Reducing Risks (continued)

8. Code of Silence – Defined as "when an individual does not say something because there is an unwritten rule about what you cannot talk about. For instance let’s say that you work in a setting where you see someone do something that doesn’t look right and you tell a peer who then tells you we just don’t talk about that." Reduce by:

• As a peer it is up to each of us to not allow an agency to set “policy” that conflicts with state statute.
• The code of silence is about not talking; we all need to talk and challenge this by our own example. 

9. Difficulties at home – These cannot be dismissed as unimportant. Issues that we have in our lives carry over to our work, our ability to concentrate and to focus completely on what we are doing. This becomes even more important when you are working with people’s lives, health and safety. Reduce by:

• Taking time to solve or work on the difficulties at home, learn how to set aside what we can so we can focus on work
• Asking for extra support or help from your peers, supervisor or family members and friends
• Attempting to take care of yourself first so that you are emotionally and mentally available to take care of others