Promoting Social Worker Safety

Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress, 2025-2026

Priority:

• Ensuring workplace safety for social workers operating in high-risk environments

Legislation:

• Social Work Safety Act

Goal:

• To establish federal workplace safety standards to safeguard social workers in the field, including mandatory safety training and emergency response plans, and ensure implementation through federal oversight and funding.

Background:

Social workers often operate in high-stress, high-risk environments without adequate protections, exposing them to threats, violence, and harassment. Between 2016 and 2020, the healthcare and social assistance industry saw 207 fatalities due to workplace violence. A 2022 NASW survey revealed that 50% of social workers had experienced workplace violence or threats. The lack of federal workplace safety measures exacerbates risks, contributes to burnout, and jeopardizes the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. Federal intervention is essential to ensure consistent safety protocols across agencies, protect the workforce, and reduce service disruptions.

Recommendations:

Given the urgent need to protect social workers so they can do their vital work to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, NASW urges policymakers to:

1. Reintroduce and pass the Social Work Safety Act, which requires agencies employing social workers to adopt safety protocols, including emergency response plans; mandates comprehensive safety training for de-escalation, risk assessment, and emergency procedures; allocates $10 million annually (FY 2025–2029) for implementing safety measures; and tasks a federal agency (e.g., HHS or OSHA) with monitoring compliance and offering technical assistance.
2. Support legislative advocacy and coalition-building efforts, collaborate with sponsors and Congressional allies to advance the bill, and partner with NASW, unions, and safety advocacy organizations to generate support.
3. Raise public awareness, including share data, personal stories, and research highlighting the risks faced by social workers and the benefits of federal safety standards.

Ensuring the safety of social workers is not merely a workplace issue; it is a moral and professional responsibility. The Social Work Safety Act will offer essential protections, training, and oversight to safeguard those who dedicate their lives to serving vulnerable communities. The National Association of Social Workers urges Congress to take immediate action to introduce and pass this legislation, reinforcing the federal commitment to worker safety and ensuring that social workers can continue their critical work without fear of harm.