home visits
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Worksheet Activity• If you have not already downloaded and filled out the Worker
Safety Worksheet, do so now. (The worksheet is in Canvas)
• Keep the worksheet open as you proceed through this presentation, and amend your entries as you learn.
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Why be Concerned about Worker Safety?
Psychological or physical aggression Driving
hazards
Trip or fall hazard
Methamphetamine
Dangerous animals
Why be Concerned about Worker Safety?
Psychological or physical aggression
Dangerous animals
Driving hazards
Trip or fall hazard
Hazardous substances
By learning about these hazards and how to prevent or
protect yourself from them, you can keep
yourself safe.
SELF AWARENESS
• Boundaries / Limit setting behaviors• Communication• Feelings• Intuition• Problem solving skills• Conflict Management
THINK ABOUT BOUNDARIES
• What is acceptable behavior?• How to set limits• Maintaining limits
BOUNDARIES
• Boundaries set the tone for a professional relationship
• Know your triggers• “What would a reasonable person do?• Do you bend your rules?• Talk with your supervisor about limits
COMMUNICATION
Awareness of ALL communication
• Verbal• Nonverbal• Paraverbal
CHECK
• Is it OK for a client to yell at me?
• Is it OK for me to yell at a client?
• Is it OK for a client to threaten me?
• Is it OK for me to threaten a client?
• Is it OK for a client to lie to me?
• Is it OK for me to lie to a client?
POWER
• Do not be defensive• Do not defend yourself or anyone else• Do not make the client show you that they must
be respected; show them respect no matter what• Avoid putting clients in positions that embarrass
them• Help them “Save face” not sure what this means
Don’t get into a direct power struggle with an angry client.
MESSENGERS OF INTUITION
• Nagging feelings• Persistent thoughts• Sarcasm• Wonder• Anxiety• Curiosity
• Hunches• Gut feelings• Doubt• Hesitation• Suspicion• Apprehension
Personal Safety Risk Assessment
One of the most effective interventions to ensure worker safety is to assess for safety before ever leaving the office.
In fact CA Operations Manual 8612 mandates it. Click here to read the policy.
Personal Safety Risk Assessment
Before making client contact, staff will make ongoing assessments of situations based on the nature of the allegation(s) or changing case characteristics and risk factors. The following are issues for social workers and supervisors to consider before making field visits
1. Are firearms or other weapons noted in the referral or record?2. Is there a previous history of domestic violence or other violent
behavior towards others (this includes adults and youth)?3. Is there a history of criminal activity, mental illness, substance
abuse, and ritualistic abuse or cult practices?4. Is the family's geographic location isolated or dangerous and is there
cell phone coverage in that location?5. Is the contact scheduled after normal working hours?6. Are there aggressive animals on or near the premises?7. Is there a "danger to worker" notification screen on the referral?8. Is there lack of available information?
Common Risk Factors
Prior Violence
Defensive Feelings
Physical Risk Factors
Situational Factors
Assessing Worker Safety when DV is Present
(Adapted from Domestic Violence Protocol, Massachusetts Department of Social Services)
Learning to identify
dangerous behavior
Crucial
Your involvement may:• Threaten the batterer’s control of the situation• Increase the risk to the family and to you
Possible Indicators of an Abusive Personality
• Blaming everyone but self• Obsessive behavior - jealous, accusatory• Threatening suicide, violence, kidnapping,
harming those who try to help• Stalking• Presenting as if he/she is the victim• Vengeful - may file for an injunction against the victim or
sue for custody of the children• Powerful - may report having friends in positions of power
(i.e., police, organized crime, wealthy individuals)• Paranoid/hypersensitive• Criminal record of violent offenses • Belligerent toward authority figures - including
representatives of the agency• Current alcohol and drug abuse• Access to weapons or training in martial arts or boxing
Be aware of triggers which may cause an individual to respond in a violent way:
Mom is preparing to leave - i.e., shelter, injunction, separation, or divorce.Children are going to be removed - before, during, or after a hearing.Batterer has just been released from jail or is facing serious criminal charges or possible incarceration.Allegations have been made directly about him regarding child maltreatment or domestic violence (or both).He is asking for information about the family’s location if there has been a separation.Permanency plan goal changes to adoption.
Safety Planning when Risk is Identified
CA policy mandates:If the initial assessment reveals possible risk to the staff person, the following could be considered as part of a safety plan:
1. Call upon law enforcement and/or another staff person for accompaniment.
2. Carry a cell phone.3. Use a state car rather than personal vehicle (or visa versa).4. Carry personal safety equipment, such as a whistle or personal
alarm. 5. Conduct a criminal history check before making contact. 6. Consult with other informal sources, such as local law
enforcement, previous social workers, collateral contacts, coworkers or colleagues from other agencies.
• In the office• Making visits• Outdoor safety and
travel
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
OFFICE SAFETY
• Arrange your office/meeting room so that no one sits between you and the door
• Maintain physical distance• Ask yourself “Does my office/room have a
calming effect?”• Avoid having pictures and personal items
visable• Know your agency policy about visits
Safety considerations when meeting with a potentially violent individual in the office:
Avoid meeting with potentially violent individual alone. If possible, plan the visit at the local office, or take a colleague with you.
Notify colleagues that a potentially dangerous client is coming in to meet with you. Tell them when and where you will meet.
Whenever possible, use a meeting room with multiple exits, in case you need to leave quickly.• If possible, have security nearby.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE OFFICE
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return
• Obtain specific directions• Find out history• Know about any previous concerns• Try to conduct home visits in pairs, if
possible• Bring your cell phone
MAKING VISITS
1. Parking and approaching residences
2. Entering residences3. Residence awareness4. Exiting residences
Safety considerations when meeting with a potentially violent individual in the field:
Always make sure others are aware of your location when you are in the field.
Avoid meeting with a person who is under the influence.
Be aware of where you park the car, noting an exit plan. Park so that you will not be required to back up in order to leave the residence. Be prepared to leave quickly if needed.
Have an adequate amount of gas in the car at all times.
Know your office policy regarding vehicle safety, i.e. what to do in the event of a breakdown, flat tire, or other mechanical problem with the vehicle.
Always lock the car, even when moving. Keep windows rolled up to the point where someone cannot put their arm inside the car. Lock your purse or other valuables in the trunk of the car.
Safety considerations when meeting with a potentially violent individual in the field (Continued)
• Be aware of your surroundings. Is the area isolated? Are there unknown people or vehicles parked around the residence?
• Be aware of your attire. For example, wear shoes that you can move quickly in if necessary. Be cautious when wearing jewelry, scarves, ties, etc. that can be potentially grabbed, and where you may be harmed. Wear Department ID on break-away lanyards. Carry as few items as possible on your person.
• When you knock on the door, listen to what may be going on at the residence.• For example, is there fighting, crying, a dog barking, etc.?
Stand to the side of the door, never directly in front of the door.
Safety considerations when meeting with a potentially violent individual in the field (Continued)
• Do not enter a residence without being welcomed in by the occupants. Never enter a residence where no one has responded and the door is unlocked or ajar. Do not walk around the residence looking in windows when no one answers the door.
• Be aware of how to exit the client home once they have invited you in.
• If invited to sit, be aware of where you sit, so you do not sit on sharp or wet items.
• Always wash your hands once you leave a home visit. It may be helpful to carry prepackaged towelettes or anti-bacterial solution for use after a home visit.
• Be aware. Know which situations are the most likely to heighten risk factors, such as a Child Protection action where children are removed from their home.
• Always wait to be invited to sit• Be aware of all possible exits in the
house• Ask to turn the TV off, as “I” have
trouble hearing.• Keep a clear path to the door.
KEEPING SAFE INSIDE OF A HOME
MAKING VISITS
• Avoid positioning self so that you become trapped if needed to make a quick exit.
• If situation escalates, LEAVE. • Always carry car keys in same
place where they are readily accessible.
METHAMPHETAMINE LABS
No single sign indicates the presence of a meth labAny combination of these might mean a deeper problem:
• Strong chemical odor coming from house, garbage, or detached building.
• Visitors come and go throughout the day and night and stay for short periods of time.
• Extra efforts to cover windows or have extensive security, such as reinforced doors.
• Deterioration of property and excessive amounts of trash, such as large amounts of antifreeze, drain cleaner, and glass containers.
• Appear to have plenty of money but don't seem to go to work - drive expensive cars, pay rent or bills with cash.
• Never take trash out to be collected or put garbage in another neighbors collection area.
• Residents come outside to smoke cigarettes. • Children and pets of the home appear to be neglected. • Residents act unfriendly, paranoid, or appear secretive about their
activities.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
METHAMPHETAMINE LABS
CA Policy
If you suspect a meth lab:• Exit the property• Call 911 to request
law enforcement response
If you may have been exposed:• Consult your physician within 2 hours
of exposure
WEAPONS
• Assume that every home has a weapon
• Assume that every client could access a weapon
• Watch for signs of escalation• Know when to leave or request help.• Look for weapons when you are in
someone else’s space.•Guns are often in bedroom, knives in kitchen•Never reach for a weapon
Maintaining Safety
Practice Model
Tool for minimizin
g violence
Genuine Respectful
Empathetic
If Conflict Escalates
Situation may be escalated
when you arrive
May not be able to engage families in a way that avoids
conflict
VERBAL DEFUSING TECHNIQUES(IF NO WEAPONS PRESENT)
• Most families are not a threat• Safety Plans and Action Plans promote
awareness and help reduce fear so we can focus on helping families
TWO IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Reasoning with an enraged person is
not possible
De-escalation techniques are
abnormal
Must appear centered and
calm even when
frightened
Practice before
they are needed
THREE PARTS TO BE MASTERED IN VERBAL DE-ESCALATION
Physical Stance
The worker’s demeanor
Worker needs to be in control of him/herself
No not stand close or
directly in front of person
De-escalation conversation
Calmly bring the level of arousal down to baseline.
DEFUSING TECHNIQUES
If things escalate:
• Kept it from escalating; try to stay calm and listen attentively;
• Avoid sudden movements;• Avoid confrontation;• Maintain eye contact and
personal space;
DEFUSING
More tips, for when things escalate:
• Keep situation in your control;• Use calm tone of voice when speaking;• Do not argue with the person;• Discretely signal someone that you need
help (try not to let angry client see this).
Additional de-escalation strategies are available on the National Association of Social Workers website.
ANIMAL HAZARDSCheck for prior involvement or info on intake
• Watch for clues• Be vigilant• Do not pet pets
DEALING WITH DOGSChecking your surroundings
• Site evaluation should be made for all homes• Check for signs - bones, feces, dog dishes• Be prepared - carry protection items• Check conditions of the fences• Make noise to alert the dog of your presence• Evaluate strength of ropes and chains• Respect dog's territory• Dogs are VERY protective of children• Have owner put the dog away
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DEALING WITH DOGS
• Be still and calm• Protect head and
necks with your fists• Wait until the dog
leaves before getting up
• Move slowly• Watch for the dog
as you move
If knocked down WITHOUT protection:
• Let the dog bite your protection item
• Hold on to the protection item until you are safe
• When you are safe, let the dog take your protection item
If knocked down WITH protection:146869744
DEALING WITH DOGSIf a dog starts to attack:
• STOP!!• Do not panic or scream• Stand still, stay calm• Say: "NO!"• Speak in a firm voice• Tell the dog: "GO HOME!"• Keep hands around your neck• Keep elbows close to body• No direct eye contact• Wait until dog leaves you before you move away to
safety• Give the dog something to bite
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COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ANDHEALTH HAZARDS
• Know agency safety procedures• Hand washing is critical• Know when to protect yourself• Lice• Airborne & Fluid surface contamination
OUTDOOR SAFETY AND TRAVEL
• Driving conditions and weather• Knowledge of neighborhoods and safety• Car safety
DRIVING HAZARDS
• Keep fuel tank full• Leave valuables locked• Drive defensively
SUMMARY: COMPETENCY REVIEW
SW122-01 Understands the provisions of agency policies, procedures, and formal protocols designed to ensure the safety of staff members
• Awareness of potentially dangerous conditions in workplace and/or in the field
• Ability to recognize potentially dangerous conditions in workplace and/or in the field
• Ability to react appropriately and safely when faced with dangerous situations
• Knows the emotional and behavioral indicators of escalating violence and potential dangerousness and safety strategies, including developing an exit plan to protect oneself during home visits
Thank YouThis session is now complete. Thank you for your time.