Manufacturers and Temporary Workers

On April 29, 2013, the U.S Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its temporary worker initiative.  OSHA contends that temporary workers encounter an increased risk of work-related injuries.  As a result, host employers, such as manufacturing facilities, have been subject to numerous inspections and enforcement actions. 

For example, OSHA recently cited a Georgia-based paint manufacturer for exposing temporary workers to respirable crystalline silica in excess of permissible exposure limits (PELs) and to corrosive materials without a written hazard communication program.  Though OSHA noted staffing agencies that provided the workers were onsite and failed to properly supervise, no citations were issued to those companies. 

Temporary workers are a point of emphasis for OSHA inspectors.  Manufacturers and industry bear the burden of ensuring all safety and health requirements, such as adequate training and supervision, are implemented.