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.