At the recent American Society of Safety Engineers’ conference there was a chilling message for businesses that employ temporary staff. David Michaels, OSHA’s Assistant Secretary of Labor, raised the issue of workplace fatalities and pointed the finger of blame. He said, “temporary workers are at greater risk of workplace injury and illness than non-temps.” A major factor is a “lack of job information and safety training for temps increasingly employed in dangerous occupations.”
This ‘lack of information and safety training’ contributed to a figure of 14 fatalities of temporary workers on their first day on the job over the past 12 months. That’s a scary figure for employers and temps alike. How does this happen?
Companies Don’t Invest In Temp Training
The key issue, according to OSHA is a lack of training for temps. When placed alongside the fatality figures, it seems like a crazy oversight. However, many employers choose to offer little or no training to temps for a variety of reasons. Some employers see temp training as an unnecessary cost. They know the temps won’t be around long enough to repay the cost of the training, so why offer it?
Others are simply unaware that temps need safety training. In many cases, they hire from temp agencies that provide some level of training, but not enough. As an employer, you are responsible for all employees’ safety. Even if they receive agency training, your procedures may be different and your temps will benefit from a refresher to bring them up to speed.
Why Should Employers Consider Temp Employee Safety Training?
The obvious reason is to eliminate injuries. We think everyone should go home the same way they arrive at work…or better! There are plenty of other reasons too. For example, poorly-trained staff create wider risks. One poorly trained temp can impact productivity. They also create a reputational risk if your business is involved in a high-profile incident.
How Can Employers Create Safer Temporary Employees?
There are solutions! You can ensure the safety of your temps without adding huge training costs.
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Run regular refresher training classes for both temporary and permanent staff. By including the permanent staff you ensure your safety standards are upheld and provide a natural opportunity for temp training.
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Review the safety training programs provided by your temp agency to customize a program to your needs.
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Seek guidance from OSHA to establish clear guidelines.
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Consult with your risk management advisor for expert guidance on employee safety requirements.
Temporary employees fill a necessary gap. The nature of their contract should not mean that these employees’ safety is any less important. Effective businesses create safe work environments for every member of their staff. The challenge is identifying ways to protect both the employees and the financial health of your business.
For more information and advice about risk management, temporary employees, and insurance you can contact us directly, we are always happy to help!
