BTCV Handbooks Online

Book:	Local Action
Chapter:	Project leadership
Section:	During the day
Metadata:	Details	Buy this book

Safety

A talk on tools and safety is essential. This helps to

Prevent accidents
Ensure the volunteers know how to use tools efficiently, so they are not wasting their efforts
Avoid damage to expensive tools
Ensure the correct tool is used for each aspect of the job

Obviously the length of the tools demonstration will depend upon the complexity of the job and the experience of the volunteers. Try to remember the following:

Ask if everyone can hear you - you might have someone hearing impaired in your group or a shy person standing at the back.
If your volunteers are experienced, get each one to demonstrate a tool in turn. There is a tendency for experienced volunteers to forget the rules of working in a group.
Don't spend too long, 10 minutes is enough for most people. If it is cold get going quickly after demonstrating simple tools; you can always explain how to use others as you come to them. Some tools are better demonstrated to a small group anyway.
Explain how and why to sharpen and care for edged tools.
Encourage new volunteers to ask if they are unsure about tool use, and help them use tools correctly whenever necessary.
Don't forget the Safety Talk is about more than just tools
You should tell people about the first aid kit and first aider
Explain to the group what they need to know about the hazards and measures you all need to take to reduce these - refer to a written Risk Assessment. Remind the volunteers it is their responsibility to look after themselves and others.
Check someone has a mobile phone with a signal and some battery left.

There may be perhaps a dozen people in one area using sharp edged tools, which they may well be swinging around. People may be familiar with using tools at home, working alone. Make sure that they know what they are doing working in a group and make time to explain tool use to people even if you have just done a tools talk. Ensure that people keep a safe distance between each other of at least an arm and two tool's lengths. If a tree is being felled, keep everyone not involved at least two tree lengths away.

Ensure that people keep a safe distance.

Your risk assessment in advance should mean that there are no major unplanned hazards. If a hazard does become apparent, make sure that everyone knows before they start work. If there is a serious risk then you should stop work.

If you are working on an open site ensure that the public is not put at risk in any way. Signs should be set up to show that you are working and, if necessary, volunteers posted as lookouts at key points - another of the tasks to be done on a rota basis. Remind volunteers of their responsibilities to the public with regard to both safety and courtesy. It is also important to keep an eye on tools not being used.

If there is any kind of accident, assist the first aider if necessary and make a record of the incident. (See Health and Safety for further details.)

Morale and Working Practices during the day

You need to organise people so the work is done to a high standard - do you want anything less for your own site? - and so that the volunteers have a good time and come back again. There is, as usual, no one way of doing it but here are some tips.

Pairing off new and experienced volunteers can be a good idea. This means that skills are passed on and that new volunteers get to know someone quickly.

Make sure everyone has something to do at the beginning, especially the new volunteers who may feel left out.

Set realistic targets. People work much better if they know how much you hope to get done during the day, particularly if they can see that half of it has been done by lunchtime. Be prepared to modify your targets if needed.

Rotate jobs if possible, so that everyone has a chance to try the more interesting jobs, and new volunteers get to meet more members of the group. Take your share of the dull jobs too.

Be flexible. If things go wrong you will have to change your plans.

Delegate as much as possible. This will make your job much easier and make volunteers feel involved and part of the group. For example you could delegate

two volunteers to light the fire
a volunteer(who looks tired) to put the kettle on
an experienced volunteer/potential leader to organise a few volunteers at one end of the worksite. This will make her/him more confident when asked to lead in future.
someone to fetch the widget you need which you left in the garage.

Keep a balance between working and offering advice, encouraging, organising people and jollying them along. Don't get so absorbed in your job you fail to notice others are struggling.

Give praise where it is due

Be on the look out for incorrect or dangerous practice. If someone is doing something wrong don't be afraid to point out (politely) what the falt is. It may be something you did not show them clearly in the first place.

Keep an eye on safety

Remember to put the kettle on or call a stop for a drink before people get too tired.

Keep the work site tidy; this keeps it safe and gives passers by a good impression.

Keep tools in one place if you can; you can keep an eye on them there and they won't 'wander off'.

Call people by name; this will help you and others to remember them. If you cannot remember a name don't be afraid to ask again

If you make a mistake admit it

Use your volunteers skills: if they come up with better ideas than you, use them.

If you have people with differing levels of ability, fitness or disability, spend a bit of time working with them, finding out what they can manage. Don't be afraid to set them a challenge as you would anyone in the group. The successful completion of a challenge is often the best way to give a volunteer a sense of achievement. If in doubt ask THEM. Most people learn what they are good at, change, and get fitter as they stay with the group.

Give everyone thanks for their efforts at the end of the day.