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Universal Precautions: Footwear & Attire

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To help prevent needlestick injury and pathogen exposure, harm reduction workers should always wear closed shoes while working. Flat shoes that are comfortable for walking, made of leather or another heavy material, are also recommended but not required.

Harm reduction workers are advised to wear long pants made of heavier denim or canvas to site. If skirts or shorts are worn, they should be of heavier fabric and reach at least to the knee. Be thoughtful about wearing dangling jewelry or other accessories that might get caught on things.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Consent Culture

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The concept of “consent culture” emerged from the sex positive movement of the 1980s and 90s. It was a response to the concept of “rape culture”, a term that had been coined to describe the experience that many people—especially women, queer and trans people—have of sexual violence and harassment.
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Hacks for Reaching Affirmation & Accord

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One of the main goals of active listening with an agitated person is reaching affirmation and accord. You are looking to try and find ways to agree with the person who is agitated. Even if you don’t entirely agree with the person, try to find at least a small way in which they may be right, or in which you can be on the same page, or team, with them.
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