As we noted in a previous blog article on safety, temporary staffing firms are in a unique situation because they are regarded as joint employers with their host companies and are responsible for working conditions and legal compliance. As a result, it’s critical for temporary staffing companies to understand the risk they are assuming with their host employers, including the safety performance of the host employer. This also includes ensuring temporary workers are appropriately trained for the jobs they will perform at the host company.
Furthermore, temporary staffing firms should make it clear that personnel perform only the job for which they were employed at a client’s operation. If employees are asked to execute a job for which they were not employed or trained, they should immediately call the temporary staffing company.
One way to ensure that both the temporary staffing firm and host employer are on the same safety page is through a safety inspection program. The following are steps to help establish an effective safety inspection program:
Establish Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly outline the roles and obligations of the staffing firm and host employer. Determine who will lead the safety inspection program, organize inspections, and verify that safety rules are followed.
Work Together
Both the temporary staffing firm and the host employer should work together to craft a comprehensive safety inspection procedure. Create open lines of communication, assign contact people, and schedule regular meetings to discuss safety concerns, inspection methods, and corrective actions.
Determine the Inspection Frequency
The frequency of safety inspections should be determined depending on the nature of the activity, the level of risk, and the regulatory requirements. Consider routine inspections, complete audits on a regular basis, and further inspections after events or near misses.
Create Inspection Checklists
Checklists should cover all aspects of workplace safety, including physical risks, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, training requirements, and safety-regulation compliance. Customize the checklists to handle specific job duties and potential risks that temporary workers may face.
Ensure Inspectors Are Trained
Ensure that chosen inspectors from both the temporary staffing company and the host employer receive sufficient safety inspection training. Training should be provided on danger identification, inspection methodologies, recordkeeping, and the use of inspection tools or equipment.
Reporting and Documentation
Create a system for recording inspection results, corrective actions, and follow-up actions.
Implement Corrective Measures
Address any dangers or shortcomings discovered during inspections as soon as possible. Create corrective action plans and timetables for resolution. Track the progress of corrective activities and ensure that the staffing firm, host employer, and key individuals are in constant communication.
Perform Risk Assessments
Conduct in-depth risk evaluations at the host employer’s workplace. Determine the level of risk associated with each potential hazard. Consider equipment, machinery, work methods, ergonomics, and any special risks associated with the job or sector.
Constant Communication and Training
Maintain open lines of contact between the temporary staffing company and the host employer to communicate safety-related information, offer inspection updates, and share best practices. To increase awareness, danger recognition, and safe work habits, provide ongoing safety training to temporary workers.
If possible, review the host employer’s OSHA 300 record, which will provide insight into the business’s safety philosophy and record.
Ongoing Improvement
Evaluate the efficiency of the safety inspection program on a regular basis. To identify areas for improvement, solicit feedback from inspectors, temporary workers, and relevant stakeholders. To improve safety outcomes, adjust inspection procedures, checklists, or training programs as appropriate.
About Prescient National
Prescient National is committed to helping our clients improve safety and productivity in their organizations. We apply data-driven analysis, including the adjuster’s investigation, to determine where improvements can be made to mitigate a similar loss or improve the outcome of a claim. When possible, we will observe an insured’s training program and provide industry-specific training.
