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Safety

Age Restrictions

In recognition of federal labor laws regarding children and the potential risk to children’s safety on a construction site, no one under the age of 16 is allowed on a construction site while construction is going on. Further, no one under the age of 18 should be allowed to do any ultra-hazardous activities, which include the use of power tools or motor vehicles, demolition, roofing or working from a height of six feet or more, or excavation operations.

Ages 16 and 17

  • Must be supervised on a 3 youths: 1 adult ratio
  • Must submit a release and waiver of liability for a minor signed by a parent/legal guardian prior to volunteering
  • Can assist with general construction/carpentry

Ages 14 and 15

Not permitted on construction sites.
  • Must be supervised on a 1:1 ratio
  • Must submit a release and waiver of liability for a minor signed by a parent/legal guardian prior to volunteering
  • Can paint, landscape, perform other light duties and help with site support

Safety Checklist

  • Please review Safety Video

  • Volunteers must register online for a volunteer opportunity. Only those individuals who have signed up for an opportunity will be able to participate.

  • If an individual is unable to make the day that he/she has signed up for, he/she should contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.

  • Volunteers should dress appropriately for the task. Volunteers not dressed properly may be asked to leave. NO open toed shoes are allowed on a construction site. Dress for the weather. See clothing guideline below.

  • Volunteers should arrive on time for their scheduled build day or volunteer opportunity.

  • Volunteers with any special needs should contact the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers with Medical Issues must notify the On Site Construction Leader. There is plenty of work to be done and there is no need to risk further injury.

  • Safety is of the utmost importance on the build site. Volunteers should follow the directions of the Site Leader, Construction Coordinator or supervisor at all times.

  • Individuals must not be under the influence of alcohol or any illicit drugs while participating in volunteer opportunities.

  • Individuals under the age of 18 should consult the Age Restrictions Guidelines regarding applicable volunteer opportunities.

  • Individuals failing to follow the Volunteer Policy may be asked to no longer volunteer.
  • In order to provide the best volunteer experience possible, our organization reserves the right to amend or update this policy as needed.

Clothing Guideline

Your Top

Wear a heavy duty shirt, preferably long sleeved. Do not wear a shirt that is too loose or baggy. Keep your shirt tucked in to avoid snagging. Your shirt will protect you from sunburn, so keep it on even when the weather is hot. It also will protect you from scrapes and from skin-irritating materials.

Your Pants

Wear straight pants of proper length without pocket flaps or cuffs. They should not be baggy or so long that your heels get caught in them. Be mindful of having your belt secured through your pant’s belt loops.

Leave Jewelry Home

One of the most common causes of amputated fingers is jewelry, such as rings, wrist watches and bracelets. Jewelry can too easily get caught in machinery, which is very dangerous.

Footwear

The best type of footwear on a job site are high top safety boots. They give you more support than other boots and more protection than tennis shoes, in case something should drop on your foot. Wear rubber boots when working in wet material. Tennis shoes are also typically allowed on Habitat job site.

Winter Wear

During cold weather, dress in layers so you can shed an outer layer as they day grows warmer.

Summer Wear

In most parts of the country it gets very hot during the summer months. While you do want to dress to be comfortable it is advised that you continue to wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves. Tank tops or sandals/flip flops should never be worn on a construction site! Please wear sunscreen.

PPE

That’s Personal Protective Equipment.

Please bring any PPE that you have including a hard hat, gloves, eye protection (aka safety goggles), and earmuffs or earplugs. Label them with your name or identifying mark. If you do not have PPE, Habitat will provide day use items.