Disaster recovery - Staying safe as a Volunteer
Following a disaster, it is important that people remain safe when helping with the wide variety of clean up tasks.
After a disaster, people often volunteer to help organisations and charity groups which undertake important community tasks and services. In addition many new voluntary groups spring up in response to the need to help clean up.
If you are volunteering your help you should look after your own health and safety. If you are working for an employer you must follow any safety instructions they give you.
You can help keep everyone safe if you:
- Look after yourself
Do this as your contribution. Getting hurt helps no one. - Follow Instructions
Be clear who is in charge and is giving directions. This may be an employer or someone you have agreed as the decision maker. - Plan the work
Plan how you are going to tackle the work or task safely. - Identify hazards
Think of the obvious and potential hazards and make sure everyone understands how you propose to deal with them. - Equipment
Check that you have all the equipment you need.
Get the best personal protective equipment that you can. - Communicate
Speak up and discuss any safety concerns.
Apply your own skills and experience to the work as this may be useful. - Stop, Check and Seek Advice
During your planning or work you may come across a situation where you need help. Stop. Check. Or seek advice.
Further information
If you require further information call the Department of Labour’s contact centre on 0800 20 90 20.
