EP 1130-2-500
27 Dec 96
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Accident Investigation Report, will be checked "other-volunteer."
The activity will also report all hours of volunteer work (reported as USACE personnel work-
hours) for accident statistical analysis purposes.
h. Volunteers will not be used for policy making or law or regulatory enforcement.
i. Voluntary service is to be carried out in conformance with Federal, State and local laws
and standards regarding the employment of minors.
j. The agreement for volunteer services may be terminated at any time by the accepting
official or the volunteer.
k. A large event which is sponsored and coordinated by multiple organizations and
attracts large numbers of participants may be considered a volunteer activity when the overall
event is coordinated by the Corps and the requirements of this guidance are met.
10-4. Protection and Benefits.
a. Volunteers receive the same benefits and protection as federal employees under the
Federal Employees Compensation Act (5 USC, Chapter 81) and the Tort Claims Act (28 USC,
2671-2680) and are considered to be federal employees for only those purposes. Since volunteers
are considered the same as paid personnel for the purpose of this Act, they are offered the
protection of the Act for personal liability as long as the volunteer is within the scope of his/her
responsibilities.
b. Federal Employees Compensation Act. Volunteers are entitled to first aid and medical
treatment for on-the-job injuries, as well as hospital care when necessary. When travel for
receiving medical care is necessary, transportation may be furnished or travel expenses
reimbursed.
c. If death results from an on-the-job injury, burial and funeral expenses may be paid.
Burial and funeral payment, however, as well as other possible compensations are regulated by the
Office of Worker Compensation Programs. Volunteers do not receive compensation for lost
wages. (Note: This paragraph does not apply to any prisoner work program. Such programs
would be covered by a separate formal agreement and other regulations and statutes.)
d. Federal Tort Claims Act. This Act provides a means whereby damages may be
awarded as a result of claims against the Corps for injury or loss of property or personal injury or
death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Corps. Such
damages could be awarded if a private person would be liable to the claimant in accordance with
the law of the place where the act or omission occurred.
e. Incidental Expenses. PL 98-63 grants the Corps authority to provide for the incidental
expenses of volunteers. Reimbursement of incidental expenses is not to be understood as salary.
Many volunteers do not want or need reimbursement for their out-of-pocket expenses; others
could not volunteer without some financial assistance. Reimbursement should be handled on a
case-by-case basis. Accepting officials and volunteers should enter into volunteer agreements
with the understanding that reimbursement is not mandatory. Volunteers may be reimbursed for
actual out-of-pocket expenses they incur in performing voluntary service when approved in
advance.
10-3
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