NSC provides advice on safety of temporary workers

Itasca, IL – Temporary and contractor workers should be included in all efforts employers take to ensure the safety of workers, according to recommendations released Dec. 18 by the National Safety Council.

NSC recommends the following to employers of temporary and contract workers:

• Establish a policy stating that all workers in every type of industry have an equal right to a safe and healthy workplace.
• Establish mandatory safety training requirements based on the work environment and job risks.
• Partner with contract worker employers and staffing agencies to coordinate and clarify the roles regarding the responsibility of temporary workers’ safety.

"Regardless of who signs their paycheck, the 17 million temporary workers in the U.S. deserve safe job sites," NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman said in a press release. "We encourage staffing agencies and employers to engage proactively so that all workers go home safely."

Temporary and contract workers are at a greater risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, according to some safety and health experts. In April 2013, OSHA launched an initiative to better protect temporary workers.