ASA, NIOSH Announce New Safety Resource for Temporary Workers

New Guide Builds Upon 2013 Temporary Worker Initiative

The American Staffing Association, in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a coalition of safety organizations, has announced the publication of a new resource document outlining ways host employers can keep temporary workers safe on the job.

Entitled Protecting Temporary Workers: Best Practices for Host Employers, the resource guide includes best practices for evaluating and addressing workplace safety and health in contracts; training for temporary workers and supervisors; and recommended practices for injury and illness reporting, responses, and recordkeeping.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and health of temporary employees in their workplaces,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “This resource guide provides host employers with the information they need to create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for temporary employees.”

In addition to ASA and NIOSH, the co-authors of the guide include the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Services Sector Council, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and the Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention program out of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

The resource guide marks the latest effort by ASA to protect the health and safety of temporary and contract workers. Beginning in 2014, ASA has taken part in a formal alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote awareness of health and safety measures in the workplace, including the Temporary Worker Initiative and Safety Matters webpage. ASA’s Safely Back to Work campaign also provides employers with resources and guidance regarding Covid-19 prevention in the workplace.