This plan has been developed to protect volunteers from hazards associated with the handling of kill traps. Predator Free Cromwell is committed to prioritising the health and safety of its volunteers. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, we have a duty to ensure the wellbeing of our workers, volunteers, and individuals trapping under our guidance.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Everyone who volunteers with Predator Free Cromwell, or registers with us as a trapper, is responsible for taking all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and that of others, including fellow volunteers and team leaders. As a volunteer, you must comply with the health and safety policies and procedures of Predator Free Cromwell (PFC) and follow reasonable instructions given by PFC, the trapline coordinator, or the landowner. Cooperation with all health and safety measures is essential.

Hazards and Their Management

This safety plan considers three main categories of hazards:

1.    Environmental Hazards: Including weather conditions, terrain, natural disasters, and fire.

2.    Resources and Equipment: Including trap mechanisms, trap setting and clearing, lifting and carrying traps, and handling animals and carcasses.

3.    People-Related Hazards: Including failure to follow instructions, undisclosed or unrecognised medical conditions, inadequate clothing for conditions, lack of fitness or agility for the task, and interactions with individuals who have differing views.

The Hazard Identification Form for your activity lists the hazards identified by Predator Free Cromwell’s trapping group, along with actions to eliminate (E), isolate (I), or minimise (M) each hazard.

Safety Briefing and Training

All volunteers will receive full instruction on the safe use of relevant traps and equipment, and building, launching, checking and/or maintenance of nesting platforms from a Trapline Coordinator or other designated person. This includes identified hazards, and ways to keep yourself safe. The briefing will outline:

•       The work to be done

•       Hazards at both the training site, and the site or sites where you will be trapping, managing nesting platforms, or other activity

•       Techniques or behaviours to eliminate, isolate or minimise these hazards

Your responsibility is to identify any new or additional hazards and risks, inform your trapline coordinator or designated contact person so we can update the hazard register, and to use good judgment in all situations.

In the Event of an Incident

•       Stay calm, breathe - think through your actions before proceeding.

•       Call out for assistance if needed, and notify your trapline coordinator by text or phone.

•       Assess the situation, ensuring the area is safe for yourself and others.

•       Identify and manage any hazards, in line with your training.

•       Reassure any injured/unwell person and administer first aid if required.

•       Contact emergency services if necessary and be prepared to provide your exact location.

Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All incidents, as well as near-miss incidents, must be reported to your trapline coordinator. This information helps identify safety concerns and improve future hazard management for both you and other trappers.

Feedback on This Safety Plan

Your feedback is essential to improving safety measures. If you identify additional hazards or have suggested changes to existing actions, please share this with us.

To give us feedback, contact your trapline coordinator in the first instance, or reach out to us by email at predatorfreecromwell@gmail.com