Some ways to keep staff and volunteers safe

This list is an example only. There may be other issues for the particular work sites and tasks of your volunteers.

Assess all possible risks and work place hazards (this includes general hazards related to the tasks and site specific hazards)
Maintain tools and equipment in working order and ensure they are safe to use
Implement procedures to ensure the safe use, handling and storage of chemical substances
Train volunteers in safe use and handling of tools and equipment
Provide written information and training on safety and workplace hazards
Provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, hats, goggles, sun cream and mosquito repellent
Enforce the use of personal protective equipment when working - ensure that there is always a person at a work site with this responsibility
Tell the volunteers exactly what they need to bring and wear to work days, if these are not to be provided (clothing for maximum protection - long pants, long sleeves, strong and enclosed boots or shoes, strong work gloves, wide brimmed hat, protective glasses)
Have a First Aid kit at each volunteer work day
Provide regular First Aid training to volunteer supervisors
Before commencing work have the supervisor do a health and safety induction with the volunteers

What is your organisation's policy on:

Healthy and safe working conditions
Training and informing volunteers about health and safety
Health and safety inductions
Supply of sunscreen, insect repellent, safety equipment and clothing

Involvement of volunteers in:

Feral animal control
Ecological and hazard reduction burns
Use of certain power tools and machinery

Have you checked Commonwealth and State legislation for:

Workplace health and safety for paid and voluntary workers
Workers compensation (for paid staff)
Use of chemicals (pesticides, herbicides) - storage, recording use and training requirements

WorkCover or equivalent organisation
Contact the authority in your state which regulates workplace safety and security for injured workers.

Most states and territories in Australia do not include all volunteers under WorkCover but they may be covered by WorkSafe - each state and territory legislation is different.

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission
Information about WorkCover and WorkSafe in each state and territory www.nohsc.gov.au.

Running The Risk? Booklet
This is a practical 4 step guide to assist volunteer involving organisations in identifying their risks and implementing effective strategies for managing those risks. Go to www.volunteeringaustralia.org and follow the links to publications.

Risk Management Plans Information Sheet
www.volunteeringsa.org.au/publications/issuesheets/risk.pdf

Work Safely in an Office Workbook
www.nvsc.org.au/database/Secure/workingsafelyinanoffice.pdf

The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004