Welcome and Safety Talks

Before beginning any work, a Welcome and Safety talk is a must. The Welcome is where the project leader gives an quick inspiring overview of why the project will make a difference. The safety talk is where you point out potential hazards reminding the volunteers to be safe. A good welcome talk is the key to preventing burnout. Make sure you address the following points:

• Thank everyone for coming.
• Recognize all sponsors, partners and key volunteers. Thank them for their assistance.
• Talk about why the project is important and how volunteers’ efforts will make a difference.
• Review volunteer roles and responsibilities.
• Make sure everyone knows who to go to with questions and where to go, especially if sites are away from the check-in area.
• Share the plan for the day – breaks, end time, plan for celebration, etc.
• Review project logistics (i.e., location of drop boxes, port-a-potties, first aid station, etc.).
• Provide basic safety instructions and specific items that pertain to your project.

• Give a good Welcome and Safety talk!
• Make sure everyone reads and signs the waiver.
• Volunteers should wear gloves, proper clothing and shoes.
• Be sure that they do not touch medical waste, hazardous materials or “sharps.” Instruct them to contact you if they are uncertain about an item.
• Make sure volunteers identify each item before they touch them. If uncertain, leave it alone and contact you. A new hazard is propane tanks – don’t touch! Report to hazardous waste staff, if on public lands. Otherwise, inform the Oregon State Police.
• Suggest that everyone works with a partner.
• Caution them to be careful of unstable banks, steep slopes or water in the area.
• Let them know where the first aid kit is located, where to go in case of an emergency and who is trained in First Aid.
• Encourage them to follow common sense practices when lifting heavy items.
• Be sure that they are physically capable of what they intend to do before attempting it. Ask for help!
• Watch for poison oak, plants with thorns or other natural hazards.
• Watch for any heavy equipment, trucks or winches that might be used in the project.
• Be sure that they stay off the road/highway... watch for traffic.
• Fill collection bags no more than 2/3 full. Bags can be too heavy to handle if filled completely.
• Watch out for people working with tools in close quarters.
• Inform them not to get too hot or too cold.
• Make sure they take breaks, rest and don’t work continually. Drink water, eat a snack... this is strenuous activity!
• Tell them to have a cell phone and a set of directions to the site.
• Be a good model of safe behavior.