I've had a request from our blood donor center for volunteers to help at blood drives.  One of the "physical requirements" they mentioned is the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  I questioned what the volunteer would be lifting and they told me "lifting coolers with the blood units (placing coolers in vans or on hand trucks for transportation) or possibly lifting a box of t-shirts (given to donors)."  The manager who would do the volunteers' department specific training has said she will provide back safety training & discuss proper lifting techniques.  Do any of you use volunteers in areas where they must lift items?  If so, what training do you provide?  I'm just concerned since volunteers aren't covered under workman's comp for injuries, but I don't want to be "paranoid" either. :)

We don't allow volunteers to lift anything  heavy. 10-20 pounds is our norm.

All of our service descriptions have physical characteristics -  Lift, sit, stand, etc.  We have sort of an unwritten rule that we will not require a volunteer to do more than is required of an employee in that unit/area.  For example if the job description says an employee may be asked to lift 20 lbs, then the volunteer service description will say the same, not more.