​​​​​​The archdiocese discourages the use of volunteers to perform construction work on archdiocesan properties because of the risk of injury, the liability exposure, and the lack of warranty. If a volunteer becomes injured, medical costs can well offset or even exceed the cost of paying a qualified and insured contractor to do the work. To guarantee proper insurance coverage, a licensed contractor must supervise any volunteer performing a service that would normally require a license if the volunteer were to be paid. These services include but are not limited to construction, repair work, and activities to fulfill service hour commitments.

Volunteers should not:

• Work above ground level
  

• Use ladders, scaffolding, platforms, or lifts
  

• Perform electrical repairs
  

• Use power tools
  

• Perform strenuous labor, lifting, or hoisting
  

• Work around environmental hazards​, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold
  

Volunteers should be asked to sign the Volunteer Agreement (English version and Spanish version​) before beginning any work. See Volunteers for additional information regarding volunteers.