Volunteers Health and Safety Policy

Volunteers Health & Safety Policy

For volunteers at Radio Odstock

Our Promise to You

We want everyone who volunteers with us to feel safe, supported, and comfortable. This policy explains the basics of how we look after your health and safety while you’re helping us.

You don’t need to memorise everything — just read through it so you know what to expect and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

 

  1. Everyone’s Responsibility

Keeping the station safe is a team effort.

We will:

  • Make sure the studio and office equipment are safe to use
  • Give you the information you need to work safely
  • Listen to any concerns you have

We ask you to:

  • Take care of yourself and others
  • Follow the safety guidance we give you
  • Tell us if something looks unsafe or if an accident happens
  1. Fire Safety 🔥

If the smoke fire alarm sounds, leave the building straight away. We’ll show you:

  • Where the assembly point is
  • Who to speak to in an emergency

Please keep walkways and doors clear so everyone can get out quickly if needed.

 

  1. Electrical Safety

To keep safe and preserve our studio equipment:

  • You must keep liquids away from all electrical equipment

 

  1. Headphones

Presenters and their guests will need to use headphones to ensure that speech is clearly heard in our broadcasts. However, prolonged use of headphones can cause hearing damage. We will give you guidance on:

  • When to use of headphones
  • Setting the volume to a safe level

 

  1. Slips, Trips & Falls

To help keep the studios and office safe:

  • Tidy up after yourself
  • Report loose cables, spills, or anything that looks unsafe
  • Wear sensible footwear when moving boxes or equipment
  • Use step aid when accessing the higher shelves in the library

 

  1. Working at a Desk

If you’re using at the office computer or studio desk:

  • Make sure your chair and screen feel comfortable
  • Take short breaks to stretch
  • Tell us if something is causing discomfort

We can help you adjust your workstation if needed.

 

  1. Lifting & Moving Things

We regularly access the record library and sometimes we move boxes, donations, or equipment.

Please:

  • Only handle CDs/records one at a time when accessing the library shelves. Although not heavy, you could be distracted trying to catch them if they slip and many cannot be replaced.
  • Ask for help with anything heavy
  • Avoid twisting or rushing when lifting

If you’re unsure, just ask — we’d rather help than see you hurt yourself.

 

  1. Wellbeing & Stress

Your wellbeing matters.

If you ever feel:

  • Overwhelmed
  • Upset by something you’ve seen or heard

Talk to a fellow volunteer or trustee. We’re all here to support you.

 

  1. Lone Working

We try to avoid volunteers being alone in the building and programmes can be more enjoyable when others are involved.

If you are alone:

  • Make sure a family member or loved one knows you’re there
  • Keep your phone with you

 

  1. Hygiene

To help keep everyone healthy:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Use hand sanitiser
  • Stay home if you’re unwell

 

  1. Security

Please:

  • Keep the  front door closed if you are not expecting visitors
  • Don’t let unknown people into the building
  • Report anything that has felt unusual or unsafe

Never put yourself at risk — your safety comes first.

 

  1. Reporting Accidents or Concerns

If you see something unsafe or if an accident happens:

  • Tell the group chat straight away
  • We’ll record it and make sure it’s dealt with
  • Dial 444 on the internal phone for plumbing or building emergencies

There’s no blame — we just want to keep everyone safe.

 

  1. Keeping This Policy Up to Date

We review this policy every year or whenever something changes. If you have ideas for making things safer, we’d love to hear them.