Before, during, and after a field visit

Before leaving

• Review the purpose of the visit, known concerns, and only the information needed to conduct it safely.
• Confirm the address, appointment window, expected participants, and a working contact method.
• Know whether pets, weapons, substance use, environmental hazards, conflict, or previous threatening behavior have been reported.
• Decide whether the visit requires two workers, a supervisor consultation, a public meeting location, or rescheduling.
• Share the location and expected end time through your organization’s approved check-in process.
• Set an escalation step if you miss the check-out time and cannot be reached.
• Plan transportation, parking, lighting, building access, telephone coverage, and the fastest safe exit.
• Carry only the equipment and documents needed for the visit. Protect client and organizational information from view.

At arrival

Pause before entering. Compare the environment with what was expected. Notice blocked exits, escalating conflict, unsecured animals, visible weapons, unsafe building conditions, and people whose presence was not anticipated.

Keep your identification and telephone accessible. Whenever possible, park where you can leave without being blocked and avoid entering an area where you cannot maintain a clear path out.

During the visit

• Introduce your role, explain the purpose of the visit, and clarify how long you expect it to take.
• Choose a position that preserves personal space and access to an exit.
• Use calm, respectful language and avoid arguing, cornering, touching, or making promises you cannot keep.
• Pay attention to changes in voice, posture, pacing, threats, agitation, intoxication, and the behavior of others nearby.
• End the visit if conditions exceed your role, training, or organization’s safety limits.
• Do not disclose the location, schedule, or personal information of coworkers.

After the visit

• Complete the agreed check-out immediately.
• Document objective observations, actions taken, and follow-up needed without stigmatizing language.
• Report threats, injuries, property damage, safety hazards, and near misses through the approved process.
• Ask whether the next contact needs a different location, two-person visit, additional support, or updated safety plan.
• Use supervision or debriefing after a distressing event; worker impact is relevant even when no injury occurred.

A short pre-visit briefing

Before a higher-concern visit, a worker and supervisor should be able to answer five questions:

1. What is the purpose of this visit?
2. What risks or unknowns are present?
3. What is our check-in and missed-check-in plan?
4. What conditions mean we leave or cancel?
5. What is the next safe alternative if the visit cannot occur?

Sources and further reading

• CDC/NIOSH: Workplace violence prevention
• CDC/NIOSH: Preventing violence in home healthcare
• NASW: Guidelines for social worker safety in the workplace