Workplace safety hazards continue to injure workers in the U.S. However, new research shows that temporary workers are much more likely to suffer from a workplace injury compared to permanent workers.
To address the safety issues posed to temporary workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented a program to try and prevent workplace accidents and injuries from harming these workers. OSHA has directed safety inspectors to check and see if employers are complying with federal safety guidelines when they use temporary workers.
OSHA inspectors will use a new code to note whether or not temporary workers are exposed to safety and health hazards on the job. Inspectors will also review if and how temporary workers received training and education that was applicable to their specific job duties.
In addition to having safety inspectors review how temporary workers are trained and what safety hazards they may be exposed to, OSHA will also start working with staffing agencies to make sure they are aware of proper safety procedures.
Because temporary workers are placed at jobsites by staffing agencies, the company where the temp work is employed may not make an effort to promote safe practices or instill the importance of reporting safety hazards. This is because staffing agencies have more of a legal liability to make sure their workers are protected from suffering a workplace injury.
OSHA is trying to promote safe workplace procedures in the workplace but it can be difficult for temporary workers because companies do not make as much of an effort to train these employees since they will only be working there for a short amount of time. However, they are still responsible for creating a safe working environment and training employees on how to prevent a workplace accident.
Workplace safety advocates hope that OSHA's new initiative will be beneficial for everyone involved and help reduce the high rate of workplace injuries and fatalities among temporary workers.
Source: Insurance Journal, "OSHA Eyes Workplace Safety for Temporary Workers," May 1, 2013
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