UU150 Final: Engaging with the Community Safely
Engaging with the Community Safely
When you are engaging with the community, it’s very important that you know how
to keep yourself, and others, safe. While the vast majority of experiences are low-
risk, sometimes, you may be put in a situation where you feel unsure or
uncomfortable. In preparing for your volunteer or community engagement
experience, it’s important to think about unsafe situations you might encounter and
how you would deal with them.
Below are Some Tips on Ensuring Your Safety and the Safety of Others
Learn the safety protocols and procedures
Each organization will have safety protocols and procedures. You must familiarize
yourself with this information as soon as possible. You should receive information
on fire, first aid, reporting accidents and safeguarding people (when appropriate).
Make sure you understand what you are to do if safety procedures are put into
place (i.e., a lockdown at a school or hospital) or if you witness inappropriate or
unacceptable behaviour. Make sure you know whom to contact and how to contact
them in case of an emergency. Ask whether you will be left alone during your
volunteering – if so, make sure you feel comfortable and have emergency contact
information readily available.
Training
Most organizations offer training and orientation sessions, and it is extremely
important that you attend these sessions because they cover important
information, including safety information.
For example, all new employees at Laurier are required to take online and face-to-
face safety training as part of their onboarding experience.
If you do not receive proper training, ask to receive training – it will make you feel
more confident and comfortable on the job. It’s especially important to be trained if
you are using any type of equipment, for example in a kitchen. Also, be sure you
have the proper gear – e.g., if you are directing traffic, the organization should
provide you with a reflective vest. If you’re required to wear protective equipment,
do it. Never attempt to use equipment or chemicals you haven’t been trained to
use. If you’re working with children, understand what you are required to do in case
of disclosure of abuse. If you asked for orientation and denied it, please let your
contact at the University know ASAP.
Think about the context of your volunteer experience
It is important to think about the environment in which you are volunteering, and
to anticipate whether you might need any special equipment or clothing.
For example, if you are volunteering to help build houses, you will likely need
protective eyewear, gloves and sneakers or boots. If you are volunteering at a day-
long outdoor event, you will want to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring
sunscreen.
Think about the risks as well – what safety issues might you anticipate?
Physical demands
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
When you are engaging with the community, it"s very important that you know how to keep yourself, and others, safe. While the vast majority of experiences are low- risk, sometimes, you may be put in a situation where you feel unsure or uncomfortable. In preparing for your volunteer or community engagement experience, it"s important to think about unsafe situations you might encounter and how you would deal with them. Below are some tips on ensuring your safety and the safety of others. Each organization will have safety protocols and procedures. You must familiarize yourself with this information as soon as possible. You should receive information on fire, first aid, reporting accidents and safeguarding people (when appropriate). Make sure you understand what you are to do if safety procedures are put into place (i. e. , a lockdown at a school or hospital) or if you witness inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour.
