May 21, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA and the American Staffing Association form alliance to protect temporary workers

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today signed an alliance with the American Staffing Association to work together to further protect temporary employees from workplace hazards. All workers have the right to be safe, regardless of how long they have been on the job.

"We want to make sure that at the end of every work shift, all temporary workers in the United States are able to go home safely to their families," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Through this alliance with the ASA, we will increase outreach to staffing agencies and host employers and provide information and education that is vital to protecting temporary workers."

Through the alliance, OSHA and ASA will conduct outreach to workers about their rights, and work to educate staffing firms and their clients on their responsibilities to protect workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). The partners will work together to distribute OSHA guidance and additional information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to further develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and ASA's Web sites) to staffing firms, host employers and temporary workers.

ASA, founded in 1966, has served as the voice of the U.S. staffing and recruiting industry. With more than 1,600 members, ASA advances the interests of staffing and recruiting firms through advocacy, public relations and education. For more information, visit OSHA's Alliance Program Web page at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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