Volunteers

The Act recognises that the well-being and work of volunteers is just as important as that of employees.

When volunteers are doing work for an employer or self-employed person on an ongoing or regular basis, and the work is an integral part of the business of the employer, the Act applies.

In practice this means that the employer/self-employed person must for safety purposes treat them as if they were employees and protect them from harm. Some voluntary activities are not included in this:

• fundraising
• assisting with sport or recreation
• helping schools etc outside their own premises
• providing care in your own home.

But all voluntary work activity should be safe and those responsible for it are encouraged by the Act to specifically include hazard management in their planning for the activity.

The Department will help if it thinks the activity is likely to be unsafe.

 Go to:

• Definition of volunteer
• Hazard identification and management
• Fact sheet: Volunteers pdf file [size: 36KB]
• Fact sheet: Volunteers on Marae pdf file [size: 41KB]
• Working Safely for your Community pdf file [size: 181KB]