How Agencies Protect the Safety of Temporary Workers

How Agencies Protect the Safety of Temporary Workers

While the general perception of a staffing agency is simple — they match temporary workers to employers — but staffing agencies do much more.

While the general perception of a staffing agency is simple — they match temporary workers to employers — but staffing agencies do much more. And while safety isn't likely the first word that comes to mind when thinking about staffing agencies. For many staffing agencies, safety is their number one priority. 

If you're working with a staffing agency to fill job vacancies at your business, it's important to know how agencies handle safety and protect temporary workers. 

Safety-First Staffing Agencies Do Their Research.

It’s a little-known fact that even after employment begins, staffing agencies still bear some responsibility for the temporary worker’s safety and health in combination with the employer. This dual responsibility is what makes a staffing agency much more than a vendor; it’s a partnership. And a great partnership should be two-sided. Just as you would vet your partners, a reputable staffing agency should do the same.

Safety-focused staffing agencies will ask you to provide information about your:

  • injury and illness prevention program
  • injury and illness tracking and history
  • potentially hazardous worksite conditions
  • site- and task-specific safety and health training

Many staffing agencies will request an on-site visit to conduct their own risk assessment and see your operations first-hand, 

Staffing agencies should also research the potential employer’s reputation. From job review sites to news articles and community boards, vast resources are available for agencies to learn more about your company. A great partner will ask for more information about specific findings before leaving the relationship. 

Staffing Agencies Valuing Safety Will Have Strong Contracts.

Experienced staffing agencies are aware of risk factors for injury on the job site, including newness to the task, lack of training and age. Reputable agencies will provide detailed contracts will ensure there are clear lines. 

Experienced agencies will ensure contracts specify the following:

  • Details of the job, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, hazard controls, heavy machinery usage and training provided by the employer.
  • Communication responsibilities and requirements for when job details change, safety protocols change or if an injury were to occur.
  • Clear expectations on which company will perform specific training at detailed points of the partnership. 

Safety-Focused Staffing Agencies Will Stay Connected.

Many staffing agencies will follow up with temporary workers to ensure they are happy and like the company. Those that value safety will have established communication methods to follow up with their temporarily placed workers frequently. 

During those check-ins, the agency will likely ask if they received the necessary training, understand their working conditions and ensure they are doing the job they were hired to perform.

What Sets Us Apart.

Safety isn’t a suggestion for us. It’s a must-have. That’s why we hold our candidates to strict safety standards, guiding them through up-to-date safety training before they ever join your team. When you gain staff through Reliable Resources, you can be confident that they are ready to keep your project on track and compliant.

To fill open positions with a partner that keeps safety top of mind, contact us today!