It’s a perfect storm.

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries. Contract workers sustain more injuries than other types of workers. And construction relies heavily on contract workers.

Let’s put it this way: temporary workers in the construction industry face some big health and safety challenges.

A recent case study took a close look at who is responsible for the safety of temporary workers. Jointly published by the American Staffing Association and the National Safety Council, the case study is fictional. It focuses on a temporary worker assigned by a staffing agency to a host employer’s worksite to perform welding work. And although the events aren’t wholly factual, the case study does provide practical information.

Among the resulting recommendations:

• The staffing company and host employer should determine which party controls workplace activities, conditions and hazard. That party should provide required site-specific safety and health protections. This information should then be included in a written agreement.
• The staffing firm and host employer should adopt procedures to ensure that safety obligations are fulfilled.
• If a host employer or staffing company learns that a temporary worker has been injured on the job, it should promptly notify the other party. If the injury is fatal or serious, the party that provides day-to-day supervision over the temporary worker should promptly notify OSHA.

Why do temporary workers experience injury at such a high rate? Perhaps because temporary workers receive more hazardous assignments. Maybe they lack sufficient training. Finally, they may even lack access to personal protective equipment.

Construction pros already know they work in a dangerous field. Now you also know temporary workers face increased risk of injury. Why not make this the year you focus on improving temporary worker safety, and safety all across the job site?

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