Safety Guidelines

General Safety Principles

These principles apply to all SaskTask users, whether you're a Task Giver or Task Doer:

Before the Task

For Task Doers

• Review the profile: Check the Task Giver's reviews, verification status, and history
• Understand the task: Get clear details about what's expected before accepting
• Verify the location: Research the address and ensure it's a legitimate location
• Share your schedule: Let someone know where you'll be and when to expect you back
• Charge your phone: Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out
• Plan your route: Know how to get there and have an exit strategy
• Dress appropriately: Wear proper safety gear for the type of work

For Task Givers

• Review the profile: Check the Task Doer's reviews, ratings, and verifications
• Be available: Ensure you can be reached during the scheduled time
• Prepare the space: Clear the work area and remove any hazards
• Secure valuables: Store valuable items and sensitive documents safely
• Inform household: Let others in your home know about the scheduled task

During the Task

For Task Doers

• Verify identity: Confirm you're meeting the person from the booking
• Stay aware: Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Keep your phone accessible: Don't leave your phone unattended
• Maintain boundaries: Keep interactions professional
• Document if needed: Take photos of before/after work for your records
• Report concerns: Contact SaskTask immediately if you feel unsafe
• Leave if necessary: You can leave at any time if you feel threatened

For Task Givers

• Be present: Stay available during the task, especially at the start
• Respect the worker: Treat Task Doers professionally
• Provide access: Ensure they have what they need to complete the task
• Keep pets secured: If you have pets, inform the Task Doer and secure them if needed
• Supervise if appropriate: Especially for tasks involving expensive items

In-Home Task Safety

For Task Doers Entering Homes

• Verify the address matches the booking before entering
• Send a "check-in" message to a friend when you arrive
• Note the exits when you enter a property
• Keep your belongings in one place near an exit
• Don't consume food or drinks offered
• Decline any requests to lock doors behind you
• Leave immediately if anyone behaves inappropriately

For Task Givers Hosting Workers

• Don't leave the Task Doer alone in your home if possible
• Secure medications, firearms, and sensitive documents
• Consider having another adult present
• Inform neighbors if a worker will be at your home
• Don't share more personal information than necessary

Vehicle & Transportation Safety

For Delivery & Driving Tasks

• Vehicle condition: Ensure your vehicle is in safe working condition
• Valid documents: Keep your license, registration, and insurance current
• Distraction-free: Don't use your phone while driving
• Safe parking: Park in well-lit, safe areas
• Secure cargo: Properly secure any items being transported
• Weather awareness: Check weather conditions before traveling

When Accepting Rides (if applicable)

• Verify the driver matches their profile photo
• Confirm the license plate before getting in
• Share your trip status with a trusted contact
• Sit in the back seat when possible
• Don't share personal information beyond what's necessary

Physical Work & Trade Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye protection: Safety glasses for tasks with debris or chemicals
• Hand protection: Appropriate gloves for the task type
• Foot protection: Steel-toed boots for heavy lifting or construction
• Head protection: Hard hats for overhead hazards
• Hearing protection: For tasks with loud equipment
• Respiratory protection: Masks for dusty or chemical environments

Safe Work Practices

• Use proper lifting techniques (lift with your legs, not your back)
• Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot conditions
• Know how to use tools and equipment safely
• Don't perform tasks beyond your skill level
• Report any unsafe conditions to the Task Giver
• Don't work on ladders or heights without proper safety measures

Meeting for the First Time

When meeting someone for the first time through SaskTask:

• Public meeting: Consider meeting in a public place first for larger or extended tasks
• Daytime preferred: Schedule initial meetings during daylight hours when possible
• Buddy system: For first-time in-person meetings, consider having someone accompany you
• Check-in system: Arrange to text a friend at specific times during the task
• Trust ratings: Pay attention to reviews and verification badges

Health & Hygiene

Maintain good health and hygiene practices during in-person tasks:

• Wash or sanitize hands before and after tasks
• Stay home if you're feeling unwell
• Respect any health-related requests from Task Givers or Doers
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene
• Clean up after yourself upon task completion

What NOT to Do

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you experience or witness any safety concerns:

What to Include in Your Report

• Your account information and the task details
• The other party's username and profile information
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Detailed description of what happened
• Any evidence (screenshots, photos, messages)
• Names of any witnesses

SaskTask Safety Features

We've built several features to help keep you safe:

• Identity Verification: Users can verify their identity with government ID
• Background Checks: Available for Task Doers in applicable categories
• Reviews & Ratings: See feedback from previous task experiences
• In-App Messaging: Communicate safely without sharing personal contact info
• Payment Protection: Secure escrow payments through the platform
• 24/7 Support: Our team is available to help with safety concerns
• Location Sharing: Optional real-time location for Instant Work tasks
• Report Function: Easy reporting of suspicious behavior or content