Online volunteer induction

Overview

Welcome to the Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) Online Volunteer Induction - Health, Safety & Behaviour.

Prior to commencing volunteering for SCC:

  • View the Volunteer Induction to WHS Manual Video
  • Complete the following online Induction Process by clicking 'NEXT' at the bottom of this page and submitting your answers to the quiz and relevant details at the end

The purpose of this induction is to:

  • Provide volunteers with the knowledge they need to undertake activities safely
  • Provide volunteers with information on SCC Volunteering Standards of behaviour
 

Part 1 

Work Health Safety (WHS) responsibilities

WHS responsibility

(refer to page 4 of the handbook for more information)

Under the WHS Act 2011 volunteers are now considered to be workers and have a responsibility to take reasonable care for their own and other people's health and safety.

To meet requirements under this legislation, volunteers are required to comply with reasonable instructions and SCC policies and procedure.

Council are required to provide volunteers with a safe place of work.

Illustrated diagram of people correctly carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling and holding various objects at work

WHS consultation

(refer to page 4 of the handbook for more information)

Consultation involves communication between volunteers and SCC on health and safety matters. This may include talking about the safest way to conduct an activity and completing a risk assessment. Each person should have the opportunity to express any views they may have on health and safety relating to the job.

If you are ever unsure about the safest way to complete an activity or if you believe the activity is not safe, do not proceed with the task. All safety concerns should be discussed with your Supervising Officer.

WHS manual

Council's WHS Manual contains a variety of safety documentation.

Some of the documents contained within the manual are:

  • Safety Management Plan
  • Volunteers Programs Safety Policy
  • WHS Authorities/Responsibilities/Accountabilities Policy
  • WHS Management System Policy
  • Work Health and Safety Policy

Part 2

Risk management keeps work areas safe

(refer to page 5 of the handbook for further information)

Detect hazards

If you find anything capable of having an adverse effect on the health and safety of persons, please tell your Supervising Officer immediately.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards, assessing the level of risk, prioritising the order in which hazards will be controlled, and determining appropriate control measures.

An example of a risk assessment is located at Appendix B of the handbook. Your Supervising Officer will assist you in the risk assessment process.

Site induction

Before you start any work activity you must make sure you have been inducted into the site and you understand the risks associated with being on that site. The Supervising Officer will undertake the site induction.

Changes to a site, new activity procedures, and the introduction of new equipment can bring additional or changed risks to health and safety. When there are changes to risks, it is important to make sure that you and others are revised in these risks.

In addition to discussing risks at the site, the following information should also be discussed:

  • Location of first aid and amenities
  • Fire and evacuation procedures
  • Any required Personal Protective Equipment

Reporting incidents and injuries

If there is an accident, illness or injury at a site, regardless of whether you saw it or not, and regardless of your involvement, you must report any information you have to the Supervising Officer as soon as possible after the event.

If your Supervising Officer is not available, contact:

  • Injury and Incident Hotline on (02) 4429 3542
  • In the event of an emergency call 000

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Volunteers may be required to wear PPE to prevent injury, illness or disease.

All volunteers must wear PPE specific to activities undertaken, and as directed.

Types of PPE Council issues may include hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, sunscreen or insect repellent. Your Supervising Officer will determine the required PPE.

Part 3 

Manual tasks

Manual tasks are any activity requiring a person to use any part of their muscular or skeletal system. Your Supervising Officer will let you know if manual tasks are part of your volunteering activities.

You must make sure you always follow safe manual task procedures for all activities.

When carrying out manual tasks, consider factors that affect the risk to your body, including:

  • How long (duration) and how often (frequency) doing manual tasks
  • Weight factors

As well as your skills, experience, age, health, clothing, and any other relevant factor.

Ways to reduce the risk of manual handling can include using mechanical aids, breaking loads into smaller quantities, using team lifting and keeping active.

Three separate techniques to lift an object demonstrated by man including a stooped lift (not recommended), deep squat and semi squat

Activities that help you carry out manual tasks safely:

  • Plan all manual task activities
  • Lift by bending your knees, not your back
  • If team lifting, plan and select a leader
  • Break bulky loads into smaller loads
  • A bulky shape is often difficult to grip
  • Maintain good balance
  • Lift only what is within your capabilities
  • Use mechanical assistance where possible
  • Avoid lifting heavy loads often
  • Storing height is between knees and chest
  • Get as close to the load as possible
  • Keep your spine within the normal curve

Illustrated diagram of person using a trolley to lift objects instead of manually lifting

Part 4 

Safe handling of needles and syringes (sharps)

If you find a needle or syringe (a sharp) while volunteering please do not attempt to pick it up.

Please inform your Supervising Officer or call the NSW Needle Collection Hotline on 1800 633 353.

Using electrical devices

(refer to page 7 of the handbook for further information)

All Council electrical equipment must have a current tag attached to the lead. If this is missing, do not use the device and make sure you let your Supervising Officer know.

Shoalhaven City Council electrical safety compliance certification and tag

Hazardous chemicals

(refer to page 7 of the handbook for further information)

Workplace hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures and articles used in the workplace that can be classified according to their health hazards.

Health hazards

Health hazards are skin irritants, carcinogens or respiratory sensitisers that have an adverse effect on a worker's health as a result of direct contact with or exposure to the chemical, usually through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.

When you are working with chemicals remember:

  • All hazardous chemicals used within the workplace are to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that has safety information about the chemical
  • Your Supervising Officer can provide you with the relevant SDS
  • A register of all hazardous chemicals used should be on site
  • Containers that hold any chemicals must be properly labelled
  • Labels containing all required information can be obtained from Council's Chemwatch system by your Supervising Officer

Using pesticides and herbicides

(refer to page 8 of the handbook for further information)

Specialised training is required for those using chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides.

Your Supervising Officer will advise you if this training is required.

High-risk activities are off-limits

Volunteers are not to engage in activities classed as high-risk because they require specialised training, including:

  • Hot works, such as welding and grinding
  • Confined space work, work in an enclosed or partially enclosed space e.g. Work in a pit, pipe, trench or tunnel
  • Working at heights of 2 meters or more
  • Excavation work

Illustrated diagram of balancing a spinal column forwards, neutral and backwards

Construction work

A General Construction Induction training card is required for work on any construction site in NSW.

Your Supervising Officer will assist you determine if this is required.

Part 5 

Required standards of behaviour

Dress

Volunteers working outdoors are advised to wear long sleeve shirt with collar, loose fitting long trousers, enclosed footwear, a hat with a broad brim and sunglasses.

Volunteers working indoors should wear appropriate and sensible clothing and footwear for the activities they may be doing. As a guide, smart casual is standard attire in office areas.

If you feel uncertain about the clothing you should wear to specific activities please contact the Supervising Officer.

Group of school children in matching red uniforms and hats outside

Alcohol and drugs

Persons engaged in volunteer activities are not to possess or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal chemicals.

Persons taking prescription drugs that may affect their work must notify their Supervising Officer.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in Council's offices and public buildings and within 10 meters of pedestrian entry and exits, Council vehicles and plant, other designated and/or sign posted areas.

Confidentiality

(refer to page 8 of the handbook for further information)

Volunteers shall not use information including confidential information gained through their activities as a volunteer for the purpose of securing a private benefit for themselves or for any other person.

Media protocol

Volunteers are not permitted to make any comments to the Media on behalf of Council.

Any queries for a statement to the media must be referred to the Supervising Officer.

Gifts and benefits

As a volunteer you must not accept any gift or benefit that has more than a 'token' value, for example flowers or chocolates. It is also important that you:

  • Do not seek gifts or benefit of any kind
  • Do not accept any offer of cash or a 'cash like' gift, regardless of the amount
  • Do not accept a gift or benefit that may create a sense of obligation on your part or could be perceived to influence you in carrying out your duties.

Any offer of a gift or benefit of more than token value should be reported to the Council Supervising Officer.

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interests exists where a reasonable and informed person would perceive that you could be influenced by a private or personal interest when carrying out an authorised activity as a Council volunteer.

You must avoid situations which may give rise to a conflict of interests by removing yourself from any decision-making process and informing your Supervising Officer.

Misuse of position

Council volunteers shall not use their position in order to gain private advantage or benefit for yourself or any other body.

Reporting of corrupt conduct

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to an ethical organisation and requires volunteers to report any suspected corrupt conduct, maladministration, or serious and substantial waste of public assets. In instances of misconduct or breaches of volunteer responsibilities, Council has the right to dismiss the volunteer. Circumstances may include; Not working in a safe manner, theft of property, intoxication through alcohol or other chemicals, verbal or physical harassment or abuse, disclosure of confidential information, malicious damage of Council property.

Part 6

Use of Council equipment

(refer to page 9 of the handbook for further information)

If a license or qualification is required to operate plant or equipment, a volunteer must provide evidence of such qualification or license to their Supervising Officer, also:

  • Volunteers should use Council resources effectively and economically
  • Volunteers must not use Council property for their own private purposes
  • Volunteers must show their Supervising Officer their driver's license prior to operating a Council motor vehicle
  • Any court imposed fine or infringements received as a result of the actions or omissions of a volunteer will be the responsibility of the volunteer

Illustrated diagram of an adult using equipment to lift a heavy sewer lid

Behaviour towards others

All Council volunteers need to treat people and situations equitably.

  • Volunteers shall treat members of the public, Council workers and Councillors fairly and equitably and with respect, courtesy, compassion and sensitivity
  • Volunteers shall not act contrary to any law in their voluntary capacity
  • Volunteers shall not act unreasonably, unjustly, oppressively or in a discriminatory manner
  • Volunteers shall not engage in any form of conduct, in the performance of their duties, which may cause any reasonable person unwarranted offence or embarrassment or give rise to the reasonable suspicion or appearance of improper conduct

More information on equitable treatment is available in Councils Bullying and Harassment Policy or by contacting Human Resources on (02) 4429 3204.

Two children and an older woman in high vis jacket sitting in sand dunes at Jervis Bay

Insurance

Personal accident insurance

(refer to page 10 of the handbook for further information)

Council has a Personal Accident insurance policy to provide some protection for volunteers who may be injured whilst carrying out activities for Council and are not covered under Workers Compensation.

Personal Accident Insurance provides some cover for volunteers on direct route to and from the authorised event or activity. The policy only covers volunteers aged between 10 and 90 years.

Should an accident occur you should report immediately to the Supervising Officer. A report must be completed by the Supervising Officer and returned to the Claims Officer within 24 hours.

Volunteers are required to act in a responsible manner and in accordance with standard operating procedures. Willfully or deliberately causing injury is not covered by Council's insurance.

Public liability insurance

(refer to page 10 of the handbook for further information)

Whilst working under the care and control of Council, volunteers are protected against ‘Public liability’ claims.

Council's insurance does not cover incidences where damage has been caused through willful or deliberate acts. If damage is caused or an incident arises, the Supervising Officer must be notified immediately and an incident report completed and returned to Council's Claims Officer, within 24 hours.

Volunteer's personal property

Volunteer's personal items are not covered by Council's insurance whilst undertaking volunteer activities.

Volunteers are encouraged not to bring or wear items of any significant value including jewellery.

Part 7 

Out of pocket expenses

(refer to page 11 of the handbook for further information)

Volunteers must have prior approval from the Supervising Officer before purchasing any item required for the volunteering activity.

Privacy

(refer to page 11 of the handbook for further information)

  • Council will obtain personal information from volunteers including names, address, telephone numbers, child protection screening (when required) and other contact details
  • Personal information obtained by Council is governed by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIPA)
  • Council will take all reasonable care to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification or disclosure
  • To ensure that personal information held by Council is current, please notify your Supervising Officer if any of your details change.

Personal information obtained by Council is governed by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIPA). This legislation provides direction for the collection, protection, storage, disposal, access and use of personal information by Council.

Shoalhaven City Council acknowledges the substantial contribution of volunteers to the community, and appreciates their generous donation of time, skill and experience, and their caring spirit.

Useful information

This induction assists volunteers understand SCC safety and behaviour expectations.

You can get support and assistance regarding safety matters by contacting:

  • Your Supervising Officer or Council Work, Health and Safety Unit (02) 4429 3542.

Part 8 

Complete the quiz