Last updated on Jul 19, 2024

Here's how you can ensure workplace safety for temporary and contract workers through training.

Ensuring the safety of temporary and contract workers is a critical challenge that many businesses face. Unlike permanent employees, these workers may not be as familiar with your company's safety policies and procedures, making them more vulnerable to workplace hazards. However, with the right training strategies, you can significantly enhance their safety and well-being on the job. Training is not just a formality; it's a vital investment in human capital and operational efficiency. By focusing on comprehensive and accessible training programs, you can create a safer work environment for everyone involved.

1 Tailored Training

Temporary and contract workers often perform a variety of roles that may expose them to different risks compared to regular employees. It's essential to provide training that is tailored to their specific job duties and the particular hazards they may encounter. This means going beyond generic safety protocols and offering role-specific guidance. For example, if a contract worker is operating heavy machinery, their training should include equipment-specific safety measures, emergency procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). By customizing training, you ensure that temporary workers are as prepared as their permanent counterparts to work safely.

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Tim Hutchins

Compliance Manager
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I think this goes without saying, but: start with a good contract that clearly outlines the safety requirements. Review the contract thoroughly. A VOC is required, a HRWL doesn't equal experience and dedication to safety. Inspect work activities to ensure contractors and their employers are meeting their contractual obligations.

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Michael Warrick CHST

Safety Professional
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Communication is always the key to a healthy and productive jobsite. I strongly believe that more safety meeting and safety stand downs will help to drive the communication from the conference room to out in the field, we're the work is being done.

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2 Legal Compliance

Understanding and adhering to occupational safety and health regulations is crucial for safeguarding temporary and contract workers. Ensure that your training program covers all legal requirements relevant to your industry and the roles that these workers fulfill. This includes familiarizing them with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or equivalent regulations in your region. Compliance training should also inform workers about their rights to a safe workplace and how to report safety concerns or violations. By staying compliant, you not only protect your workers but also shield your business from potential legal liabilities.

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Tim Hutchins

Compliance Manager
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A lot of Health & Safety professionals and members of management teams don't fully understand the WHS Legislation in a fulsome way. Directors might not understand Directors Liability and what could happen if something did go wrong. Safety needs to start with the Senior Management Team or else it is just ink on paper.

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3 Continuous Learning

Workplace safety is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Encourage continuous learning by providing regular updates and refresher courses to temporary and contract workers. This approach keeps safety top of mind and allows workers to stay informed about any changes in safety practices or new potential hazards. Continuous learning can be facilitated through a mix of in-person sessions, online modules, and on-the-job coaching. This ensures that all workers, regardless of their contract length, maintain a high level of safety awareness throughout their tenure.

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Tim Hutchins

Compliance Manager
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It is important that the message stays the same but you need to present it in different ways. Try interactive presentations where the participants can rank, score and get involved. People always remember the odd things and forget the bla bla bla.

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4 Engaging Content

To effectively train temporary and contract workers, the training content must be engaging and easy to understand. Avoid overly technical language and opt for interactive formats like videos, simulations, and hands-on demonstrations. Engaging content helps in retaining important safety information and can lead to better practical application in the workplace. Remember that these workers may come from diverse backgrounds, so consider offering training materials in multiple languages or with visual aids to accommodate different learning preferences.

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5 Empowerment Through Knowledge

Empower your temporary and contract workers by equipping them with the knowledge to identify and respond to potential hazards. Training should include how to conduct risk assessments, recognize warning signs, and take proactive measures to prevent accidents. When workers feel confident in their ability to manage risks, they are more likely to take ownership of their safety and the safety of others around them. Empowerment through knowledge creates a culture of safety where every worker feels responsible and vigilant.

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6 Feedback Integration

Finally, integrate feedback from temporary and contract workers into your training programs. Their firsthand experience on the job can provide valuable insights into what works well and what needs improvement. Encourage open communication where these workers can share their thoughts on the effectiveness of the training they receive. By incorporating their feedback, you can continuously refine your training methods to better meet their needs and enhance overall workplace safety.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jose Luis Alfinger

I successfully lead teams for the implementation of Business Continuity and Human Resources management programs based on ISO standards, employing new methods and tools to achieve high-impact results.
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Programa de certificación en seguridad laboral como garantía de que los trabajadores temporales y contratados estén completamente capacitados en las prácticas de seguridad relevantes para su trabajo. Formación teórica sobre las normas de seguridad, los riesgos específicos del lugar de trabajo y la gestión de estos riesgos. Formación práctica con aplicación de lo aprendido en un entorno controlado, bajo la supervisión de un tutor. Evaluación, para demostrar su comprensión y habilidad para aplicar las prácticas de seguridad que han aprendido. Incluye combinación de pruebas escritas, observaciones en el lugar de trabajo y retroalimentación del tutor. Certificación emitida por la empresa como requisito para operar procesos productivos.

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Here's how you can ensure workplace safety for temporary and contract workers through training.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Tailored Training

2 Legal Compliance

3 Continuous Learning

4 Engaging Content

5 Empowerment Through Knowledge

6 Feedback Integration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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Here's how you can ensure workplace safety for temporary and contract workers through training.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Tailored Training

2 Legal Compliance

3 Continuous Learning

4 Engaging Content

5 Empowerment Through Knowledge

6 Feedback Integration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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