Volunteer Participation, Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

1. Voluntary Participation

I am voluntarily participating in activities organized, sponsored, coordinated, or supported by Bed Brigade, including its chapters, locations, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, representatives, and partners.

I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I may decline to perform any activity that I reasonably believe I am unable to perform safely.

2. Assumption of Risk

I understand that Bed Brigade volunteer activities may involve inherent and other risks, including, but not limited to:

• Use of hand tools, power tools, saws, drills, nailers, sanders, and other construction equipment;
• Splinters, cuts, punctures, abrasions, burns, and other injuries;
• Exposure to sawdust, wood products, adhesives, paints, stains, chemicals, or other materials;
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, loading, unloading, and moving heavy or bulky objects;
• Slips, trips, and falls;
• Muscle strains, sprains, back injuries, and other physical injuries;
• Falling objects or materials;
• Vehicle loading and unloading;
• Travel in personal, volunteer, rental, or organizational vehicles;
• Motor vehicle accidents;
• Exposure to traffic, parking areas, loading areas, driveways, stairs, uneven surfaces, and weather conditions;
• Entry into private homes, apartments, garages, warehouses, churches, community buildings, or other locations not controlled by Bed Brigade;
• Exposure to pets, animals, insects, smoke, allergens, unsanitary conditions, environmental hazards, or other conditions within delivery locations;
• Interaction with members of the public, recipients, other volunteers, and third parties;
• Damage to personal property;
• Serious bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.

I understand that this list is not exhaustive and that unexpected risks may arise.

I knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks associated with my participation in Bed Brigade activities.

3. Safety Responsibilities

I agree to exercise reasonable care and follow all safety instructions, procedures, rules, and directions provided by Bed Brigade representatives or activity leaders.

I agree that I will:

• Use tools and equipment only when I understand how to operate them safely;
• Wear required or recommended personal protective equipment;
• Ask for assistance when lifting or moving objects beyond my ability;
• Not operate equipment while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, medications, fatigue, or any condition that makes operation unsafe;
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, injuries, damaged equipment, or other safety concerns to a Bed Brigade representative;
• Follow reasonable instructions provided by build leaders, delivery drivers, chapter leaders, or other authorized Bed Brigade personnel; and
• Stop participating in an activity if I believe continuing would create an unreasonable risk of injury.

I understand that I am responsible for honestly assessing my own physical abilities and limitations.

4. Builds and Construction Activities

If I participate in building, woodworking, assembly, or similar activities, I understand that construction environments involve risks even when reasonable safety practices are followed.

I agree not to use power tools, machinery, vehicles, or specialized equipment unless I have been authorized to do so and believe I can operate the equipment safely.

I understand that Bed Brigade may restrict the use of particular tools or equipment based upon age, experience, training, supervision, insurance requirements, or organizational policy.

5. Delivery Activities

If I participate in deliveries, I understand that delivery activities may involve lifting and carrying beds, mattresses, bedding, lumber, tools, and other materials into and around private residences or other locations.

I acknowledge that Bed Brigade does not own, manage, inspect, or control most recipient properties and cannot guarantee the condition or safety of any property entered during a delivery.

I agree to exercise reasonable caution and follow the instructions of the delivery leader or driver.

If I encounter a condition that I believe presents an immediate safety concern, I understand that I should remove myself from the condition and notify the delivery leader.

6. Transportation

I understand that participation may involve travel to or from Bed Brigade activities or delivery locations.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, I understand that Bed Brigade does not guarantee transportation.

If I drive my own vehicle, I represent that:

• I possess a valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicle being operated;
• The vehicle is legally registered;
• I maintain automobile insurance as required by applicable law;
• I will comply with applicable traffic laws; and
• I will not drive while impaired or otherwise unable to operate the vehicle safely.

I understand that my personal automobile insurance generally applies to my personal vehicle and that Bed Brigade does not guarantee coverage for damage to my personal vehicle or property.

If I ride with another volunteer or third party, I understand that transportation involves risks, including the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

7. Personal Property

I understand that Bed Brigade is not responsible for loss of or damage to my personal property, including vehicles, tools, phones, clothing, jewelry, or other personal belongings, except to the extent responsibility cannot lawfully be waived.

8. Medical Condition and Fitness to Participate

I represent that I am physically capable of participating in the activities I choose to perform.

I understand that Bed Brigade does not provide medical advice and is not responsible for determining whether I am medically or physically fit to participate.

If I have a medical condition, physical limitation, allergy, or other concern that may affect my safety, I agree to use reasonable judgment in determining whether and how I participate.

9. Emergency Medical Care

If I become injured or ill while participating and I am unable to provide informed consent, I authorize Bed Brigade representatives to contact emergency medical services and to take reasonable steps to obtain emergency assistance on my behalf.

I understand that I am responsible for any medical, ambulance, hospital, or other healthcare expenses incurred on my behalf, except where otherwise required by law.

10. Release and Waiver of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I release and waive claims against Bed Brigade, its chapters and affiliated locations, and their respective directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, sponsors, donors, property owners, and partner organizations arising from injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss resulting from my voluntary participation in Bed Brigade activities.

This release is intended to apply to claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the released parties to the extent such claims may lawfully be waived.

This Release does not waive claims arising from gross negligence, reckless conduct, intentional misconduct, or any other claim that cannot legally be waived.

11. Indemnification for My Own Conduct

To the extent permitted by law, I agree to be responsible for injury, property damage, or loss caused by my intentional misconduct, reckless behavior, or failure to follow established safety instructions.

12. No Employment Relationship

I understand that I am participating as a volunteer and that my participation does not create an employment relationship between me and Bed Brigade.

I understand that I am not entitled to wages, employee benefits, workers' compensation benefits, unemployment benefits, or other compensation solely because of my volunteer participation, except where otherwise required by law.

13. Compliance With Bed Brigade Policies

I agree to comply with Bed Brigade policies applicable to volunteers, including policies concerning:

• Safety;
• Conduct;
• Confidentiality;
• Recipient privacy;
• Photography and social media;
• Child protection;
• Transportation; and
• Use of tools and equipment.

Bed Brigade may remove or restrict a volunteer from an activity if, in its judgment, continued participation creates a safety concern or violates organizational policies.

14. Severability

If any provision of this Waiver is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

15. Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that:

• I have carefully read this Waiver;
• I understand that it affects certain legal rights;
• I understand the risks associated with Bed Brigade volunteer activities;
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing;
• I am signing voluntarily; and
• I agree to be bound by its terms.