Release and Waiver of Liability for lndividuals
Exemption from liability and other provisions
Preliminary remark
This Release of Liability is executed by the volunteer for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V. („Habitat for Humanity“), Auf dem Berlich 30, 50667 Cologne, Germany and any other Habitat for Humanity organization, its affiliates, officers, employees, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and assistants (collectively, „Released Persons“).
Preamble
I, the Volunteer, desire to work as a volunteer for a project of one or more of the Released Parties without compensation. I agree to comply with the instructions given by the local project management. I understand that my activities may include but are not limited to the following: working at Habitat for Humanity offices and worksites; constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings; traveling to and from work sites; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; assisting in disaster relief areas; other construction-related activities (the „Activities“).
I understand that my Activities may include work that may be hazardous to me, including but not limited to typical risks relating to construction work, loading, unloading and transportation of heavy materials, use of technical equipment, involvement of untrained people (in particular volunteers), exposure to lead, asbestos, and mold, which may cause or worsen certain illnesses, especially if I do not wear protective equipment, am exposed for extended periods of time, or have a pre existing deficiency.
Release and Waiver
In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the Activities, I, the Volunteer, do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands, costs and damages of any kind, whether arising from tort, contract or otherwise, which I or my heirs, assigns, next of kin or legal representatives may have or which may hereinafter accrue, arise from, or are in any way related to my Activities, as follows:
Liability for intentional or grossly negligent conduct or liability according to mandatory legal provisions shall not be affected by this Release.
The Released Parties shall only be liable for simple negligence, fault or other misconduct insofar as an essential obligation has been violated.
Liability shall be limited to typical, foreseeable damages. Liability for indirect or unforeseeable damages, loss of use, downtimes, loss of profits, savings not realised, financial damages or for third party claims shall be excluded. This shall not apply to damages caused to life or health or physical injuries.
I acknowledge that I knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm, damage and loss associated with the Activities. I also understand that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.
Consent to Medical Treatment
Volunteers and statt of a project will usually have access to medical emergency supply through a statt member of the project duly trained. The Volunteer shall be informed on the details at the beginning of the project. However, there is no entitlement to medical care.
I consent to the use of first aid treatment and the use of medications and treatments, whether administered by the Released Parties or first aid personnel. In an emergency, the Released Parties may try to contact my emergency contact listed below. lt an emergency contact cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize the Released Parties to act as an agent for me to consent to any examination, medical or dental treatment for me as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, my assessment, evaluation, medical care and treatment, hospitalization, or other health care treatment or procedure as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. I also authorize the Released Parties to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discretion. I do hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any transportation, first aid, assessment, care, treatment, response or service rendered in connection with my Activities.
lnsurance
I understand that the Released Parties are under no obligation to provide, carry or maintain health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage.
I understand that I am and remain responsible for payment of such hospital, physician, ambulance, dental, medical or other services obtained for me. I agree that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for the payment of such fees or expenses which may be incurred.
Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information
I authorize any physician, dentist, health insurance or other health care provider involved in my medical treatment on the occasion of my Activities to disclose my health information to the Released Parties. My health information includes any and all information relating to my health, including but not limited to medical and dental records, medical consultations, treatments, or surgeries; psychiatric or psychological care; drug prescriptions; and communicable diseases. I understand the health information to be disclosed includes information protected under applicable law. I understand that the disclosure is also for the following purposes: eligibility confirmation; claim submission facilitation; claim inquiry and dispute resolution; fraud detection; and audit and quality control services.I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have access to personal and/or health care information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply with Habitat for Humanity’s applicable policies regarding such information.
Photographie/ Recording Release, Data
I hereby grant and convey to Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V. and to Habitat for Humanity International, lnc. all right, title and interest in any and all photographs and video/audio/electronic recordings of me, including as to my name, image and voice, made by or on behalf of any of the Released Parties during my Activities, including but not limited to the right to use such materials for any purpose and free of charge. I understand that I will not have any ownership interest in or to such photographs, images and/or recordings, and I hereby waive any rights, privileges or claims based on any right of publicity, privacy, ownership or any other rights arising, relating to or resulting from the photographs, images and/or recordings.
I authorize Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V. and Habitat for Humanity International, lnc. to collect, record and process my personal data and to give access to my personal data to Habitat for Humanity affiliated organizations, also abroad, to the extent necessary for my Activities as Volunteer and according to applicable law.
Other
I have carefully considered my decision and hereby give my informed consent to participate in the activities as a volunteer. I have read and understood this release of liability, all my questions have been answered, and I agree to the above provisions. I hereby also bind my heirs, next of kin, legal successors and representatives.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Code of Conduct
Becoming a Habitat volunteer comes with great rewards and responsibilities. Volunteers like you are representatives of Habitat for Humanity and its ministry. When you accept a volunteer role with Habitat for Humanity, you are committing to act in a way that promotes Habitat’s mission, respects the local community, and ensures the safety of all participants. In addition to complying with all laws, regulations and Habitat for Humanity policies, all volunteers are expected to follow the volunteer code of conduct outlined below.
1. Promote a respectful community:
Treat all volunteers, employees and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. This includes avoiding the use of humiliating, demeaning, offensive, or otherwise insensitive language that fails to respect the dignity of the person. Volunteers are also expected to refrain from engaging in intimidation, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence toward others. Help promote a welcoming, respectful environment by making efforts to understand and honor the local culture and by following all rules and policies set forth by a Habitat program staff member or supervising volunteer. Use of social media should be governed by the principles of respecting and protecting vulnerable populations while preserving their dignity and privacy. You are discouraged from posting anything on social media that permits beneficiaries from being identified and/or traced.
2. Respect the human rights of all people and protect beneficiaries and community members from exploitation and abuse.
All Habitat volunteers must model behavior consistent with the Habitat for Humanity International Safeguarding Policy which protects staff, beneficiaries, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) from exploitation and abuse. Inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers is prohibited. Under no circumstances, may volunteers engage in sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent and local laws), any Habitat staff or beneficiaries, or any community members. This includes not procuring commercial sex acts, even where such activities are permitted by local laws. Volunteers are asked not to enter houses/shelters (etc.) of the people we serve especially when there are children in and around the premises and when the people are alone, or to be alone with the people we serve at any time.
3. Prioritize site safety:
Safety rules and guidelines on the volunteer site have been created to keep you and others safe as you volunteer and must be followed. Activities that pose a safety risk to yourself or others should be avoided. Report any unsafe working conditions to the onsite supervisor.
4. Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs and weapons:
The purchase or possession of drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity property and volunteer sites. The purchase or possession of alcohol is also strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity volunteer sites, even if permitted by local laws or by the laws of the volunteer’s home country.
5. Follow the gift giving policy:
To avoid potential misunderstandings, embarrassment, injured feelings or jealousy, volunteers are asked not to exchange gifts with Habitat beneficiaries, staff members or community members without consulting Habitat staff. Volunteers may speak with a staff member about appropriate ways to exchange gifts and our staff is happy to suggest gifts that will benefit the entire community.
6. Protect ministry assets:
Use reasonable care to protect all Habitat for Humanity resources. Stealing, misappropriation or diversion of Habitat for Humanity funds, property, or other assets for personal benefit is not permitted, nor is otherwise engaging in fraudulent activity regarding Habitat for Humanity’s assets, operations, or beneficiaries.
7. Maintain confidentiality:
Build trust with other volunteers and Habitat for Humanity by respecting the confidentiality of volunteers, staff, Habitat beneficiaries, and community members. Unless you receive prior written approval from HFHI, you will not disclose confidential HFHI information or confidential information given to you by others.
8. Speak up:
Habitat for Humanity embraces a “see something, say something” culture. If you become aware of potential misconduct, help reinforce our culture of courage and accountability by sharing your concerns with an appropriate Habitat staff or supervising volunteer. You can also anonymously report potential misconduct by reporting a claim to the confidential Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line.
Safeguarding Standards of Behavior:
- We will respect, promote, and safeguard the rights and dignities of all people (with particular attention to beneficiaries, vulnerable adults, and children) without discrimination or bullying of any kind.
- We will treat all intended and actual beneficiaries with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
- We will not engage in any form of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior towards beneficiaries in any circumstances.
- We will not engage in any abuse of authority, position, or influence by withholding humanitarian assistance or manipulating selection or targeting processes for beneficiaries.
- We will not condone, endorse, or participate in any illegal activities conducive to theft, corruption, conflicts of interest, or other activities seeking illegal economic gains.
- We will help to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries, research participants, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) and promotes the implementation of Habitat’s Code of Conduct.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to be guided by this volunteer code of conduct.
I commit to helping safeguarding the rights and dignities of all people I encounter during my volunteer service with Habitat.
I understand that I have a responsibility to report any potential misconduct to an appropriate Habitat staff or through the Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line.
I understand that HFHI has the right to release me from my volunteer position at its discretion. I also understand that I am responsible for any costs that I may incur due to a violation of the code of conduct.