Volunteers

If you are a volunteer, you

• must take reasonable care for your own (and other peoples') health and safety.

If you are engaged by a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), you are a worker and

• must comply with any reasonable WHS instructions, policies and procedures given by the PCBU.

If you are an officer who is a volunteer, you

• must comply with WHS duties.

You cannot be prosecuted for an offence as an officer, except if you do not comply with your duties as a worker or 'other persons at the workplace'.

If you are a PCBU, you must

• ensure the health and safety of workers, including volunteers you engage;
• consult with them on WHS matters; and
• provide them with the necessary information, training and supervision.

Safe Work Australia has a safety resource kit especially for volunteers.

This resource will help volunteers and organisations who engage them understand the health and safety laws. It includes:

• a guide for volunteers
• a guide for organisations that engage volunteers
• a fact sheet
• a PowerPoint presentation and podcast.

Volunteers guidance Safe Work Australia

Between 1 July 2014 and end of 2016 if you want to work or volunteer with children, you might need to apply for a new type of registration.

Working with children website