March 24, 2026

Volunteers make an important contribution to a variety of events and activities at the University. At the same time, volunteers gain important skills and experiences to help advance their education, career, and personal interests. It is critically important that departments provide reasonable and adequate instruction, procedures, and supervision to ensure that a volunteer’s activities are performed safely.

Departmental Responsibilities

Prior to engaging a volunteer, departments are expected to discuss the anticipated arrangement with their divisional HR office to ensure that that the scope of activities is appropriate. Departments are expected to:

• Identify potential hazards that the volunteer may encounter and, before such activities are undertaken, provide appropriate training/written instructions where applicable. Here are a few examples:
  • Using paper cutters or knives, etc.
    • Working Safely with Sharp Blades or Edges in the Office Poster
    • Working Safely with Paper Cutters
  • Materials handling (i.e. lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing)
    • Lifting Safely Poster
  • Slips, Trip and Falls
    • Slips Trips and Falls Poster
    • Stay Focused: Avoid Distractions from Electronic Devices Poster
    • Stay Focused: Distracted Walking is Dangerous Poster
  • Office ergonomics and General Office Safety
  • Measures to reduce or mitigate working alone.
  • For labs, please review the Youth in Labs Guidelines.

  For a full listing of EHS resources, please refer to: EHS Policies, Procedures and Guidelines and EHS Promoting Safety. Department supervisors can also use the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) tool and take online training (EHS303 Job Safety Analysis) on how to use the tool. Additional resources can be found on the I am a Supervisor webpage.

• Provide appropriate instruction/training on the use of any personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, gloves, etc.) or department-specific equipment where appropriate.
• Ensure completion of EHS training where applicable. Note: a temporary UTORID is required to access the course. Please refer to the “External Users” section on the EHS training webpage.
• Provide appropriate supervision and mentorship. In particular, for younger volunteers who may have less experience identifying potential hazards, additional support and oversight may be needed.
• Orient volunteers on all applicable emergency procedures and the local physical environment:
  • Emergency contact information for department contacts and Campus Safety (416-978-2222).
  • Location of emergency equipment (e.g. fire alarm, fire extinguisher, emergency exits, phones, eyewash, emergency shower, etc.).
  • Consider posting signage for any urgent or emergency information for easy reference.

In case of Injury: If a volunteer is injured while acting in that capacity, the University of Toronto contact must complete an online accident/incident eForm within 24 hours.

If you have any questions, please contact EHS (ehs.office@utoronto.ca).