Warm up stretches Before starting work, do warm up stretches.

Lifting large or heavy objects Keep the back straight, using your legs not the back (bend with the knees not the back). If something is too heavy, ask for help.

Dehydration Drink water before you start and regularly whilst working. Do not wait until thirsty to have a drink as you may already be dehydrated. If the weather is hot, work in the shade and take more frequent breaks. Use sun screen on exposed skin.

Protective equipment Wear gloves, sunglasses, hat, goggles, safety vest- whatever is applicable for the task.

Bites and stings Use insect repellent. Do not leave your gloves on the ground. Do not put hands anywhere you can't see. Check before sitting down anywhere. If an ant nest is seen or disturbed, move away immediately. Check if any ants are on your body and notify the supervisor and rest of the group so that everyone can move away and avoid that area.

Sharp Objects Check for low hanging branches and rusty rubbish when moving through the bush. If a syringe is found, don't touch it. Use correct procedures, gloves and sharps containers. If someone is stabbed with a syringe, follow correct First Aid procedures. Wash the wound and see a doctor immediately.

Hazardous materials found on site If asbestos or fibro refuse is found, don't touch it. Report all findings to the supervisor/ co-ordinator.

Safe use of tools Check that people are located far enough away before using large tools such as mattocks, rakes, shovels, crowbars and loppers. Do not approach from behind any person using a large tool or hammer. Secateurs, loppers and saws have sharp blades. Make sure your fingers (and those of others) are kept away from the cutting area. Before finishing work, return all tools to a central area.

Safe use of chemicals (Comply with legislative requirement for your particular state). Wear eye protection, long sleeves, long trousers/ overalls and impervious gloves when handling or spraying herbicide. Point out where the Material Safety Data Sheets are kept when on site.

Terrain Take extra care on slippery slopes and creek banks when working along creeks, creek crossings and steep slopes. Always work in an uphill direction.

Trip hazards Do not leave anything on pathways. Watch where you walk and go slowly.

Take breaks Pace yourself and stop regularly for snack and drink breaks.

Wash hands after work Wash your hands before touching your face or food.

Identify site specific issues and risks.

Point out location of First Aid kit, insect repellent, water and telephone.

Acknowledgment: Lane Cove Council, NSW