Many businesses rely on temporary staff, agency workers and seasonal employees to support operations during busy periods, staff shortages or special projects. While employment arrangements may differ from permanent employees, workplace first aid responsibilities remain important.
Employers should ensure temporary and agency workers have appropriate access to first aid provision, emergency procedures and relevant workplace information from the moment they begin work.
This guide explains first aid responsibilities relating to temporary staff and agency workers, including inductions, risk assessments, supervision and accident reporting.
This information is general guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
Temporary workers are individuals engaged for a limited period of time. They may be employed directly by a business or supplied through an employment agency.
Agency workers are typically employed or contracted through an agency but carry out their work under the direction of the host organisation.
Although employment arrangements may differ, workplace safety responsibilities still apply.
Temporary workers may be unfamiliar with the workplace, equipment, hazards, emergency procedures and reporting systems.
This lack of familiarity can increase the risk of accidents, near misses and misunderstandings during emergencies.
Businesses should ensure temporary staff receive the information they need to work safely from their first day.
The organisation controlling the workplace is generally responsible for ensuring appropriate first aid arrangements are available.
Temporary workers should have access to the same first aid facilities, equipment and emergency procedures as permanent employees where appropriate.
Employers should not assume that responsibility sits entirely with an employment agency.
The host employer usually has day-to-day responsibility for workplace safety arrangements.
This may include:
Temporary workers should understand who to contact if an accident or emergency occurs.
Employment agencies may also have responsibilities depending on the arrangement in place.
For example, agencies may provide information regarding worker suitability, qualifications, experience or training.
Communication between agencies and host employers is important to ensure workers are placed in appropriate roles.
Risk assessments should consider all individuals working on site, including temporary and agency workers.
Questions that may be considered include:
See Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment.
Inductions are often one of the most important opportunities to communicate first aid arrangements.
Temporary workers should know:
Clear information can help reduce confusion during emergencies.
Temporary workers should be competent to perform the tasks assigned to them.
Additional instruction, supervision or training may be required where workers are unfamiliar with equipment, procedures or workplace hazards.
Employers should not assume previous experience automatically removes the need for site-specific instruction.
Temporary staff should understand emergency arrangements from the beginning of their assignment.
This may include:
See Workplace Emergency Response Plan.
Temporary workers should be encouraged to report all accidents, injuries and incidents promptly.
Reporting procedures should be clearly explained during induction.
Employers should ensure incidents involving temporary staff are investigated in the same way as those involving permanent employees.
See Accident Reporting & First Aid Records.
Temporary workers may identify hazards that permanent employees have become accustomed to overlooking.
They should be encouraged to report hazards and near misses without fear of criticism.
Near miss reports can provide valuable information for improving workplace safety.
See Near Miss Reporting Explained.
Agency workers should not automatically be treated the same as contractors or visitors.
Although arrangements may differ, employers should ensure all individuals understand emergency procedures and know how to obtain assistance when required.
See First Aid for Contractors & Shared Worksites.
Temporary staff often bring fresh perspectives and may identify hazards that others have overlooked.
Encouraging participation in safety discussions and reporting systems can help strengthen workplace safety culture.
Temporary and agency workers should have appropriate access to first aid provision, emergency procedures and workplace safety information.
Employers should ensure workers understand how to obtain assistance, report incidents and work safely from the start of their assignment.
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