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.