The Temporary Workforce: Existing Challenges and Solutions Available to Purchase

As early as the 1940s, the temporary workforce concept began emerging to fulfill unique industry needs. The demand for temporary workers may have evolved since then, but the inequalities experienced by some of these workers remain the same. In many cases temporary workers are treated at a subpar level as compared to the permanent worker. Temporary workers are treated differently. Their pay rate is normally lower, their job is not secured and they are provided with limited to no benefits. These are just a few of the inequalities experienced by temporary workers. (Olson, 2011). The agencies that employ them are known as "Temporary Agencies", "Temp Agencies" or "Staffing Agencies". These agencies are growing exponentially and their profits are exploding. However, these workers do not benefit from these gains. One of the most noticeable disparities is the increase in injuries and fatalities among these workers. Some of these injuries include crushing, amputations, lacerations, and fatal falls. It is evident that temporary workers are entitled to equal protections under the Occupational Safety and Health Act as all other covered workers (Grabell, Pierce &; Larson, 2013) (Greenhouse, 2014). Workers should not be placed in an unfamiliar or hazardous worksite unless they have been effectively trained to enable them to perform their task(s) without risk to themselves or their coworkers. All workers have the right under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to work in a safe and healthy workplace (osha.gov, n.d.), including temporary workers. There are several solutions and numerous options available to help employers and temporary agencies develop and successfully implement effective safety and health programs that will assist them in identification and elimination of hazards in their establishments to reduce employee injuries and fatalities in the workplace. As early as the 1940s, the temporary workforce concept began emerging to fulfill unique industry needs. The demand for temporary workers may have evolved since then, but the inequalities experienced by some of these workers remain the same. In many cases temporary workers are treated at a subpar level as compared to the permanent worker. Temporary workers are treated differently. Their pay rate is normally lower, their job is not secured and they are provided with limited to no benefits. These are just a few of the inequalities experienced by temporary workers. (Olson, 2011). The agencies that employ them are known as "Temporary Agencies", "Temp Agencies" or "Staffing Agencies". These agencies are growing exponentially and their profits are exploding. However, these workers do not benefit from these gains. One of the most noticeable disparities is the increase in injuries and fatalities among these workers. Some of these injuries include crushing, amputations, lacerations, and fatal falls. It is evident that temporary workers are entitled to equal protections under the Occupational Safety and Health Act as all other covered workers (Grabell, Pierce &; Larson, 2013) (Greenhouse, 2014). Workers should not be placed in an unfamiliar or hazardous worksite unless they have been effectively trained to enable them to perform their task(s) without risk to themselves or their coworkers. All workers have the right under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to work in a safe and healthy workplace (osha.gov, n.d.), including temporary workers. There are several solutions and numerous options available to help employers and temporary agencies develop and successfully implement effective safety and health programs that will assist them in identification and elimination of hazards in their establishments to reduce employee injuries and fatalities in the workplace.