What OHSA Means for Temp Workers and Employers

What OHSA Means for Temp Workers and Employers

When you bring in temporary workers, safety responsibility doesn't go on pause. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines specific obligations for both employers and temporary staffing agencies. Understanding who is accountable—and for what—helps ensure compliance, reduce risk, and protect everyone involved.

What OHSA Means for Temp Workers and Employers

When you bring in temporary workers, safety responsibility doesn't go on pause. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines specific obligations for both employers and temporary staffing agencies. Understanding who is accountable—and for what—helps ensure compliance, reduce risk, and protect everyone involved.

1. Who’s Responsible for Safety?

According to OHSA, both the placement employer (the job site) and the temporary staffing agency share responsibility for a temp worker’s safety. This includes providing proper orientation, site-specific hazard training, and appropriate supervision.

2. The Role of the Temp Agency (like Manco HR)

As a licensed staffing agency, Manco HR ensures each worker is briefed before placement, has the necessary protective equipment, and understands their rights. We also coordinate with clients to confirm that safety measures are upheld at the job site.

3. The Role of the Employer

The job site employer must treat temporary workers like any other employee when it comes to safety: this includes training, supervision, PPE enforcement, reporting procedures, and clear access to first aid and emergency protocols.

4. WSIB & Liability Coverage

Temporary workers are covered by WSIB under the staffing agency’s account, but employers must still create a safe work environment. Negligence or non-compliance at the job site can still result in penalties or stop-work orders.

5. Site-Specific Training is Critical

Every site is different. Even if a temp has worked in a similar environment, the law requires they be oriented to the specific site’s hazards, emergency exits, machinery, and reporting structure.

Conclusion

Temp staffing doesn’t mean temporary responsibility. At Manco HR, we take safety seriously—from pre-placement briefings to client-site collaboration. Together, we can ensure every worker goes home safe, every shift.

📩Have questions about OHSA compliance with temp staff?📧 rajat@mancohr.com | 📞 905-813-8182🔗 www.mancohr.com