The health and safety of everyone attending a work-party is paramount. However, it is important to remember that health and safety is a shared responsibility and while the Trust will do everything in our power to ensure that each work-party is safe, this can only be achieved with the co-operation of every-one present.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust will ensure that:

- All work-party tasks are suitable for volunteer groups
- The work party leader has had relevant training
- All volunteers are shown how to use tools safely and effectively by the warden or leader
- The work-party leader will pass on details of all relevant site hazards e.g. open water, soft ground
- A qualified first-aider is present at every work-party
- A first aid kit is present at every work-party
- All tools and equipment will be safe to use
- An emergency plan is in place

In turn, we ask that when you attend a work-party you will:

- Listen carefully to the advice and instructions given by the work-party leader and follow that advice at all times
- Wear all the personal protective equipment supplied e.g. hardhats, gloves
- Only use tools and machinery you have been trained to use (most machines e.g. chainsaws/brushcutters/mowers require specific training)
- Ensure that your actions do not endanger others
- Make the work-party leader aware of any new hazard you notice
- Make the work-party leader aware of any personal medical conditions you think they should know about e.g. diabetes, back injury

There are several precautions that you need to take before attending a work-party. Suffolk is a high risk area for tetanus, so check that your tetanus protection is up to date. If you are recovering from an illness or injury, or taking medication, check with your GP if you think that you might be affected by any physical exertion.

All Trust volunteers are covered by our insurance policy. Cover is provided for personal accident and public liability.

We have an excellent record of having run thousands of safe work-parties over many years. If we all work together, we can continue this way.