We take safety seriously during a home build and on site. The safety of our employees and volunteers are a priority. Please review the precautions and measures we take to insure your safety or those around you.
- A safety talk is held with the volunteers each morning with one of HFHD’s field personnel before work begins.
- A complete first-aid kit is at each house where volunteers are working.
- A defibrillator is on-site if the need arises.
- The Habitat construction director, manager, site supervisors and crew leaders are all Red Cross certified in CPR and first aid.
- All power tools can be operated only by experienced volunteers. HFHD construction personnel may ask, upon observation, to request the volunteer demonstrate their skill in operating a tool if they believe there is a deficiency in their skill. HFHD construction personnel will be happy to provide demonstration/instruction on the safe operation of any of the power tools used on-site. Safety devices (ex. blade guard, secondary safety switches are never compromised).
- All volunteers (and HFHD construction personnel) will wear safety glasses and hard hats while on site.
- All ladders (step and extension) used on-site at HFHD are fiberglass Type 1A that have a load capacity of 300 lbs. These ladders are recommended for extra-heavy-duty use.
- Equipment operation (ex. Sky Trak, Bob Cat, etc.) is restricted to HFHD construction employees.
- All construction sites are graded to alleviate trip hazards. In addition, sand is spread around the perimeter of the houses to reduce mud build up on work shoes/boots in case of rainy weather.
- Gloves are provided to all volunteers to prevent splinter injuries.
- Water is provided and volunteers are encouraged to drink ample amounts to ensure they stay hydrated.
- Volunteers are provided sun-screen and encouraged to use it liberally and as much as needed to protect against sunburn.
- Safety glasses are provided for volunteer use AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON SITE.