Often times temporary workers are seen as less valuable or important than full time employees. When it comes to Health & Safety, all employees should be treated equally and held to the same standards.
"Host employers need to treat temporary workers as they treat existing employees. Temporary staffing agencies and host employers share control over the employee, and are therefore jointly responsible for temp employee's safety and health. It is essential that both employers comply with all relevant OSHA requirements."-David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health |
Host employers and staffing agencies should both be active in protecting temporary workers and ensuring their rights. There should be frequent and open communication between both parties to confirm that all training and provisions are provided. Remember that ignorance is not an excuse, and you will be fined if certain regulations are overlooked.
The best rule of thumb is to treat temporary workers just as you would any other employee in your company.
If you are a temporary worker and you believe that you aren't being given all of your rights, visit the Occupational Health & Safety Administration page for workers.