Some examples of workplace hazards, risks and safety measures associated with environmental programs

Some examples of workplace hazards, risks and safety measures associated with environmental programs

Hazard	Risks	Safety measures/ actions	Rating
Manual handling of hand tools - knives, secateurs, loppers, crowbars, weed bags, mattocks, peter levers etc	Back injury Repetitive strain	Teach and remind volunteers of correct lifting and carrying techniques. Rotate tasks.
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly	Back injury Repetitive strain	Teach and remind volunteers of correct lifting technique. Rotate tasks.
Repetitive movements, bending and awkward working positions	Back/ limb injury Repetitive strain	Teach and remind volunteers of correct posture. Rotate tasks.
Trip hazards	Injury	Warn volunteers and remove trip hazards before commencing work. Do not leave tools on path ways. Watch where one walks, and go slowly. Mark tools with fluorescent colour.
Slippery/ unstable terrain	Slips, falls	Do not work on unstable terrain.
Steep terrain/ cliffs	Slips, falls	Work away from cliff edges.
Sharp edges on twigs and branches	Eye, face injuries and scratches	Wear sunglasses. Provide goggles.
Sharp objects and rubbish: syringes, broken glass and rusty metal	Cuts and punctures to skin	Wear gloves. Remove sharps from site when found and use correct sharps handling procedures.
Insect bites and stings	Bites, stings, allergic reaction	Provide insect repellent. Work away from nests. Identify people with allergies.
Bites from snakes and injured wildlife	Bites	First Aid training and procedures.
Allergic reactions to native plants and weeds	Allergic reactions	Identify allergic volunteers. First Aid procedures. Have a mobile phone on-site.
Bacteria and pathogens in mulch and soil	Inhalation	Wear gloves when working. Wear impervious gloves in wet weather. Wash hands when finished work. Wear dust masks when shovelling mulch.
UV radiation / hot weather	Sunburn, dehydration, sunstroke	Provide sunscreen and water. Request that volunteers wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves. Work in shade or for less time when hot. Take regular breaks.
Windy / wet weather	Falling branches Cold	Do not work under trees when windy. Send volunteer home if they are cold and wet.
Use of chemicals, herbicide	Contact with skin, eyes	Provide gloves. Teach correct use and storage. Wash hands after use. If contact occurs, wash skin immediately. One person is responsible for clear labelling and storage.
Working on or near roadsides	Hits from motor vehicles	Wear safety vest. Work when traffic is most quiet.
Other measures	Display the Poisons Information hotline. Display location and phone number of nearest doctor and hospital. Provide a First Aid Kit and sharps container at all volunteer work sessions. Provide all volunteers with written information sheet of potential hazards and risk measures.

The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004