A University Don and Head of Department of Sociology, Psychology Criminology and Social Work, Lead City University,Ibadan, Dr. Jane Adebusuyi, has advised social workers in the country to be safety conscious to reduce occupational hazards.
Dr Adebusuyi gave the advice Tuesday while delivering her paper titled: “Buen Vivir: Appraising Social Work Practice for Transformative Change” at the 2024 World Social Work Day held at the Social Development Staff Training Center, Samonda Ibadan .
She said this became necessary in view of the need for the social workers to go extra to protect themselves as there are some occupational hazards.
“Nothing stops you to go extra to protect yourself. There are some occupational hazards. You need to protect yourself. Don’t wait until you are infected. Wherever you are going for a home visit, you need to request for security cover,” she said.
Dr Adebusuyi added: “Social work is a problem solving profession. Social work operates in a world in crisis which is evidenced by thousands of people who die daily from violent conflict, millions who are displaced of wars and violence or climate warming and environment destruction.
“To effectively respond to this crisis, social work needs new approaches, actions, actors and platforms for transformative change which is community-led.”
Former NASoW chairperson in Oyo state, Mrs Christianah Abioye, while declaring the day open said social workers are trained professionals who are devoted to helping individuals, vulnerable people, families, groups and communities.
