RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Group Name:
Applies
(Y/N)
Date:
Activity
Working
in
bushland
Hazard
Description

Injury due to
lack of
Bushcare
Group Leader
Site
Supervision
Inherent
Risk
C/L
3B
R
16
Hazard Reduction Measures




Bushcare Group Leaders are to ensure bushcare
volunteers are aware of hazards at bushcare site.
Bushcare Group leaders are to ensure hazard reduction
measures are implemented at bushcare site.
Group Leader must ensure volunteers are aware of the
hazards
Group leader must ensure that new and existing volunteers
are informed about hazards and safety measures.
Residual
Risk
C/L
3C
R
8
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Applies
(Y/N)
Activity
Working
in
bushland
Hazard
Description



Snakes,
spider, bees,
ticks, wasps,
hairy
caterpillars
and
other
insect bites or
stings.
Nesting birds
that can be
aggressive
e.g. Plovers,
Magpies, etc.
Poisonous,
spikey,
shrubby or
irritating
plants e.g.
plants with
milky sap,
spines, sharp
edges, hairs
or pungent
smells
Inherent
Risk
C/L
3B
R
16
Hazard Reduction Measures













Site inspection prior to starting work to check for hazards
e.g. plants, insects and animals.
If a hazard is found bushcare group leader to decide
whether hazard can be safely removed or to avoid area,
Use safety equipment e.g. gloves, long shirt, long pants,
closed in footwear and protective eyewear.
First Aid kit on site.
First Aid trained volunteers are identified.
All volunteers must understand the emergency plan for
your site.
People with known allergies to ensure the group leader is
aware and to carry appropriate medications e.g. EpiPen for
anaphylactic reaction, inhaler if asthmatic, etc.
Volunteers must not put hands into hollow logs or thick
grass.
When stepping over logs carefully inspect logs on the other
side.
Do not rely on visual identification of a snake as being nonvenomous as appearances may vary between species.
Ticks must only be removed using tweezers and by pulling
straight out.
Volunteers must conduct a fully body check for bites and
allergies after working bee.
Don’t be in a hurry, work slowly and safely and wear
protective eyewear, especially when working in thick,
spikey or shrubby vegetation.
Residual
Risk
C/L
3C
R
8
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Working in
bushland
Hazard
Description

Trips, slips
and falls
Inherent
Risk
C/L
2B
R
8
Working in
bushland

Working on
slopes and
next to water
2B
8
Working in
bushland

4C
16
Working in
bushland

Exposure to
Asbestos
cement debris
or other
illegally
dumped
material found
in park
Cuts from
buried glass
and rubbish
2B
8
Hazard Reduction Measures













Site inspection prior to starting work to check for hazards
e.g. logs, stumps, slopes, holes, wet areas, etc.
Don’t be in a hurry, walk slowly and safely.
Wear non-slip footwear.
Appropriate non slip footwear must be worn.
Installation of safety barrier if applicable.
If slope too steep, no work to take place.
Site inspection prior to starting work to check for asbestos.
If asbestos cement debris identified do not work in that area
and report to the CCO as soon as possible.
Site inspection prior to starting work to check for hazards
e.g. glass, foreign objects, buried rubbish, etc
First aid kit on site.
First aid trained volunteers identified.
Wear safety equipment e.g. thick gloves, long, pants, long
sleeved shirt, closed in shoes.
If buried rubbish found do not work in that area and report
to CCO as soon as possible.
Residual
Risk
C/L
2C
R
4
2C
4
4E
2
2C
4
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Working in
bushland
Hazard
Description

Exposure or
handling of
Sharps
(needles)
Inherent
Risk
C/L
3D
R
4
Hazard Reduction Measures





Working in
bushland

Injury from
falling trees
and branches
3D
4




Working in
bushland

Heat stress
2B
8




Working in
bushland

Exposure to
UV radiation
2B
8


Site inspection prior to starting work to check for Sharps.
First aid kit on site.
First aid trained volunteers identified.
Disposal equipment provided including Sharps container
and appropriate safe handling tool.
If group does not wish to handle, report to the BCC Call
Centre immediately on 3403 8888 and do not work in that
area.
If sharps are found report to the CCO as soon as possible.
Site inspection prior to starting work to check for dead trees
and branches.
If hazardous tree identified do not work within dropzone
and Report to CCO as soon as possible.
Volunteers must not handle, remove or poison trees or
weeds larger than 100mm DBH (diameter at breast height).
Contact your CCO for advice on how to manage vegetation
above this size.
Group leaders are to provide members with cool drinking
water.
Supply water bottles to volunteers
If very hot, limit exposure to conditions e.g. work in shade
or postpone working bee.
Volunteers to take regular breaks and re-hydrate
frequently.
All volunteers are advised to wear a hat, long sleeved shirt
and long pants.
All groups are issued with sunscreen which volunteers
must re-apply regularly.
Residual
Risk
C/L
3E
R
1
3E
1
2C
4
2C
4
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Working in
bushland
Weed Control
Hazard
Description


Injury caused
by out of date
First Aid kit
supplies and
unmaintained
tools and
safety
equipment
stocks
Manual
handling of
tools and
equipment
with risk to
bystanders
Inherent
Risk
C/L
2D
R
2
Hazard Reduction Measures




3B
16





Weed Control

Injury caused
by Lifting
heavy objects
3B
16




Volunteers to ensure tools are maintained (e.g. is it sharp,
lubricated, clean or damaged?). If not, report to Group
Leader.
Bushcare Group Leaders are to inspect First Aid Kits
annually for expired supplies & replace where necessary.
Bushcare Group Leaders are to inspect safety equipment
and tool condition at each working bee ensure replacement
stocks and maintenance requirements are followed up.
Group Leaders are to ensure that no volunteers use
expired First Aid Kit supplies or unmaintained tools or
safety equipment.
Bushcare Group Leader must advise all volunteers how to
use tools and equipment prior to use.
Report damaged tools or maintenance requirements
Wear safety equipment e.g. thick gloves, eye protection,
dust mask (if using mulch fork), non slip footwear, and long
sleeved shirt and pants.
Ensure safe work practices when using tools e.g. prevent
tripping over tools, keep sharp points down, place mattocks
and mallets with heavy end down.
When using shovels, mattocks or other swinging hand
tools, ensure volunteers check that there is no person or
object within striking distance.
Assess the path of travel and load prior to lifting to
ascertain weight.
If the load is too heavy – get help!
Use correct lifting techniques e.g. bend from knees and
hold load close to body.
Mechanical aids provided by for loads too heavy for
volunteers.
Residual
Risk
C/L
2E
R
0.5
3C
8
3C
8
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Weed Control
Weed Control
Hazard
Description


Injury caused
whilst
handling
mulch e.g.
inhaling mulch
dust
Manual
handling injury
(e.g. sprains
and strains)
Inherent
Risk
C/L
2C
R
8
Hazard Reduction Measures



3B
16




Weed Control

Injury from
Climbing
trees/ladders
3C
8


Weed Control
Weed Control


Vegetation
removed
causing
tripping or
injury
2B
Vegetation
removed
causing a fire
hazard
2B
8


8

If dusty, dusk mask and safety glasses / goggles must be
worn.
Leather gloves must be worn.
Ensure safe work practices when using mulch fork e.g.
hazard reduction measures outlined in manual handling of
tools and equipment and lifting heavy objects.
Assess required technique e.g. use core strength, firm
footing and seek assistance if needed.
Volunteers to take regular breaks and stretch and rehydrate frequently.
If unsure about the safe technique for activity ask your
Bushcare Group Leader
If muscle is starting to ache change activity that targets
different muscles or if pain persists stop activity
immediately.
Volunteers must not climb any structure or ladder to carry
out bushcare activities e.g. weed removal or pruning
activities.
These activities reserved for contractors or pre-arranged
with Council staff.
Do not place removed vegetation near walkways or access
areas
Stumps of removed trees to be cut off as close to ground
level as possible.
Do not leave removed vegetation and leave in piles greater
than 2m3.
Residual
Risk
C/L
2D
R
2
3C
8
3E
1
2C
4
2C
4
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Weed Control
Hazard
Description

Herbicide
used or stored
incorrectly
with risk of
exposure to
people
Inherent
Risk
C/L
2B
R
8
Hazard Reduction Measures




Weed Control

Herbicide
used or stored
incorrectly
with risk of
exposure to
environment
3B
16




All volunteers using the herbicide ‘Weedmaster Duo’ must
complete ‘Basic Herbicide Training’ and for those using
Starane Advanced or Brush-Off, volunteers must complete
the ‘Advanced Herbicide Training’ – including how to
interpret
MSDS
(Material
Safety
Data
Sheet),
understanding herbicide application and use of safety
equipment.
Latest MSDS for all products must be available where
chemicals are stored.
The MSDS, product label, Off-label permit and Attachment
1 of the Herbicide Training Manual must be kept on-site at
working bees for reference.
Only herbicides listed in the Herbicide Training Manual
including Weedmaster Duo, Starane Advanced and BrushOff can be used by HB volunteers.
All volunteers using the herbicide ‘Weedmaster Duo’ must
complete ‘Basic Herbicide Training’ and for those using
Starane Advanced or Brush-Off, volunteers must complete
the ‘Advanced Herbicide Training’ – including how to
interpret
MSDS
(Material
Safety
Data
Sheet),
understanding herbicide application and use of safety
equipment.
Latest MSDS for all products must be available where
chemicals are stored.
The MSDS, product label, Off-label permit and Attachment
1 of the Herbicide Training Manual must be kept on-site at
working bees for reference.
Only herbicides listed in the Herbicide Training Manual
including Weedmaster Duo, Starane Advanced and BrushOff can be used by HB volunteers.
Residual
Risk
C/L
2C
R
4
3C
8
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Weed Control
Hazard
Description

Injury caused
by not using
safety
equipment
Inherent
Risk
C/L
3B
R
16
Hazard Reduction Measures


Operating
Motorised
Equipment
Operating
Motorised
Equipment
Operating
Motorised
Equipment



Motorised
auger used
with risk to
user and
bystanders
Brushcutter
used with risk
to user and
bystanders
Water Pump
used with risk
to user and
bystanders
3B
16


3B
16


2D
2



All volunteers must wear appropriate safety equipment at
all times for activity being carried out (refer to Risk
Assessment Worksheet for activity) including at minimum
closed in footwear, gloves, hat and preferably long-sleeved
shirt and pants.
Specific safety equipment covered in training for safe use
of herbicide, brushcutter, auger, water pump and collection
of sharps.
All volunteers using auger must receive Hand Auger
Training and follow safe work procedures outlined in
manual.
Safety equipment must be worn (including steel capped
boots, gloves, visor, safety vest and no loose clothing).
All volunteers using Brushcutters must receive Brushcutter
Training and follow safe work procedures outlined in the
Manual and in the Safety Alerts (found in brushcutter kit).
safety equipment must be used including ear and eye
protection, gloves, shin pad protectors (chaps), steel
capped boots, hard hat, long sleeved short and pants and
safety vest.
If necessary, signage needs to be erected near work area.
If possible, arrange professional contractor.
All volunteers must be trained in the use of water pumps
before operating one.
Residual
Risk
C/L
3C
R
8
3C
8
3C
8
2E
0.5
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Hazard
Description
Equipment
Storage and
House
Keeping (i.e.
keeping site
tidy)

Storage and
transport of
equipment in
vehicles and
trailers

Storage and
transport of
equipment in
vehicles and
trailers

Native
Vegetation
being
damaged or
removed
Handtools
stored with
risk to
bystanders
and user
Inherent
Risk
C/L
2A


Objects fall
from vehicles
whilst driving
Unrestrained
loads in cabin
or on tray
become
dislodged
whilst braking
2C
Driving vehicle
in work areas
2B
 Contravention
of Legislation
R
16
Hazard Reduction Measures
4



8





4B
32


Safe work practices for each tool e.g. prevent tripping over
tools, keep sharp points down, place mattocks and mallets
with heavy end down, hang tools up if the appropriate
fittings are installed for storage.
Avoid storing tools above shoulder height. The tools need
to be easily accessible so they won’t cause a strain when
taking them down.
Suitably restrain all equipment being transported in tray and
trailer
Do not transport equipment in cabin of vehicle.
Pressurised container or substances e.g. fuel, herbicide,
etc are not to be stored and transported in cabin of vehicle.
Keep clear of all public use facilities including play
equipment and picnic areas.
Use hazard lights.
Drive at a max of 10 km/hour.
If crossing a bikeway, check for pedestrians and cyclists.
Inspect path of vehicle or use spotter when reversing
vehicle.
No Vehicles in parks after or during wet weather
Contact your CCO for further advice & direction.
Residual
Risk
C/L
2B
R
8
2D
2
2C
4
4E
2
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Hazard
Description
Inherent
Risk
C/L
(including
marine
vegetation)
Work that will
result in
damage to a
breeding or
roosting site
Hazard Reduction Measures
R
Residual
Risk
C/L
R
 Contravention
of Legislation
3C
8

Contact your CCO for further advice / direction.
2D
2
Will work
occur within a
riparian zone?
 Bank erosion
 Poor water
quality
 Contravention
of Legislation
4B
32

Consult with your CCO re: appropriate guidelines and 3D
limitations.
4
Extraction of
water from
creek or other
water body
 Contravention
of Legislation
3B
16

Group Leader to notify CCO if group plans to extract water 3E
for working bees throughout the year.
CCO to ensure site is listed on the notification to DERM to
extract water.
Group Leader to record water extraction on new working
bee record form.
For extractions outside of working bees, Group Leader to
notify CCO 2 weeks in advance of event.
Speak with CCO to determine if site is within the Fire Ant 4D
Restricted Area & suitable course of action.
If site is within a Restricted Area, speak to the CCO
regarding training for volunteers.
Group Leader to follow CCO direction e.g. keep information
brochure onsite, keep volunteers informed and inspect
mulch before use.
1



Soil, mulch or
other ‘waste’
material be
removed from
site
 Potential to
translocate
fireants
 Contravention
of Legislation
4B
32



8
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
Appli
es
(Y/N)
Activity
Class 1 weed
or an
unidentified
plant sighted
Disturbing Soil
Other
Other
Hazard
Description
 Potential to
translocate
weed.
 Potential to
miss
management
opportunity
 Contravention
of Legislation
 Allowing
sediment to
leave site
 Destabilising
soils surface
leading to
erosion
 Contravention
of legislation
Inherent
Risk
C/L
4C
R
16
Hazard Reduction Measures


3A
32


Group Leader to report presence to CCO as soon as
possible.
CCO to report Class 1 weeds to Senior Program Officer Habitat Restoration from BCC’s Invasive Species & Native
Animal Management Branch.
Where significant earthworks are to take place, CCO to
conduct a PEAT assessment.
If soil disturbance is limited to digging holes for plants, the
layer for contaminated land in Gecko should be consulted
before work commenced. Ask CCO to do this.
Residual
Risk
C/L
3C
R
8
2C
4
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
FIRST AID:
Report all injuries or incidents to the Event Manager/Project Manager.
Trained volunteers in group:
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Location of first aid kit at working bees: _________________________________________
First Aid kit stock to be replaced (check expiry dates)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY PLAN:
Nearest phone:_____________________________________________________________
Nearest medical centre open on day or working bee (address/phone no.) _______________________________________________________________
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
ACTIONS FOR Project Manager
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Name: _________________________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________________________________
TIME FRAME
COMPLETED