As the summer begins, industries such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and construction will be preparing for the busiest season of their year.
To cover the extra workload that comes with this increased demand, employers and business owners may decide to hire some seasonal workers.
There are several HR considerations to bear in mind when hiring temporary employees, such as choosing the right type of employment contract and complying with minimum wage regulations, but what are the Health & Safety issues to consider when bringing an employee on board for a limited period?
Read on for some of our top tips on protecting the safety and health of your seasonal staff.
1) Training and induction
Whether an employee is hired on a permanent basis, or just for a couple of weeks in the summer, Health & Safety training is non-negotiable.
As an employer, you are responsible for the safety of your employees in the workplace, including seasonal and temporary staff. To protect both your business and your workforce, it is essential that all employees are trained in fundamental Health & Safety topics, as well as in how to operate any machinery, system, or equipment relevant to their role.
2) Safety documentation
It is important to ensure that your seasonal staff have access to your company’s official safety statement, and to any other relevant safety documentation. All employees should know how and where they can find these documents, so don’t forget to communicate these details to your temporary staff as well.
3) Risk assessments
As an employer, you are legally required to conduct comprehensive risk assessments of your workplace. Risk assessments should be carried out on a regular basis, or when there is a change or update to a role, system, or piece of equipment.
This means that when you hire a seasonal employee, it’s crucial that you carry out sufficient risk assessments for that employee’s role, as well as for any vehicles or equipment they may be operating.
4) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Whether an employee is predicted to work in your business for 2 weeks or 2 years, they must be provided with any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
It’s also important to ensure that your employees’ PPE fits correctly and is appropriate for the task at hand. While it may appear more convenient to supply your temporary staff with spare PPE that is left over from previous projects, it is essential that you provide appropriate PPE that is suitable for each employee.
5) Clear instructions
New staff often require increased guidance and supervision, particularly in relation to high-risk work activities or the use of heavy machinery.
Ensure that you have provided clear and accurate instructions, and that any signs or instruction manuals are clear and easy to understand. If English is not your employees’ first language, it’s also important to ensure that they have understood your instructions or received instructions in a language that they understand. This is an essential step in protecting the safety of both your employees and your business.