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Labour Hire

Labour hire workers are workers employed and paid by a company which then sends them to work elsewhere - to carry out the majority of their tasks or functions for a 'host' or 'client company' and usually under that host company's direction. Labour hire workers can also be called 'on-hire workers', 'temps'and the more generic 'contractor'.

Australia has a growing percentage of the workforce that is employed under such arrangements.  There is a fair amount of evidence, and experience in the 'field' that such workers are not adequately represented in OHS, and are at a greater risk of injury or illness than permanent workers.

To identify OHS issues concerning on-hired workers, WorkSafe Victoria commissioned a report reviewing local and international OHS guidance material and VWA claims data. Some of the international findings from the report are that in many circumstances on-hire workers are particularly vulnerable to health and safety risks because they are:

  • less experienced due to younger age
  • exposed to greater work intensification pressures
  • exposed to greater risks, generally
  • less able to have discretion in the way tasks are performed
  • less represented at workplaces
  • more frequently exposed to unfamiliar workplaces
  • less likely to receive workplace specific training and induction
  • less qualified

For more information from WorkSafe, including a copy of the report, go to the industry page.


 

FAQs

   

Hazard

  • Vibration
    Many types of machinery and equipment generate intense vibration - a hazard to workers.
    [read more]
     
  • Sprains and strains
    Sprains and strains are the most common injuries suffered by workers across all workplaces, and in all industries. [read more]
     
   

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Regulations