Council's Obligations to Volunteers

While a volunteer undertaking tasks on behalf of Council is not considered in law to be an employee covered by a contract of employment, nevertheless Council will seek to apply the same standards with regard to health and safety of volunteers as if they were employees of Council. The obligations on Council will apply to those times, locations and tasks that the volunteer is undertaking on behalf of Council and with Council's knowledge and permission.

Volunteers and Council

Council recognises that volunteers from the community make a valuable contribution to a range of Council activities. Through their commitment and energy, volunteers enrich the fabric of the local community. Volunteers, while not considered to be employees of Council, are still owed a statutory duty while undertaking activities on behalf of Council (see OHS Act 2000, Section 8(2)). Before volunteers are permitted to undertake an activity on behalf of Council, a risk assessment of the activity will be undertaken to ensure the following:

• The activity is suitable for volunteers;
• The activity does not place volunteers at risk to their health and safety;
• The volunteer has the physical capacity to undertake the activity;
• The volunteer has the knowledge and skills required to undertake the activity in a safe manner.

When satisfied the activity is appropriate for volunteers, Council is to ensure the following matters are addressed before the activity is commenced:

• The potential hazards have been identified;
• A risk assessment has been completed;
• Consultation has been undertaken with the volunteers regarding safe work methods;
• Appropriate risk management procedures have been developed;
• Volunteers have been provided with information, instruction and training with regard to risk management procedures;
• Any plant or equipment to be used by volunteers is safe;
• There is in place a system of work for the safe handling, use, storage and transport of plant, equipment or any substances to be used in the activity;
• At the location for the activity there are safe means of entry and exit which are identified to the volunteers;
• Arrangements are in place for the appropriate monitoring and supervision of the activity;
• Records are kept of attendance, tasks undertaken and information on incidents, including near misses.

Council also has the responsibility to ensure volunteers are provided with appropriate training which, depending on the activity, may include the following:

• OHS induction training;
• Hazard identification;
• First aid;
• Responding to an emergency;
• Use of communication equipment; and
• On the job training in specific risk management procedures as required.

Volunteer Responsibilities

While undertaking activities on behalf of Council, volunteers have responsibilities for health and safety. In particular volunteers, through their actions or omissions, are not to place themselves or other persons at risk while undertaking Council-related activities. Depending upon the nature of the activity, the responsibilities for volunteers may include the following:

• Be aware of and follow the approved risk management procedures for the activity;
• Follow the directions of the person in charge of the activity;
• Use plant or equipment in accordance with the correct procedures;
• Bring to the attention of the appropriate person any matter which could affect the safe undertaking of the activity; and
• Report to the appropriate person as soon as practical any incidents or near misses, which relate to health and safety of the voluntary activity.

Further information related to volunteer health and safety can be obtained from the WorkCover website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/ or WorkCover Assistance Service 131050.

The Community Services Safety Pack is also available from WorkCover. This contains health and safety information relevant to volunteer groups in NSW.