VOLUNTEER SAFETY GUIDELINES NATURE
WORKDAYS
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Volunteers at District natural areas do not work in, around, or
with dangerous or potentially hazardous material. However, by its
very nature, natural resource management may present some hazards.
Situations and conditions at each site may change daily, so all
volunteers should acquaint themselves with what is new or different
at the beginning of each day. Some common potential hazards and
precautions follow. Regardless of the situation, always use common
sense.
Before you come to the volunteer site:
1. Potential hazards go along with working outdoors. Wear proper
clothing to protect against wind, sun, rain heat or cold. Wear
sturdy leather shoes or work boots.
2. Check with your doctor about receiving a current tetanus
inoculation, and inform the physician that you may be in contact
with various plants, soils and insects, as he/she may have other
recommendations. The DuPage County Health Department offers tetanus
vaccines for a minimal fee with an appointment. Volunteers who may
be immunocompromised and women who are pregnant should inform their
doctor of their volunteer work.
When you’re on site:
1. Take precautions to avoid injuries. Be careful and alert at all
times. Potential hazards do exist at the work sites. Animal holes
in the grounds can cause accidents. Uneven ground can cause falls.
Tree limbs and stumps can be a potential hazard. Watch out for
settled ditches and piles and debris. Trash should always be picked
up and disposed of properly. Watch your step and remain alert to
avoid these potential hazards. Any dangerous areas should be
reported to the staff so appropriate action can be taken.
2. Potential animal hazards are few but do exist. Bees and wasps
are present most of the year. Stings and bites should be reported
immediately to staff. Do not touch or pick up any wild animals you
may encounter in the preserve. Any animals, especially those that
appear sick or injured, should be left alone and reported to
District staff.
3. Do not eat plants, as many are poisonous. This includes leaves,
fruits, mushrooms, and any other plant types or parts. Learn to
recognize poison ivy and avoid it at all times.
4. District volunteers are not allowed to drive District motor
vehicles or operate power equipment. Volunteers may use hand tools,
and these require proper use to be safe. Volunteers are instructed
in the proper use of hand tools during workday orientations. Staff
and/or volunteer leaders are available to answer questions. If you
are unsure about how to use a tool, please ask.
5. If you or other volunteers are cutting brush, be alert and stay
out of the path of falling shrubs. The District strongly recommends
that volunteers who are cutting or stacking brush wear safety
glasses. Otherwise, a branch, twig or thorn can easily cause
corneal scratches or other eye damage.
6. Be aware of other’s safety as well as your own. Be alert to
people working all around you during a workday. Respect the working
safety space of any person using equipment.
Emergencies:
1. If an emergency occurs, consider your safety, and the safety of
others, first. If a District staff member is on site and it is safe
to do so, you should notify him/her of the emergency and follow
his/her directions. If no staff member is present, it may be
necessary to call 911 or the District’s emergency law enforcement
number, (630) 933-7240. In case of a wildfire, DO NOT attempt to
put it out; notify a staff member. Always follow common sense
procedures for severe weather.
If you are injured:
1. Any injuries, no matter how minor, should be immediately
reported to District staff, and an Injury Report Form (HR11) should
be completed on the spot (Support Group volunteers are not required
to complete Injury Report Forms). First-aid kits are available in
District vehicles. Notify District staff on site, and they can
obtain a kit when necessary. Practice of first aid should be left
to certified persons.
Personal safety if you’re alone in a preserve:
1. The rate of crime in the preserves is very low. Our preserves
are usually safe places in which to enjoy yourself. However,
depending on your comfort level, you may want to bring a radio or
portable phone with you when you volunteer, especially if you will
be working in an isolated area or will be working early in the
morning or close to sunset. You may also choose to have someone
accompany you while you work. At a minimum, the District recommends
that you know the location of the nearest public phone.
If you see illegal activity in the preserves:
1. Examples include mountain bikers riding off-trail and destroying
a site’s plant life and plant poachers stealing endangered species.
If you see someone breaking the law in the preserves, do not
confront them. It’s impossible to know if the person might be armed
or dangerous. Instead, observe the offender from a safe distance.
Call the emergency law enforcement number at (630) 933-7240 as soon
as you can. If possible, take the offender’s description. If they
have a vehicle, write the license plate number and/or a description
of the vehicle (make, model, color). Remember, your safety is
paramount – if the offenders escape, we’ll catch them another
day. |