National Volunteer Week (April 19 to 25, 2009) is set aside in Canada and the United States to recognize volunteers for their efforts. And there are a lot of volunteers to thank. In the US alone, an estimated 59 million people spend approximately 52 hours a year volunteering. Volunteer work is a growing activity for all generations. But it's not without its hazards. Since it's likely that many of your workers volunteer in their spare time, here are some tips to share with them on how to stay safe while giving to their communities.

What's the Danger?

According to a report prepared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1993 and 2002, approximately 500 people died from injuries sustained while volunteering.

Roughly half of those fatalities involved volunteer firefighters. But many deaths are related to activities that one would think are considerably less perilous than firefighting. For example, some volunteers died while picking up roadside litter; others were killed while engaging in repair work of homes and other facilities.

8 Ways to Stay Safe

Here are a few things you should do to keep yourself safe:

1. Know the Hazards

Every job has its hazards - even jobs you don't get paid to perform. Identify the hazards of any job to which you're assigned. For example, if you're volunteering to be a walking tour guide, find out if the tour includes an uncontrolled crosswalk or if sections of the path are prone to icy conditions. Even if you've volunteered for a seemingly harmless task, like working in a museum gift shop, ask the volunteer coordinator if shoplifting is a concern and, if so, what the proper procedures are for handling shoplifters.

2. Get Training

Get the training you need to carry out all job-related tasks. Make sure you receive proper training to operate any equipment your volunteer duties involve, such as power tools or industrial equipment like forklifts or motorized carts.

3. Get Orientation

Be sure to attend all orientations, meetings and training sessions. Often, these meetings will address safety matters.

4. Wear Protective Equipment

Wear the right gear for the volunteer job just the way you would at work. For example, if you're directing traffic at the County Fair, make sure you have a reflective vest and find out if hearing protection is needed.

5. Know Your Limits

Volunteer only for jobs you know you have the physical capabilities to perform. Don't be a hero. If you have a bad back, volunteering to lift heavy objects for the Food Bank isn't going to help you or your cause.

6. Trust Your Gut

Some people have an instinctive sense of danger. It's important to listen to your instincts. If you're about to deliver a meal to a home and something just doesn't feel right, don't do it. Or if you have a bad feeling about a visitor to the museum, contact the volunteer coordinator.

7. Be Prepared

Take a page from the Boy Scouts and be prepared for all eventualities. Know where to find the first aid kit and/or first aid attendant. If you're part of a traveling group, establish a meeting place in case you're separated.

8. Communicate

Report near misses and damaged equipment. If you almost trip over the extension cord of a projector, don't leave the risk to the next person. Let the volunteer coordinator know so that it can be taped down properly.

Conclusion

Volunteers are very special members of our communities. They're the driving force behind many religious, educational, social and festive events and organizations. When you decide to volunteer, you give your heart to a cause. That's very commendable. Just be sure you don't give away your health and safety, too.

For Volunteers and Participants

By Catherine Jones

For centuries, communities have celebrated their unique characteristics through festivals and parades. And these events almost always rely on volunteers. Where I live, the festival season has already begun, with our city hosting festivals monthly from now until October. I've signed up for my fill already - as safety volunteer, of course.

For those of you who, like me, can't resist being part of the festivities, here's a brief review of some precautions volunteers and participants should take.

At the Carnival

At the Parade

In the Petting Zoo

In the Parking Lot

At the Entertainment Stage

In the Food Garden

Handling Trash or Recycling

Sometimes safety is the last thing on people's minds when they attend a parade or festival. Who wants to think about safety when you're having a good time? But that's the problem - you may be having too much fun to see the hazards. Don't let the fun ultimately mask the hazards of community celebrations. Think ahead and let the good times reign on your festival or parade.

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