Today is Occupational Safety and Health Day, also known as World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about workplace safety and promoting measures to improve occupational health and safety for all employees. The goal is to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
Temporary workers are a crucial part of the workforce in many industries. However, they face unique safety challenges due to their temporary nature of employment. In this blog, we will discuss temporary worker safety and how employers can ensure the safety of their temporary workers.
Temporary workers are employed by staffing agencies and are sent to various worksites to fill temporary positions. The worksite where a temporary worker performs his/her job is referred to as the Host Site or Host Employer. Though a temporary worker is not an internal employee it is imperative that they receive the same level of safety training as permanent employees, and that the host employer educate the temporary workers about the specific hazards of the worksite. Both the Staffing Agencies and the Host Employer have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all workers, including temporary workers.
Here are some tips for host employers to ensure the safety of temporary workers:
- Ensure Good Housekeeping: Be sure your facility is keep neat and orderly with adequate lighting and good housekeeping. Aisles and work areas should be clear of debris and free of trip or injury hazards. Safety placards should be highly visible.
- Provide Adequate Safety Training: Temporary workers should receive the same safety training as permanent employees. They should be trained on the specific hazards of the worksite and the safety procedures that should be followed.
- Provide Personal Protective Equipment : Temporary workers should be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from hazards on the worksite. This includes items such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
- Communicate Hazards and Safety Procedures Clearly: Employers should clearly communicate the hazards of the worksite and the safety procedures that should be followed to temporary workers. This includes providing clear instructions on emergency procedures and how to report incidents.
- Monitor Safety Performance: Employers should monitor the safety performance of temporary workers to ensure that they are following safety procedures and using PPE properly. This can be done through regular safety audits and observations.
- Provide a Safety-Oriented Work Culture: Employers should foster a safety-oriented work culture that prioritizes safety and encourages workers to report any safety concerns. This can be achieved by promoting safety awareness through regular safety meetings and training sessions.
In conclusion, occupational safety and health day is an important day to raise awareness about workplace safety. As we observe this day in 2023, let us remember the importance of ensuring the safety of all workers, including temporary workers. And as my mom always used to say… an ounce of prevention goes a long way!!
