This page addresses the health and safety issues that frontline staff may face and includes some recommendations of courses of action to take.
These recommendations include information edited from the CRI 2007 Good Practice guidelines for Rough Sleepers Street Services Team by Bec Davison.
Ensure a partner is present and you are aware of each other’s working practices (e.g. signal word, preferred methods of engagement).
Items to carry
Look at the incident book to see if any safety issues have been logged
When starting and completing an outreach shift, ensure duty manager and, if appropriate, local police are informed.
Discussions with a colleague about how you want to work together are vital. It is important that one person takes the lead in engagement whilst the other is alert to potential risks.
Decide on a code word or signal that alerts your co-worker that you are feeling unsafe and a procedure for what you will do if this code word is used. It is best to use a word or name that you would not commonly use within your work.
Make an examination of the risks of where you are and what time of day it is – are people likely to be intoxicated or withdrawing?
Is the client showing any threatening behaviour? Are there any factors you are aware of that may have affected their mood or behaviour?
Body language is key to engagement; standing over someone can be very threatening but crouching can make you unbalanced and prevent a quick retreat. If you are crouching, then ensure you are far enough away not to be pushed over.
If you are approaching people from a distance then introduce yourself as early as possible to reduce any perceived threat.
If you are entering private property (e.g. gardens, car parks) then ensure you have permission to do so. Car parks are a popular place for rough sleepers but can be dark and quiet; it is good practice to inform the car park manager who you are, what you will be doing and approximately how long this will take. Developing relationships with people managing buildings such as car parks and 24 hour hospital waiting rooms can be very valuable – ensure they have your contact details where possible.
Be vigilant where you step and place your hands; discarded needles and drugs paraphernalia can be a risk. If you do suffer a needlestick injury, go to A&E immediately.
No-one should accept verbal or physical harassment. This can come in many forms including racist, sexist and personal comments, none of which have to be tolerated.
Dealing with verbal harassment:
Dealing with physical harassment:
After the incident:
Do not disclose anything personal and be clear that your relationship is professional
Be aware that your words may be interpreted differently to your intention. Be clear about what you mean.
Don’t promise anything on behalf of other agencies.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Be aware of risks of particular items of clothing (e.g. scarves, long earrings, piercings)
Be realistic with yourself and clients about what you can and can not do
Do not give money to a client
If taking part in joint street shifts, it is useful to discuss with the other agency members your different ways of working and how best to meet your remits. It is crucial for your partner agency to understand your safe working practices and to follow them.
Be clear to clients that you are from different agencies and discuss issues of confidentiality. Detail what information will be shared with other agencies and which will not.
If you are working with the police, be transparent with your clients about the purpose of the joint working and be clear about your role.
Detailing events in the incident book is necessary for the safety of yourself and your colleagues. It can help to identify common problems or people that workers need to be aware of.
Speaking with your manager is important to rectify any problems or concerns you may have. If other forms of support are necessary (including counselling) then your line manager will be able to advise the best course of action.
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