Release of Liability

In consideration of NCC allowing me to participate in work activities for NCC, I agree as follows: I understand that during my participation in the activities, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen. These include but are not limited to injuries and damages (such as personal injury, illness, damage to property, or death from exposure or other danger) during the work activities as further described in the “Acknowledgement of Risk”.   I further understand that at lands owned or managed by NCC there may not be a rescuer or medical facilities or anyone with expertise necessary to deal with the injuries and damages to which I may be exposed.   I confirm that I have read and I understand this Agreement including the Acknowledgement of Risk and I voluntarily assume all risks of such injuries and damages and even death while participating as a volunteer or entering onto the land owned or managed by NCC.   In addition, by accepting, I waive any and all claims that I may have against NCC and\or, if applicable, Conservation de la nature – Québec and their directors, officers and employees ( the “Releasees”) and I release, indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury including, but not limited to, property damage or loss, death, physical and mental injury, disability, disease, virus, infection or any form of infectious or contagious disease that I may suffer arising from or related to my participation in an NCC volunteer position or from any act or omission of the Releasees related to such work activities. This assumption of risk, waiver and release is given on my behalf and is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

Acknowledgement of Risk

While you volunteer for NCC, you will be exposed to certain risks and hazards that we want you to be aware of. These are risks of injury or loss of life, which can be mitigated but cannot be fully eliminated. NCC does not want to concern you or reduce your enthusiasm for volunteering with us, but believes it is important for you to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the potential risks of volunteering with NCC. NCC also wants you to be aware of the key prevention measures you can take to mitigate those risks. These are the objectives of this Acknowledgement of Risk document; and of the Job Hazard Analysis document you will be asked to collaborate in developing and reviewing, and which you will sign (if acceptable). Here’s a non-exhaustive outline of some of the potential risks associated with volunteering in nature to help you prepare for your assignment and have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Climate and Weather Conditions  

You will be enjoying the outdoors in all kinds of weather, from bright sun to snowy conditions. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and dress appropriately for the conditions. In warm weather, take frequent breaks and plan for sun protection and hydration. In cold weather, plan for layered clothes, bring spare clothing and warm beverages. It is always recommended to bring a full change of dry clothing no matter the season. At any time, do not hesitate to tell NCC staff if you are uncomfortable working in the weather conditions that prevail.

Land and Infrastructures

You may be working on terrain that is steep, uneven, slippery or jagged, or where solid footing is obscured by vegetation. Risks of slips and falls are very real. Be sure to wear good walking shoes with ankle support and treads.  Some lands owned or managed by NCC contain abandoned buildings, mineshafts or other human-made structures. If encountered, do not approach or enter any of these structures, as they may comprise unknown hazards and risks.

Animals and Plants

You will encounter many types of plants and animals, on land and in the water, some of which may be dangerous or poisonous to humans. Refrain from touching plants you aren’t familiar with, and from approaching or interacting with wild animals.  Black flies, mosquitoes and other biting or stinging insects may pose a problem at certain times of the year. Ticks may be present, posing potential Lyme disease risks. Use repellent and/or long sleeves and long pants to protect yourself from insects and insect bites. Learn more about Lyme disease here.  Some lands owned or managed by NCC are fenced and contain cattle or other livestock for grazing. These animals may be unpredictable. Refrain from approaching or interacting with them.

Emergency Services and Remoteness 

Our properties can be far from urban areas and emergency services. NCC staff, even if accompanying you, are not trained medical professionals. In the event of an emergency, response time will be impacted. Your NCC contact should provide you with relevant information about emergency response at the property or properties to which you have been assigned. Additionally, cellphone coverage may not be reliable. If working alone, always inform your emergency contact where you are going and when you will be back, and what to do if they do not hear from you. Do not hesitate to ask about the emergency response plan.  You may get disoriented and become lost. If this happens, and if there is no immediate danger, stay where you are and call for help. It will be much easier to find you if you aren’t on the move.

Terms and Conditions

When working as a volunteer on lands owned or managed by NCC , you must know, understand, and agree to the:  

1. COMPLY WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS: Be knowledgeable and comply with all relevant laws including, if applicable, holding valid permits or licenses for specialized work (i.e., pesticide use, species-at-risk activities, tree cutting, driving, etc.).
2. PRIORITIZE SAFETY: Ensure you act at all times in a way that protects yourself and others from personal injury. This includes not performing any activity that you are untrained for, that you are not equipped for, that you aren’t appropriately supervised for or that you are uncertain that you can perform safely. You must advise other individuals present and NCC staff of any unsafe conditions you observe. 
3. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Follow the instructions of NCC staff to ensure personal safety and protection of the environment. Abide by all safety precautions and wear all appropriate personal protective equipment as instructed in briefings and training. Don’t carry out volunteer activities at different times, to a greater extent or in different locations than as instructed by NCC staff.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTIONS: You are responsible for your actions or negligence while volunteering. This includes potential liability to others should something you do injure them or cause property damage.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY: Volunteers agree not to disclose any confidential information (which means information not already generally publicly available) given to you for, or obtained as part of, your volunteer activities. For clarity this restriction does not include pictures, videos, social media posts or other descriptions of your activities that are created by you and that are of a general nature (called the “Volunteer’s Information”). Specifically, you agree not to disclose information that identifies or describes:  a) NCC staff or contractors without their express permission;  b) any species at risk (for their protection from poaching and harassment); or  c) financial or work permitting information.  
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: You agree that all information, pictures, and other work products created by you in the context of the volunteer experience, other than any of your personal information and the Volunteer’s Information, and any ensuing intellectual property or copyright, will be owned solely by NCC.
7. PRIVACY: I authorize NCC to collect personal information on my identity to use it to allow me to participate in the volunteer activities that interest me. You can learn more on how we manage personal information by consulting our Privacy Policy. 
8. PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES: In addition to having valid permits and licences to carry out the following activities that require it, volunteers are not permitted to carry out any of the following activities without specific training and approval from NCC staff:

• use chainsaws, riding mowers, tractors, ATVs or other powered devices; 
• construct any bridge, wooden walkway, or any other structure;     
• perform any activity in watercourses greater than knee height; and
• use pesticides or any other chemical.

Medical Release

In the event of an emergency where I am unable to provide instructions, I hereby authorize NCC staff supervising me to secure such medical advice and services as they deem necessary for my health and safety. I agree to accept financial responsibility in excess of the benefits allowed by provincial health insurance plans. I confirm that I have read and understood the volunteer work description and that I am in good health and capable of performing the activities necessary to participate in the work activities.  I hereby certify that I reviewed the volunteer activities description, that I am physically equipped to participate and that I am not affected by any medical condition that could impair my ability to fully and safely participate in the planned activities.

I am satisfied that I have been informed of and understand the risks, my responsibilities, and releases of certain rights I have through my review of this document. I have obtained as much information about my volunteer experience as I feel necessary and to the extent that I require, including information beyond that which has been provided to me by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.