Temporary Staffing – Chemical Exposure Risks
From everyday cleaning products to corrosive chemicals, there are many different chemical substances workers may encounter throughout their workday. If a temporary worker is not properly trained on how to handle or store dangerous chemicals, it can cause serious injuries.
Chemical exposure risks vary greatly depending on the workplace. For example, a temporary worker in the hotel and hospitality industry will encounter different chemicals than a temporary worker in the agriculture industry. However, some common causes of chemical exposure include:
- Solvents, such as paint thinners and certain cleaning. Solvents are used in a variety of industries, including construction, roofing, and hotels.
- Hazardous gasses, like chlorine and ammonia. Since chemicals like these are sometimes used for cleaning, they can cause health problems for temporary workers in a variety of industries, especially healthcare, rehabilitation, restaurants, and hotels.
- Heavy metals, including lead and mercury. In industries like manufacturing or recycling, temporary workers might come into contact with metals like these.
- Pesticides and herbicides, which are often used in industries like cannabis or agriculture.
- Flammable liquids, such as fuels. In industries like transportation or manufacturing, workers might come into contact with flammable substances, which can be very dangerous if improperly handled or stored.
- Radiation, which is sometimes found in healthcare and other medical industries. If a temporary worker is exposed to radiation, it can lead to serious health issues.
- Other allergens, such as latex in the healthcare industry
When temporary workers are exposed to chemicals like these, it can lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from eye and skin irritation to serious respiratory conditions and an increased risk of certain cancers.
How to Combat Chemical Exposure Risks for Temporary Workers
While some chemicals might be a daily part of work for temporary workers, there are still steps workers and their employers can take to reduce the risk of chemical exposure injuries. These include:
- Providing any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves or masks to protect workers from chemical risks
- Ensuring adequate ventilation in areas where chemicals are used or stored
- Carefully and safely all chemicals
- Using non-toxic cleaning products, when applicable
- Keeping all employees, including temporary employees, trained on how to safely use and store chemicals and chemical products
If you’re a business owner looking to protect your temporary workers, you should also offer robust Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your employees and business from chemical exposure and other common risks. However, it can be difficult for temporary staffing industry businesses to find the right coverage.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help temporary staffing business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions. To learn more about our services and how we can help your temporary staffing business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
