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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 inspiring quick overview of why the project will make a difference. The safety talk is where you point out potential hazards and remind volunteers to be safe. A good welcome talk is a key to preventing burnout. Make sure you address the following points:

Welcome
  • 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.

Safety Procedures
  • 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 where the first aid kit is, 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 chilled.
  • Make sure they take breaks, rest, and don’t work continually. Drink water, eat a snack... this is strenuous activity!
  • Have a cell phone and a set of directions to the site.
  • Be a good model of safe behavior.


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