(Last Revised: 26 November 2025)
1. Purpose
This Safety Policy sets clear expectations to help ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all people taking part in C4 activities. It applies to volunteers, staff, contractors and visitors, and explains what C4 will do to support safety, and what each person is expected to do while participating.
This Policy replaces the former Volunteer Safety Policy.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to individuals involved in C4 activities at:
- C4 Environment Centre
- C4 Nursery and Arboretum
- Off-site field locations, including nature refuges, tree-planting projects and monitoring sites
3. Our Safety Principles
C4 seeks to:
- Provide guidance and supervision appropriate to the activity
- Maintain equipment and workspaces in functional condition
- Provide essential safety information before tasks commence
- Respond promptly to safety concerns or incidents
Everyone participating in C4 activities is expected to:
- Take reasonable care for their own safety and for others
- Follow instructions provided by supervisors or activity leads
- Use equipment safely and only after being shown how
- Report hazards or concerns as soon as identified
- Work within their physical limits and ask for help if needed
- Disclose medical conditions relevant to their safe participation (confidential)
4. Site-Specific Safety Requirements
4.1 Environment Centre
This is a public-facing environment.
Participants must:
- Be aware of and responsive to visitor movement
- Keep walkways and public areas clear of hazards
- Avoid lifting heavy items without assistance
- Ensure equipment and displays remain secure and safe
- Follow opening and closing procedures as instructed
- Report faults or hazards immediately
Medical conditions affecting mobility or long periods of standing should be shared confidentially before commencing duties.
4.2 Nursery & Arboretum
Requirements include:
These spaces involve manual handling and plant-based activities.
- Covered footwear, gloves and protective clothing as directed
- Correct tool use only after instruction
- Care around uneven surfaces, irrigation and wildlife
- Proper manual handling and seeking assistance for heavy loads
- Hydration and breaks in hot weather
- Wash hands after handling soil or plants
- Report pests, damaged tools or unsafe conditions promptly
Volunteers may decline any task they feel uncertain or unsafe performing.
4.3 Off-Site Field Work
Field activities include planting, weeding, surveying and monitoring.
Before field work:
- All participants must have completed a field-work safety induction
- A daily work and safety briefing will be delivered by the site supervisor
- No one may commence work unless they have attended the briefing
During field work:
- PPE must be worn as directed (e.g., boots, protective clothing, sunscreen, high-visibility vests, eye protection)
- Participants must remain within verbal or visual contact with others
- Caution must be taken around roads, waterways, unstable ground and thick vegetation
- Heightened wildlife awareness is required — do not approach cassowaries or snakes
- Hydration and rest are essential in heat or humidity
- Unsafe conditions must be reported immediately
Safety reporting:
- Contractors must complete a Daily Activity Report
- Supervisors must record key safety notes for all workers
- All incidents and near-misses must be reported the same day via Incident Form
Supervisors will carry communication equipment and essential first aid supplies. Operations may be postponed or modified due to weather or environmental risks.
5. Behaviour and Respect
Everyone participating in C4 activities must:
- Treat others with courtesy and respect
- Contribute to a safe and supportive team environment
- Avoid harassment, bullying, aggression or discrimination
Non-compliance with expected behaviour may result in being asked to stop work or leave the site.
6. Review and Feedback
This Policy may be updated when:
- New activities or equipment are introduced
- Improvements are identified
- Feedback or incident reviews indicate a need for change
Suggestions for safety improvements are always appreciated and can be made via our Feedback Form.
7. Contact
Questions or safety concerns may be directed to:
Email: hello@cassowaryconservation.org
Address: 55A Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852