The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health recently released Recommended Practices for staffing agencies and
host employers to better protect temporary workers from hazards on the job. The
Recommended Practices publication highlights the joint responsibility of the
staffing agency and host employer to ensure temporary workers are provided a
safe work environment.

"An employer's commitment to the safety of temporary workers should not mirror
these workers' temporary status,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health Dr. 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.”

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.

Further Information:

AplusA-online.de - Source: U.S. Department of Labor