OSHA issues memo on temporary worker safety

Washington – OSHA recently sent a memo about its Temporary Worker Initiative to regional administrators.

Released July 15, the memo reminds OSHA field staff that both the host employer and staffing agency are responsible for protecting the safety and health of a temporary worker. Compliance officers should review any written contract between the staffing agency and host employer and determine if it addresses responsibilities for employee safety and health.

The Directorate of Enforcement Programs is preparing bulletins to support the initiative, OSHA stated in the memo. In March, OSHA released a bulletin to help address recordkeeping requirements for employers of temporary workers. A second bulletin will address whistleblower protection rights, OSHA said, and others may include personal protective equipment, training and hazard communication. A compliance directive also is planned.