As first-year graduate school social workers, we are concerned about the issue of workplace violence in our sector. Every day, countless healthcare and social service professionals are exposed to potential harm and hostile environments. This situation is not just distressing, it's downright dangerous. We believe that the Department of Labor has the authority and responsibility to take immediate action. We ask them to issue an interim occupational safety and health standard that mandates certain employers to safeguard workers from workplace violence.

The standard is pertinent to employers in the health care sector, the social service sector, and sectors conducting activities similar to these. There is a clear and present need for this requirement. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), social workers and health care workers are five times more likely to suffer workplace violence when compared to other industries. This should not be the norm. In addition to this, social workers do not normally work within an office space, rather they provide services within client homes and communities, increasing the risk of workplace violence. (https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Issues/Social-Worker-Safety

We are on the frontline, serving communities, caring for the ill, and providing essential social services. An environment that values our safety and prevents violence isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.

We demand urgent action. Sign this petition now to call upon the Department of Labor to protect workers in healthcare, social services and similar sectors from workplace violence.