Workplace safety is critical for every business, especially when partnering with a staffing agency. An agency that prioritizes workplace safety not only helps protect the well-being of every employee at your site, but it can also help to ensure smoother operations and can reduce risks with workplace incidents.
But how can you tell if your staffing agency is truly safety-focused? Let’s explore key indicators that demonstrate a commitment to safety, helping you make an informed decision when choosing or evaluating your staffing partners.
Proactive Approach to Risk Management
This is the process by which you identify, assess, and address potential risks before they lead to incidents or problems. Businesses that can anticipate and mitigate risks, ensure a safer, more efficient, and resilient operation.
Safety audits are an essential part of maintaining a safe work environment. They also promote continuous improvement by highlighting areas where safety practices can be enhanced, ultimately protecting employees and reducing liability risks. A reputable staffing agency will:
- Conducting regular worksite evaluations at client sites. This includes evaluating the work environment, tools and equipment, and standard operating procedures to identify potential hazards. These audits should be thorough and include both physical inspections and reviews of safety documentation.
- Evaluating the jobs and how they are performed, this includes understanding any daily productivity expectations.
- Working together to implement a clear protocol for responding, documenting, and investigating any reported hazards or safety concerns and working together to ensure these are addressed. This helps prevent future occurrences.
This end-to-end proactive approach demonstrates a visible commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement. When the workforce can see that the staffing agency and client are working together, they feel more secure and protected.
Safety-Focused Employee Training
A safety-focused partnership between a client and a staffing agency means investing in thorough onboarding and subsequent comprehensive training for every employee. This includes the initial onboarding process but also recurring training. This training is also an Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requirement.
Here’s what to look for:
- Staffing Agency Onboarding: The staffing agency should provide a general safety orientation and information on the specific position and any policy information the client wants addressed in advance. This includes things like cell phone policy, any clothing requirements etc. The employee should understand the job details, expectations and be aware that they will be trained before they start working.
- Client Safety Training: Before starting their assignments, all employees should receive comprehensive training on the site-specific safety protocols and procedures relevant to their roles. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), machinery operation, emergency procedures, and more.
- Specialty Training: For positions that involve distinct hazards, the client should provide specific training. For instance, forklift operators are required to be certified on the forklifts they plan to operate.
- Refresher Training: Safety training isn’t a one-time event. Refresher training should be conducted at least annually or based on OSHA requirements. In addition, if the hazards at the workplace change, the employees should be re-trained.
Adherence to Safety Regulations
Compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations is a non-negotiable aspect of workplace safety. A safety-focused staffing agency will:
- Keep up to date with the latest safety regulations and collaborate with you to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and other relevant guidelines.
- Ensure their clients maintain thorough documentation of all safety training.
- Complete documentation of every reported incident.
- Help promote a culture where safety is prioritized, encouraging employees to report unsafe conditions or practices without fear of retaliation.
Clear Communication and Transparency
Effective communication is vital to workplace safety because it ensures that all individuals are informed about safety protocols and potential hazards, fostering a culture of trust and accountability that helps prevent accidents and incidents. Effective communication from your staffing agency will:
- Establish clear channels for reporting safety concerns, near misses, or incidents. Employees should feel comfortable raising issues, knowing they will be addressed promptly and without negative repercussions. This transparency is crucial for accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure you maintain OSHA compliance by providing all required recordkeeping log information.
Collaboration with Clients
Client and agency collaboration is essential to workplace safety because it ensures a shared understanding of safety protocols, enabling tailored safety measures that address specific workplace risks and fostering a unified approach to maintaining a safe environment.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Ongoing evaluation and enhancement of safety practices ensures that the organization adapts to new risks and maintains the highest standards of protection for all employees. This involves:
- Staying Informed: Keeping up with the latest developments in workplace safety, including new regulations, technologies, and best practices.
- Investing in Technology: Utilizing technology to enhance safety at work, such as digital training platforms, incident tracking systems, or safety management software.
- Seeking Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from both clients and employees to identify areas for improvement. This shows a dedication to not only maintaining but also enhancing safety standards.
Choosing a staffing agency that prioritizes safety is essential for ensuring a secure and productive work environment. By looking for indicators such as comprehensive training, adherence to regulations, proactive risk management, regular audits, clear communication, collaboration with clients, and a commitment to continuous improvement, businesses can confidently evaluate their staffing partners.
At Coworx Staffing, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to safety. We believe that a safe workplace is a productive workplace, and we work tirelessly to ensure that all our employees and clients benefit from a culture of safety and care. If you’re looking for a staffing partner who prioritizes your safety and well-being, contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business.
