Dear Editor:

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

The SEIU Local 509, the Human Service Workers Union, would like to thank Senator Sal DiDomenico for introducing Senate Bill 1206, an act to promote workplace safety for social workers. This bill would require programs operated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to establish a workplace violence prevention and crisis response plan for social workers and human services workers.

The threat of workplace violence affects thousands of social workers and human service workers in the Commonwealth, who work selflessly every day to help those in need. Recent incidents, such as the death of human service worker Stephanie Moultan, allegedly killed by a mentally ill client on the job, highlight the pressing need for measures to prevent and respond to threats to worker safety.

In return for the service and dedication of social workers and human service workers, the state should ensure that they are safe and protected from violence on the job. The passage of this bill would be instrumental in achieving this goal of a safer workplace environment for workers and clients alike. The Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex counties should all be grateful to have such a dedicated senator.

Susan Tousignant,

President of SEIU Local 509,

Watertown