New Program Encourages Best Practices to Reduce Workplace Injuries

The American Staffing Association and National Safety Council announce the Safety Standard of Excellence, a new workplace safety program for the staffing and workforce solutions industry. The program is designed to help reduce the rate and severity of temporary worker injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through the adoption of best practices and encouragement of continuous safety improvement.

“Promoting temporary worker safety and well-being is the responsibility of every staffing firm—and of critical importance to the industry as a whole,” said Stephen Dwyer, ASA general counsel. “By participating in the Safety Standard of Excellence program, staffing firms can be better equipped to avoid workplace hazards and incidents, and partner with clients to foster safer, healthier workplaces.”

“We are excited to work with the staffing industry to prevent temporary worker injuries and deaths,” said Amy K. Harper, Ph.D., National Safety Council director of workplace strategy and Journey to Safety Excellence. “Because temporary workers are placed in a variety of work settings in many different industries, and often for multiple staffing clients, it is critical that their safety be a priority. Staffing firms desiring to lead the industry in protection of temporary workers should take part in this program.”

The program defines for staffing firms the policies and practices necessary for compliance, but goes beyond that to detail best practices, including coordination and collaboration with the host employers they serve. Applying firms will undergo rigorous assessment by NSC consultants measuring against these best practice criteria. Those firms scoring high enough will earn the right to use a special program mark that communicates their dedication to the safety of the workers they place.

To learn more about the Safety Standard of Excellence program, visit americanstaffing.net/sse.

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About the American Staffing Association

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.

About The National Safety Council

Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education, and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials, and the public in areas where we can make the most impact—distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses, and safe communities. Safety+Health magazine, the council’s flagship publication, is a leading source of occupational safety and health information.