“An employer’s commitment to the safety of temporary workers should not mirror these workers’ temporary status,” said Michaels. “Whether temporary or permanent, all workers always have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Staffing agencies and the host employers are joint employers of temporary workers and both are responsible for providing and maintaining safe working conditions. Our new ‘Recommended Practices’ publication highlights this joint responsibility.”

Temporary workers are at increased risk of work-related injury and illness. OSHA’s Temporary Worker Initiative, launched last year, includes outreach, training and enforcement to assure that temporary workers are protected in their workplaces. In recent months, OSHA has received and investigated many reports of temporary workers suffering serious or fatal injuries, some in their first days on the job. The “Recommended Practices” publication focuses on ensuring that temporary workers receive the same training and protection that existing workers receive.

The new guidance recommends that staff agency/host employer contracts clearly define the temporary workers’ tasks and the safety and health responsibilities of each employer. Staffing agencies should maintain contact with temporary workers to verify that the host has fulfilled its responsibilities for a safe workplace.

The Recommended Practices publication is available at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3735.pdf. Additional information and resources on temporary workers can be accessed at https://www.osha.gov/temp_workers/.