OSHA Releases Two More Temporary Worker Guidance Documents

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has just reminded temporary staffing agencies and their clients (i.e., host employers) that they are jointly responsible for temporary employee's safety and health in two new guidance documents relating to safety and health training and hazard communications. Temporary agencies and host employers that use their services should heed this guidance in carrying out their shared responsibility for temporary worker safety.

Dr. David Michaels, the Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has reinforced OSHA's position that "host employers need to treat temporary workers as they treat existing employees. Temporary staffing agencies and host employers share control over the employee, and are therefore jointly responsible for temp employee's safety and health. It is essential that both employers comply with all relevant OSHA requirements." This is a serious issue and one that can be difficult with levels and layers of owners,