HEALTH AND SAFETY

How to prepare for a safe week in Sweeny United

Everyone should report to Sweeny's First United Methodist Church Gym at 7:15 in order to have a light breakfast and to pack lunches and materials prior to an 8:00 AM departure. The workday concludes around 3:00 PM.

1.  Dress properly for outdoor work.  Shorts should be knee length and shirts should have short sleeves.  Sweeny United workers climb on ladders, reach, stretch, and bend.  Please keep clothing modest and check to see that coverage is appropriate for climbing, bending, and reaching.  As a good rule of thumb, please comply with school dress code in regard to length of shorts and coverage of shirts and blouses.    Apply sunscreen and/or insect repellent as desired.  WEAR STURDY SHOES, not sandals or flip-flops.  Hats, sunglasses, work gloves, and cool ties are optional.  If you bring these things, label them with your name and take responsibility for them.

2.  Stay hydrated.  Begin drinking plenty of water several days before we begin work.  Each team will have a water cooler on site and popsicles will be delivered daily.  Bring a cup with your name on it so you can have plenty to drink.

3.  If you need an Epi-Pen or an inhaler, please bring it with you and check in with the nurse regarding your needs.

4.    Travel safely.  Remember that SU transportation rules require that everyone wear seat belts and ride only INSIDE trucks or cars.  Student drivers are not allowed to take their personal vehicles to work sites.

5.   Attend safety training.  All students are required to be part of the safety presentation first thing Monday morning.  Further hands-on training will be given at the job sites.  Any time you feel unsure of what to do, ask.  We want you to be safe and to learn to do new things.  Understand that student cell phones are not allowed on the job sites due to the dangers of being distracted while working.  Adult leaders will have their phones to call for materials, rides, etc.

• Sweeny United provides safety training for all workers on Monday morning before projects are started.  Additionally, students will have on-site, hands-on training that pertains to tools they will be using on their teams.  For example, students will learn about use of ladders, tools, and yard implements.    

• If it becomes necessary to "re-team" in order to complete work, students will be trained before using new types of tools.

• Of utmost importance is staying hydrated.  Please bring a cup/bottle with a name label.  SU will provide ice water for each site.  Students are encouraged to take breaks to keep from getting too hot.

• Cell phones will be collected and secured each morning at base camp.  They are returned in the afternoon when clean-up duties have been performed to team leaders' satisfaction.

• We have a nurse on site and team leaders will bring students in if there are any concerns.  A first aid kit is provided to each team in the event of minor injuries.  We refrain from treating headaches as this is sometimes a sign of the onset of dehydration.  Parents will be called if students report headaches.  If your child needs an inhaler or Epi-Pen, please send these items daily.