Volunteer Safety Guidelines
The safety of volunteers and park users is of primary concern to the MPRB. All volunteers who participate in park stewardship or volunteer activities must review these guidelines prior to volunteer service. Adherence to these safety guidelines is of utmost importance and failure to abide by these safety precautions could result in the cancellation of the volunteer or stewardship agreement.
1. Complete volunteer tasks only during daylight hours and in appropriate weather for the task.
2. Dress in protective clothing including work gloves, sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to prevent injury from sharp objects, thorns, sunburn, and poison ivy.
3. Avoid over-exertion. Take breaks and drink plenty of water on warm days.
4. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure your safety and the safety of others, particularly when using tools.
5. Do not wear headsets or engage in conduct which would divert your attention from your work and/or impair your ability to perceive dangerous situations.
6. Use caution in areas where hazardous conditions exist including, but not limited to: roads, parking lots, bridges, construction sites and open water. Volunteers are not to work while mowing, tree trimming, or pest control is in progress. Report hazardous situations (ex. loose plank on foot bridge) immediately to your MPRB contact.
7. Exercise caution when picking up litter. Do not crush collected items and beware that broken or jagged objects could cause injury. Do not try to pick up heavy, large, or hazardous materials. Notify your MPRB contact for pick-up of these materials.
8. Volunteers are prohibited from using herbicides and pesticides of any kind.
9. Volunteers are prohibited from using power tools of any kind.