Build Site Policies

All build site volunteers must be at least 16 years of age;
All volunteers must register online for their volunteer shift. Our sites have a maximum capacity for your safety, so we need to know that you are coming;
Complete a Photography Release and Waiver of Liability before volunteering (included in your online registration) and once every year after. Legal guardians will complete the form for volunteers younger than 18;
Dress appropriately for construction work – please wear sturdy shoes that cover your whole foot (preferably work boots, but sneakers are okay);
Be ready to get dirty! This is a “real” construction site and you’ll be doing hard work. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience – our staff will teach you what you need to know.

Complete the “Volunteering On A Habitat for Humanity Job Site” safety training available through our partner, Lockton Affinity. You will need the Employee Access Code “W8NAEBTG” to enter the site;
Review the below Construction Volunteer Policies
Have the ability to perform moderately strenuous bending and reaching activities;
Have the ability to safely balance on stairs and uneven surfaces;
Have the ability to work in a dusty and active environment without climate control;
Have the ability to meet other moderate physical demands associated with the day’s activities;
If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these recommendations or need special accommodations, please contact us so we can do our best to work with you!

Bad weather? DuPage Habitat builds rain or shine. If it looks like conditions are too dangerous to safely work on site, we will communicate with you via text or email at least 1 hour prior to the start time.
Upon arrival, staff will have you sign-in and make a name tag.
If you’re unable to stay for your full volunteer shift, please let us know as soon as possible.
Volunteers assist in cleaning up the site at the end of the build day.
If you are uncomfortable with a task or need more information to complete it, please talk to your leader. They will teach you how to safely and effectively complete a task or help you find an alternative task. Your safety is our first priority!

Thick-soled shoes that cover your entire foot are required on the construction site, preferably steel toe boots or athletic shoes. No sandals or open-toe shoes allowed.
Most work is outside during the warmer months – please dress appropriately for the weather. We encourage pants to protect your legs from scrapes and scratches, but shorts are acceptable.
Clothes that can get dirty are strongly encouraged – rips, stains, and drips are common on the construction site.
Out of respect for our diverse population of volunteers, construction staff, and homeowners, we request that all volunteers wear modest attire and refrain from wearing clothing with suggestive and/or profane designs.
Hard hats may be required depending on the activity. You may want to bring a handkerchief or scarf to cover your head under the hard hat.
For your safety, please be sure to follow the construction team’s instructions for proper use of hard hats.

Water is provided on site. Please bring a water bottle and feel free to refill from our coolers.
When volunteering, please bring a bagged lunch or plan to purchase lunch near the site.
Tools will be provided on site. You’re welcome to bring your own tool belt and small hand tools. Please do not bring power tools, such as saws, nail guns, etc. Be sure personal tools are labeled with your name. DuPage Habitat is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
It is preferred that you use the hard hats provided on site. Hard hats expire! We monitor our hard hats for wear and to be sure they are used within the lifespan recommended by the manufacturer.
There is no safe place to store valuables. Please leave valuables at home or locked in your vehicle.
Please do not bring pets or children younger than 16.

All volunteers must be 16 or older to assist on a DuPage Habitat build site. Opportunities may occasionally become available for 14- or 15-year-old volunteers. Please contact our Volunteer Engagement Manager at mstokes@gohabitat.org for more information.
A parent or legal guardian’s signature and attendance is required for all volunteers younger than 18 years of age.
When volunteering as a group, one adult supervisor (age 25 or older) should accompany every five youth volunteers. Adults are responsible for assuring all applicable DuPage Habitat build site and age restriction policies are followed.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to work on a ladder, roof or scaffolding, or use power tools. A full copy of DuPage Habitat’s Youth Policy is available upon request.

There is no smoking or vaping on the construction site. Designated smoking areas are available.
Please silence cell phones for safety purposes and step away from the construction site for any calls, texts, etc. When possible, wait for scheduled breaks to use cell phones. There should be no head phones or ear buds on the construction sites to ensure that volunteers can hear directions, announcements and safety warnings. When it appropriate, staff will play music.
Volunteers are welcome to take photographs. Please try to minimize disruption to build site activities while doing so.
Build site locations, workdays and assignments are subject to change due to the unpredictable nature of volunteer construction work. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated so that we can ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

We need your help to keep our construction sites safe! If you see anything that appears unsafe, please correct it if possible or notify your leader. No task is more important than keeping yourself and your fellow workers safe.
Notify a leader of any injuries. First aid kits are available and emergency care will be contacted when necessary.
Free online safety training is available for all DuPage Habitat volunteers. The access code for courses is: W8NAEBTG. You may take any course available on the site and we highly recommend the following:
- You are Exposed: General Affiliate Safety
- Fall Safety
- Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Job Site