Residential WWOOFing during Covid-19

Jul 7, 2020

A host’s guide to risk assessment

Why?

Arranging a WWOOF exchange during this emergency means that all parties involved need to take steps to avoid the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. This should include assessing the risk in all foreseeable circumstances of the exchange. How you do this is ultimately a decision for you, but WWOOF feels that preparing a simple written risk assessment is good practice which will help you focus on and identify areas that need attention. Once completed, it can be shared with potential WWOOFers to give them added confidence in the safety of their visit. Remember, this process is designed to help you with decision-making and not be another piece of bureaucracy.

While government restrictions vary within the four countries of the UK, transmission of the virus and steps to prevent this are universal.

How?

Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. In the left hand column list the risks you perceive; in the right hand column list the actions necessary to mitigate the risk. That simple.

What should it cover?

Everything which will happen from a WWOOFer’s arrival to their departure (including, for example, their arrival at a station, pick-ups from the station).

No two hosts have the same arrangements and you know your own establishment best. Where WWOOFers have self-contained accommodation considerations will be very different to where they live in your house. So the following check list is not exhaustive and some of it may not apply to you.

Domestic:
Sleeping accommodation – access, cleaning, is it shared?
Washing and toilet facilities
Meals– preparation, serving, seating arrangements, clearing up
Laundry – use of washing machine
Access to other areas of the house
Travel – for example, will the WWOOFer need to travel in your vehicle?

Working:
Maintaining social distancing – layout of work area, instruction/supervision
Tools and equipment – sharing? cleaning, PPE
First aid – if this becomes necessary, protection for casualty and first-aider.

REMEMBER – if anyone becomes symptomatic all will need to isolate, arrange testing and notify the appropriate national tracking authority. How will this impact on your working and domestic routines?

A lot to think about, but with a little extra care WWOOFing can once more be a productive and enjoyable experience.

Episode 7 – Claudio Pozzi

Episode 7 – Claudio Pozzi

The guest of this episode is Claudio Pozzi from WWOOF Italia. Despite being the founder of WWOOF Italia, Claudio played a key role in the early development of the Federation of WWOOF Organisation. His long term involvement and his vision of the WWOOF movement are very...

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

Would you like to join an existing group of five dedicated individuals who are committed to overseeing the direction of WWOOF UK? Do you want to help more people experience first-hand the meaningful connection to self, land and others that immersion in a low impact...

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

Use discount code DAFFODILS when you sign up before the 2nd April for a 25% discount on any WWOOF UK membership. Don't be an April fool and miss out on this great discount! We have lots of hosts eagerly awaiting new enthusiastic WWOOFers for the season, and plenty of...

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Thank you all for such a great array of responses to the #PennToPaper Rat Control article in the last newsletter. If you didn’t get around to reading it or want to refresh your memory, then here’s the link. Read on to explore the answers you all contributed, and don't...

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Last year, we received the sombre news that long-standing WWOOFer Lesley Gorski had passed away. We were very saddened to hear this news as Lesley was well known by WWOOF staff, and had been one of the last remaining old-school members still using the...