Volunteers play an essential role in many Australian industries, including community services, emergency response, education, and conservation. Organisations that engage volunteers must ensure their health and safety under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. These laws require organisations to provide a safe environment, appropriate training, and risk management systems to protect volunteers while they contribute their time and skills.
Legislative Requirements for Managing Volunteers
Under Australian WHS legislation, volunteers are generally protected as workers. Organisations that employ volunteers are considered Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of volunteers while they are performing their roles.
State and Territory Requirements
Each state and territory have its own WHS legislation and guidelines that outline these responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of legislative requirements with links to the relevant resources:
New South Wales
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
Guidelines for Volunteers: SafeWork NSW Volunteer Guidance
PCBUs must ensure volunteers have safe access to workplaces, proper training, and equipment.
Victoria
Legislation: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC)
Guidelines for Volunteers: WorkSafe Victoria Volunteer Safety Guidance
Specific focus on ensuring volunteers are included in risk assessments and provided with clear safety instructions.
Queensland
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)
Guidelines for Volunteers: WorkSafe Queensland Volunteers
Training and supervision are critical components of compliance.
South Australia
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Guidelines for Volunteers: SafeWork SA Volunteers
Requires volunteer-inclusive risk assessments and the provision of PPE if necessary.
Western Australia
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
Guidelines for Volunteers: WorkSafe WA Volunteer Guidance
Ensures volunteer roles comply with hazard management procedures.
Tasmania
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS)
Guidelines for Volunteers: WorkSafe Tasmania Volunteer Safety
Volunteers must be provided with adequate supervision and induction.
Northern Territory
Legislation: Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT)
Guidelines for Volunteers: NT WorkSafe Volunteer Guidance
Addresses hazard-specific training and risk management for volunteers.
Australian Capital Territory
Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)
Guidelines for Volunteers: WorkSafe ACT
Volunteer health and safety must be integrated into organisational WHS systems.
Industries with Volunteers and Common Hazards
Common Industries for Volunteers:
Community Services: Food distribution, aged care, disability support.
Emergency Services: Firefighting, rescue, and disaster recovery.
Conservation and Land Management: Wildlife protection, park management.
Education and Training: Tutoring, mentoring.
Events and Fundraising: Charity events, marathons.
Hazards Volunteers May Be Exposed To:
Physical Hazards: Lifting heavy objects, slips and trips, operating machinery.
Biological Hazards: Exposure to infectious diseases or wildlife in conservation roles.
Psychosocial Hazards: Stress, bullying, or harassment.
Environmental Hazards: Extreme weather conditions, working at heights.
Organisations must identify hazards relevant to their volunteer activities and implement risk controls accordingly.
Training and Inductions for Volunteers
General Training Requirements
Volunteers must receive:
Induction Training: Covering WHS policies, emergency procedures, and workplace expectations.
Hazard-Specific Training: For example:
Safe manual handling.
PPE use for conservation work.
Fire safety for emergency services volunteers.
State or Industry-Specific Training
Working with Children Checks (WWCC): Volunteers in roles involving children must comply with WWCC requirements in their state.
High-Risk Work Licences: Required for volunteers operating machinery such as forklifts or performing tasks like scaffolding or rigging.
Trade Qualifications and Licences: Where applicable, volunteers must hold valid qualifications for tasks such as electrical work.
Managing Incidents and Injuries Involving Volunteers
When a volunteer is injured, the incident must be managed in accordance with WHS laws:
Incident Reporting: All incidents, including near-misses, must be reported and recorded.
Investigation: Investigate the cause of the incident and identify any control failures.
Notifiable Incidents: For serious injuries, notify the state WHS regulator as per legislative requirements.
Medical Treatment and Support: Provide appropriate care and support for injured volunteers.
Insurance and Workers Compensation: Ensure volunteers are covered under the organisation’s insurance policy. Some states offer specific guidance on volunteer coverage for workers compensation.
Additional Considerations for Volunteer Management
Code of Conduct and Company Reputation
Volunteers should adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct, ensuring their actions align with company values and brand guidelines.
Insurance
Ensure that volunteers are covered under public liability insurance and any specific volunteer accident insurance policies.
Working with Children Checks and Police Checks
Roles involving children or vulnerable individuals require compliance with WWCC and police check requirements.
High-Risk Licences and Trade Qualifications
Volunteers performing high-risk tasks must hold the appropriate licences or qualifications, and records must be kept ensuring compliance.
WHS Requirements for Organisations Managing Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of many organisations, and their safety should be prioritised through effective WHS management. By understanding legislative requirements, providing appropriate training, and managing hazards proactively, organisations can ensure a safe and fulfilling experience for volunteers while maintaining compliance with WHS laws.
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