Rescue 101 Work Health and Safety (WHS)

On 1 January 2012, the new Work Health and Safety Laws (WHS) replaced the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws in NSW. These changes included WIRES. Due to these laws, WIRES Inc. has a primary duty of care to ensure its volunteers are not exposed to risks to their health and safety whilst undertaking their duties.

WIRES must meet its obligations to its volunteers; so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide a safe and healthy workplace and does this by the following means:

• Providing policies and procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Safety vest available for purchase at a discounted price and advice on specific PPE required for various species rescues
• Training and Instruction – WHS information provided at all WIRES courses
• Providing access to a Volunteer Support Manager who can provide information and support in regard to WHS, WIRES procedures, and grievance matters. The Volunteer Support Manager is contactable at vsm@wires.org.au
• Interpersonal and species risk information

Work, Health and Safety (WHS) is an essential component of working with animals. Rescuing and transporting wildlife can pose a wide range of risks to yourself and others if the hazards are not effectively identified and managed.

Important safety measures to reduce WHS risks when working with native wildlife include:

• Utilising Personal Protective Equipment
• Record keeping
• Maintaining a strong support system
• Regular health check-ups including vaccinations
• Ensure all training is up to date
• Maintain equipment so it remains safe for use for all
• Ensuring a safe work environment, i.e. ceasing operations when weather conditions become unsafe

Everyone within the WIRES network has an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) to protect themselves and others from harm.

Key Work, Health and Safety Rules for Volunteers

To minimise the risks during wildlife rescue and transport, ensure to:

• Always keep Tetanus Boosters up to date
• Inform your GP that you come into close contact and handle wildlife
• Consider whether your current level of training is appropriate for the rescue, i.e. you are prohibited from rescuing bats and snakes prior to completing the WIRES approved specific training course for those species and have the appropriate vaccinations. Rescue 101 volunteers are only able to assist with possums, birds, lizards, turtles and frog species - therefore species outside of these criteria including large mammals and raptors require further training via the WIRES Immediate Care Course (ICC).
• Use appropriate equipment and wear personal protective clothing when undertaking WIRES work e.g. wearing a Hi-vis vest during a roadside rescue
• Never climb onto a roof or into ceilings or crawl into drains or under buildings
• Never enter dilapidated buildings
• Never climb old, compromised ladders. If you must climb a ladder, ensure that it is placed on secure ground and that someone is holding the bottom of the ladder
• Report all injuries/incidents to the Volunteer Support Manager (vsm@wires.org.au) immediately
• Take steps to monitor mental health and be proactive in seeking help if needed

Reporting an Incident

To report an incident that has occurred whilst carrying out a WIRES rescue, please email the Volunteer Support Manager (vsm@wires.org.au) to request an incident reporting form.