CGB Community Garden Volunteer Safety Handbook
Operated by Clean Green Beautiful North Bay & District Inc.
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Introduction
Welcome to the CGB Community Garden.
Our garden is a shared community space where volunteers and participants work together to
grow food, learn new skills, and support a healthy environment.
The safety of all volunteers, participants, and visitors is a priority. This handbook outlines basic
safety guidelines to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the garden in a safe and respectful
environment.
All volunteers are expected to follow the safety guidelines outlined in this handbook and report
any hazards or concerns to a garden coordinator.
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1. General Garden Safety
Community gardening involves physical activity and outdoor work. Volunteers should take
reasonable precautions to protect their health and safety.
Safety tips include:
• Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes
• Use sun protection such as hats and sunscreen
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather
• Take breaks when needed
• Be aware of uneven ground and garden structures
• Follow instructions from garden coordinators
Volunteers should only perform tasks they feel comfortable and capable of completing safely. If
you are ever unsure how to proceed with a task, please ask a garden coordinator or manager
for guidance.
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2. Tool Safety
Garden tools can cause injury if used improperly. Always handle tools with care.
Guidelines include:
• Use the correct tool for the task
• Inspect tools before use
• Do not use damaged tools
• Carry tools with sharp edges pointing downward
• Never leave tools lying in pathways
• Return tools to the storage area after use
If a tool becomes damaged, or you are unsure how to use the tools, report it to a garden
coordinator.
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3. Lifting and Physical Work
Improper lifting can cause injuries.
When lifting objects:
• Bend your knees, not your back
• Lift with your legs
• Keep objects close to your body
• Ask for help when lifting heavy items
• Avoid twisting while carrying weight
• Use safety equipment if required (e.g., gloves, safety glasses)
If something feels too heavy or unsafe to move, ask for assistance.
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4. Weather and Environmental Conditions
Outdoor work means exposure to changing weather conditions.
Volunteers should:
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Wear sunscreen during sunny conditions
• Stay hydrated

• Take breaks in shaded areas
• Stop working during severe weather such as thunderstorms
Garden activities may be paused if weather conditions become unsafe.
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5. Plants, Insects, and Wildlife
Gardens naturally contain insects, plants, and wildlife.
Volunteers should be cautious of:
• Bees, wasps, and other insects
• Mosquitoes and ticks
• Thorny plants
• Allergic reactions
If you are allergic to insect stings or certain plants, please take appropriate precautions.
Report any aggressive wildlife or hazards to a garden coordinator.
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6. Sanitation and Hygiene
Maintaining cleanliness helps protect the health of everyone in the garden.
Volunteers should:
• Wash hands after gardening
• Avoid touching face or eyes while working in soil
• Clean tools after use when required
• Dispose of waste properly
If compost is present, follow compost guidelines when disposing of organic material.
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7. Children and Visitors
Children are welcome in the garden but must be supervised at all times by an adult.
Guidelines include:

• Children must remain with their supervising adult
• Do not allow children to use tools without supervision
• Visitors must follow garden safety guidelines
Adults are responsible for the safety and behaviour of any guests they bring into the garden.
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8. Soil and Compost Safety
The garden may use natural soil amendments such as compost or manure to support healthy
plant growth.
Volunteers should follow basic hygiene and safety practices when working with soil or compost:
• Wear gloves when handling soil, compost, or manure when possible
• Avoid touching your face while working with soil
• Wash hands after gardening activities
• Cover any open cuts or wounds before working in soil
• Use tools rather than bare hands when possible
These practices help reduce exposure to naturally occurring bacteria that may be present in soil
or compost.
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9. First Aid and Injury Response
Minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, insect stings, or splinters may occasionally occur during
garden activities.
If an injury occurs:
• Stop work immediately
• Inform a garden coordinator or volunteer leader
• Use the first aid kit if appropriate
• Seek medical attention if necessary
Volunteers should only provide first aid within the limits of their training.
All injuries or incidents should be reported and documented using the Garden Incident Report
Form.
In the case of a serious injury or emergency, call 911 immediately.

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10. Personal Belongings
Volunteers and participants are responsible for their personal belongings while at the garden.
Clean Green Beautiful North Bay & District Inc. is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged
personal property brought to the garden.
Participants are encouraged to keep personal items secure and avoid bringing valuables to the
garden.
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11. Site Safety and Shared Space Responsibility
The CGB Community Garden is a shared space used by volunteers, plot holders, and visitors.
Everyone is responsible for helping maintain a safe and organized environment.
Participants should:
• Keep pathways and shared areas clear of tools, hoses, and debris
• Store tools and equipment in designated areas after use
• Avoid blocking garden entrances, gates, or walkways
• Report damaged structures, loose materials, or other hazards to a garden coordinator
• Use garden structures, beds, and equipment only for their intended purpose
Garden infrastructure such as raised beds, trellises, fencing, and compost systems should not
be modified without permission from garden coordinators.
Maintaining safe and accessible shared spaces helps ensure that the garden remains
welcoming and safe for all participants and visitors.
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12. Reporting Injuries or Hazards
All accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions should be reported to a garden coordinator as soon
as possible.
If an incident occurs:
• Stop the activity immediately

• Ensure the injured person receives assistance
• Notify a garden coordinator
• Complete an Incident Report Form if required
Prompt reporting helps maintain a safe environment for everyone.
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13. Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency:
1. Ensure your own safety first
2. Call 911 if emergency assistance is required
3. Notify a garden coordinator
4. Provide assistance if trained and safe to do so

First aid supplies may be available on site.
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Closing
Thank you for helping make the CGB Community Garden a safe and welcoming place for
everyone.
Your participation and cooperation help create a positive environment for learning, growing
food, and building community.

BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU WILL WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

In consideration of the Clean Green Beautiful North Bay & District Inc. , an organization operating in the Province of Ontario as a not for profit permitting the individual named below ("I" or "me") to participate in picking up litter and garbage and related clean up activities (the “Activities”), and for other good and valuable consideration, I agree to all the terms and conditions set forth
in this agreement (this "Agreement").

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE ACTIVITIES INVOLVE MANY RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES. I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ANY AND ALL OF THE RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS INVOLVED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE
NEGLIGENCE OF Clean Green Beautiful North Bay & District Inc.  (CGB) OR OTHERWISE.

I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims which I have or may in the future have against the not for profit, and its respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, shareholders, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releases"), on account of injury, death, or property damage arising out of or attributable to my participation in the Activities, due to any cause whatsoever, including without limitation the negligence of the not for profit or any other Release, breach of contract, or breach of any statutory or other duty of care owing under occupiers liability legislation or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against CGB or any other Release, and forever release and discharge the not for profit and all other Releases from liability under such claims.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the not for profit and me with respect to the subject matter contained. This Agreement is binding on and shall ensure to the benefit of me and my heirs and next-of-kin, and the not for profit and its successors and assigns.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.