Social care practitioners need be aware of health, safety issues regarding possible dangers to their wellbeing. The stressful nature of the work and the disturbing psychological impact it has will test practitioners resolve and emotional resilience to do the job. Health and Safety guidelines or codes of practice exist to help protect professionals in their line of work. The social work profession has to take into consideration regarding:
Health: Exposure to used needles Exposure to infections Exposure to hazardous substances Pressure from excessive workloads Work related stress Experience of psychological trauma
Safety: Work place bullying Exposure to possible allegations of improper conduct Exposure to threat to the point of experiencing fear Exposure to physical attack Being present when violence occurs Dangerous visits
Support: Try to develop and promote strategies of wellbeing at work for yourself and others. Consider things such as:
Self-protection Training Risk assessment Interview precautions Maintaining contact Panic buttons
For more up-to-date information see UNISON – Duty of Care Handbook