Taking on seasonal workers? Don’t forget health and safety

Many companies, particularly in retail and hospitality, are taking on lots of seasonal workers right now – but in the busy run-up to Christmas, they’re being warned not to put health and safety on the back burner.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning that workers are just as likely to experience an accident in the first 6 months at a workplace as they are over the rest of their working life. 

6 tips to keep your new workers safe 

1. Assess their capability
2. Provide an informative induction
3. Make sure your risk control procedures are up to date – ask a Bison Assist expert for help and advice with updating risk assessments
4. Provide information and training on risks they might face and how to deal with them
5. Provide good supervision
6. Check that they have understood the information and training they need to stay safe and are acting on it.

Check out the HSE website for more detail about this guidance, and for advice to help users and suppliers of agency and temporary workers understand their health and safety responsibilities.

If you are a temporary worker…

Remember, the law safeguards your health and safety. Employment businesses (agencies) must ensure they follow health and safety requirements for every agency or temporary worker. Check out your rights and your own personal responsibilities.