This information outlines the workplace health and safety requirements for volunteer engagement to assist the University to meet its duty of care under WHS legislation for people undertaking volunteer work for the University.
Volunteer - is a person who is willingly providing their time to undertake work for the University on a voluntary basis, without payment or financial reward1
1 (Volunteers may receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses or a true honorarium).
Volunteer responsibilities
In accordance with the SA Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and equivalent legislation in relevant jurisdictions, it states that, while at work, a volunteer is a worker and they must:
- take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety;
- take reasonable care that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons;
- comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by the University to allow the University to comply with the Act;
- co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the University relating to health or safety at the workplace.
The University must ensure the health and safety of its volunteers, consult with them on WHS matters; and provide them with the necessary information, training and supervision.
The University must also ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace, the means of entering and exiting the workplace and anything arising from the workplace are without risks to the health and safety of any person, including volunteers.
University’s responsibilities
Engaging volunteers
All volunteers prior to starting any activities must complete and sign the declaration on one of the following forms:
Note
- A person under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign.
- All declarations must be signed and approved by the volunteer’s supervisor.
Induction, training and supervision
The University must ensure the health and safety of its volunteers. It must where relevant consult with them on WHS matters and provide them with the necessary information, training and supervision.
Volunteer supervisors must ensure that volunteers under their supervision:
- have a local area induction, which includes emergency provisions and work health and safety responsibilities and requirements
- are introduced to key staff and other volunteers as relevant
- are given information and training to enable them to undertake their work effectively without creating risks to themselves or other people
- are appropriately supervised
- expectations and limits of a volunteers role are clearly communicated.
Risk management
Health and safety risks must be managed in accordance with the WHS Risk Management Procedures and include:
- hazards associated with the volunteer work must be identified, risk assessed and hazard controls implemented, including, where necessary, providing personal protective equipment.
- information around potential hazards and controls must be communicated to volunteers.
- volunteers must be provided with safe work procedures or equivalent to allow them to perform their task in a safe manner.
- all incidents or accidents involving volunteers must be reported in the Universities reporting system in accordance with the Accident, Incident and Hazard Reporting and Investigation Procedures.
Screening checks
Volunteers undertaking work which involves, or may involve, children, people with disabilities, aged and/or vulnerable people must obtain the necessary clearance in the relevant state/territory before starting the volunteer work (See Department of Human Services (SA), Working with children clearance (NT)).
Insurance
Workers compensation
- Volunteers are not covered by workers compensation insurance in activities associated with their voluntary position.
Personal accident insurance:
- Volunteers may be covered by the University’s personal accident insurance.
- Volunteers should contact Risk and Assurance Services with any questions.
Record keeping
Colleges/ Portfolios who engage volunteers must keep the following records;
- Completed volunteer engagement forms and any associated documentation ( e.g. screening checks)
- Volunteer induction forms and where relevant any training records
- Risk assessments and any safe work procedure documentation for the volunteer work.
Useful links
