Restoration Planting and Maintenance work - Health & Safety  Awareness

Restoration Planting and Maintenance work will nearly always involve frequent bending and kneeling and using hand tools (for example grubbers) and may involve lifting, carrying small weights (usually less than 10kg) and may include working with your arms over your shoulders.

 You will be working outdoors on ground that is a potentially hazardous environment. The Birdsong Trust team makes every effort to manage risks, but there is always a chance of accident or injury. A first Aid Kit is at the Hall and a defibrillator is located at the Scargill Reserve Squash Courts next to the carpark.

When you join one of our voluntary working bees, please make yourself known to one of the Birdsong Trust team members (wearing a hi-viz vest).

You can play your part in reducing harm by respecting this environment and by being aware of possible hazards and taking sensible precautions.

 These are some of the hazards you need to be aware of:

  • The ground can be uneven, with small rocks, tree branches and holes that may be hidden in long grass and weeds. Wear sensible footwear.

  • It may be hot, wet and or cold, and you may be exposed to the sun. Dress appropriately. Bring a sun hat and sunscreen in summer and warm clothing, wet weather gear in winter.

We want to help make sure this volunteer work and the environment you work in are safe for you. If you have suffered from or are now experiencing any of the following speak with the Volunteer coordinator at the Reserve who may be able to find some more appropriate light duties for you. What you do is both your choice and your responsibility. Alternatively, you may wish make your visit more of a social occasion or just a day outdoors. There are picnic tables and park benches at various locations on the recreation reserve.

  • Back pain, sciatica, slipped disc

  • Shoulder injury or strain

  • Elbow strain or tennis/golfers elbow

  • Wrist strain or carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Hand or finger problems

  • RSI, OOS (occupational overuse syndrome), tenosynovitis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome

  • Knee problems, cartilage injury

  • Any other health problem that may impact your ability to work on a planting restoration site