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Start With a Safety Mindset
También disponible en español.
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When you overlook dangerous situations, you put both people and your organization’s mission at risk.
You might think, “I’m just a volunteer. It’s not my job to raise safety issues,” but it is! Everyone is responsible for safety, not just the people in charge. When you see something unsafe, say something.
The safety mindset means you take time to learn about safety, and you watch for dangerous situations around you. You keep everyone’s safety in mind as you do your work.
The FACTS: What you need to KNOW
  1.  All volunteers have a right to a safe workplace, as established by state and federal law.
  2.  Safe volunteering starts with the way you think.
  3.  A safety mindset keeps both you and the people around you safe. This is not just true for the people around you now, but the people who will be in this space tomorrow or next week!
  4. Alcohol and narcotics are prohibited in the workplace. You need a clear head to work safely.
THE ACTIONS: What you need to DO
Take a few moments and make a step-by-step plan of the safest way to accomplish each task.
For each task on your list, ask yourself, “Do I feel safe and confident about doing this task?” If you answer no, stop and ask a supervisor for training or a safety review.
Find out what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is best for each task. Confirm that you have the right PPE to keep you safe, and that it fits and is in good condition. If you don’t have the PPE, don’t start the task.
Talk to other volunteers about how you will keep each other safe. Go over hand signals and phrases for starting and stopping, like “All clear?” Then make sure you listen and watch to keep everyone safe.
Volunteer Safety Videos are under development and will be available in 2023.
Links, Resources & More
  • Take a free safety course from Nonprofit Safety Hero.
  • Use the free APPapp to help your organization create an Accident Prevention Program.
  • Learn more about OSHA and WISHA laws that govern workplace safety for both volunteers and paid workers.
  • View a complete list of volunteer safety topics from Volunter Safety Hero.