The best way for most businesses to survive is to have a core team of staff and then use temporary staff as and when needed. This is especially appropriate if you run a seasonal business. But, most businesses experience peaks and troughs in their trade, temporary staff can help with this out and keep the business running smoothly.

There are many reasons why you may feel temporary staff is the best solution for your business. Naturally, if you choose this type of staffing it is best to use an established and reputable labor hire agency. This ensures the staff have been vetted and can do the job you need them for.

But, if you take on temporary staff it is your responsibility to look after them. Here are 5 essential factors to consider when dealing with temporary staff safety.

1. Workplace Safety

Before you take on any employees you should be aware of the risks in your workplace. This means evaluating every procedure to assess what risk there is and how to reduce it. The assessment should be recorded and so should the appropriate conduct to minimize risk.

This will form an important part of the training for permanent and temporary staff.

Don’t forget the risk assessments need to be re-evaluated regularly to ensure they remain valid and other risks are detected.

2. Training

Identifying the risk is great as you can minimize the danger. But, this is only good if your employees, permanent and temporary are made aware of the issues and procedures.

In other words, no matter how short the employment is for a temporary worker, you need to conduct the same safety procedures and ensure they are fully trained.

3. Written Record

As part of the safety training, you should create a written record and get the temporary employee to sign it. That confirms they are aware of the safety issues, rules, and regulations. If there is an issue the business can be shown to have done everything possible to protect the staff, temporary and permanent.

4. Know Your responsibilities Versus The Agency

Most of the responsibility for the temporary employee falls on you as they will be working in your business. But, the agency is likely to be liable for sickness, holidays, and several other issues that could be connected to safety.

Knowing who is responsible for different things makes it easier to ensure you have complied with the law and done everything you need to keep the employee safe.

That’s why you should chat with the agency and clarify responsibility in writing.

5. Keep Everything Ready For An Inspection

You should always assume that an inspector will turn up for a surprise inspection. This will help to ensure you have done everything you need to and the records are easy to access.

In other words, don’t put off any aspect of safety for your permanent or temporary employees, having it all done will help to keep them safe and your business out of trouble.

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