In industries involving a variety of occupational hazards, such as noise, vibration, and hazardous substances, monitoring is a critical component of maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
Agency workers, often unfamiliar with site-specific risks and safety protocols, may be at greater risk of exposure compared to permanent staff. Their unique situation requires particular attention during risk assessments and exposure monitoring to ensure that these assessments are suitable and sufficient. Here, we explore the importance of monitoring agency workers, the differences in risk between agency and permanent staff, and the best approaches from an occupational hygiene perspective, with a focus on multiple hazards, including noise and vibration.
1. The Importance of Monitoring Agency Workers Across Multiple Hazards
Agency workers often have limited familiarity with the specific hazards present in the workplace, whether these are physical agents like noise and vibration or chemical exposures. Their shorter tenure and less comprehensive induction into workplace processes may result in increased exposure due to their lack of understanding or awareness of appropriate controls.
For example, when it comes to noise, agency workers may not be aware of designated quiet zones or the importance of wearing hearing protection in high-noise areas. Similarly, they may not fully appreciate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to vibration from tools or machinery, failing to adopt the necessary protective measures. Monitoring data can often reveal that agency workers are exposed to higher levels of these physical hazards, underlining the need for tailored exposure monitoring.
The COSHH Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), as well as other regulations such as the Control of Noise at Work Regulations and Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, emphasise the need to consider different types of workers during risk assessments. Failing to account for the specific challenges agency workers face can result in inadequate protection measures, leaving gaps in the safety net that should protect all employees from harm.
2. Key Differences Between Agency Workers and Long-Standing Employees
Permanent staff generally benefit from more extensive training and greater familiarity with the risks inherent to their roles, whether this involves hazardous substances, noise, or vibration. Over time, they develop an understanding of how to navigate these hazards effectively, reducing their risk of exposure.
Agency workers, by contrast, often lack this depth of experience. They may not have undergone detailed training on how to safely operate tools that produce high levels of vibration or how to manage their exposure to loud environments. As a result, they may unknowingly place themselves in situations where they are exposed to higher levels of vibration or noise, increasing their risk of developing conditions such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
The transient nature of agency work also means that agency staff are less likely to have long-term medical surveillance programmes in place, which are crucial for detecting the early signs of occupational health issues related to noise and vibration exposure. This makes the need for robust risk assessments and controls even more important for agency workers.
3. Best Approaches from an Occupational Hygiene Perspective
To ensure that agency workers are adequately protected from multiple hazards, occupational hygiene best practices must be implemented with a focus on their specific needs. Key strategies include:
Comprehensive Induction Training Across Hazards: Agency workers should receive comprehensive, site-specific induction training that goes beyond generic health and safety protocols. This should include training on the risks associated with noise, vibration, hazardous substances, and any other specific hazards present on-site. Agency workers must be equipped with the knowledge needed to operate safely in environments they are less familiar with.
Targeted Monitoring of Physical Agents: Exposure monitoring should not only focus on hazardous substances but also on physical hazards like noise and vibration. Conduct regular monitoring of agency workers’ exposure to these agents, particularly during the early stages of their work, to ensure that controls are being applied correctly. Noise dosimetry and vibration exposure assessments are essential tools in this regard.
Tailored Risk Assessments: Risk assessments should specifically account for the different experience levels of agency workers. This includes considering their potential lack of familiarity with machinery, tools, or high-noise environments. Controls should be adapted to mitigate the risks they face, such as increased supervision, restricted access to high-risk areas, or the use of less hazardous equipment for workers unfamiliar with certain tools.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Controls: Ensure that agency workers are provided with the appropriate PPE, such as hearing protection or anti-vibration gloves, and that they are trained in its proper use. Additionally, administrative controls like job rotation to limit exposure time to noise or vibration can help reduce their overall exposure levels.
Enhanced Supervision and Support: Given the higher level of risk, agency workers should receive closer supervision, especially during their initial days on the job. Pairing them with experienced staff who can offer guidance on how to minimise exposure to noise, vibration, or hazardous substances can ensure that best practices are followed.
By implementing these best practices, employers can safeguard the health and safety of agency workers, ensuring they are not disproportionately exposed to occupational hazards. This approach ensures compliance with UK regulations, including COSHH, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, and ultimately fosters a safer, more inclusive workplace for all employees.
Hopefully, this article has provided useful insight into the importance of monitoring agency workers for multiple hazards, such as noise and vibration, in occupational hygiene. If you'd like to learn more about this topic or need support from our team, feel free to reach out through social media, our website www.workplacescientifics.com, by email at support@workplacescientifics.com, or give us a call on 01709 931299.
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