Hiring seasonal workers this summer? Don’t overlook safety risks
What many organisations underestimate is that temporary workers are more vulnerable to mistakes and accidents. Fortunately, with a few targeted measures, you can significantly reduce these risks. In this article, you’ll find practical steps you can take as an employer to ensure a safe working environment.
Why temporary workers face higher risks
Summer workers are often pupils, students or recent school leavers with limited work experience. As a result, they may be less able to recognise risks and may not fully understand which safety precautions are important. According to information from Arboportaal, young workers in particular are more likely to be involved in workplace accidents.
This is often due to:
- Limited knowledge of risks and safety measures
- Little experience with the tasks and work environment
- Working at less common times, such as evenings and weekends
- A higher threshold for asking questions or indicating uncertainty
Additionally, many young employees are eager to show motivation and may be less likely to say no or ask for help when something is unclear. The consequences are not limited to the temporary worker; incidents can also impact colleagues, planning, and business continuity.
Where risks often arise
As an employer, you are responsible for providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, including seasonal workers.
This means you should:
- Ensure a safe and healthy workplace
- Identify risks through a Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E)
- Provide clear instructions and information about safe working practices
- Ensure sufficient supervision and guidance
Check whether risks specific to young and inexperienced workers are adequately covered in your RI&E. Additional measures may be required, such as extra supervision or restrictions on certain tasks.
What can you do as an employer?
With a few practical measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
1. Provide a clear introduction
Extensive training is not always necessary, but every temporary worker should understand the basics. Pay attention to:
- Key workplace risks
- Safety rules and procedures
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- What to do in case of incidents or unsafe situations
2. Align tasks with experience
Do not let seasonal workers immediately take on full responsibilities. Clearly define:
- Which tasks can be carried out independently
- Which tasks require supervision
- Which tasks are unsuitable for inexperienced employees
3. Assign a dedicated contact person
Pair seasonal workers with an experienced colleague who can answer questions and provide support during the first working days. This ensures employees know exactly who to approach when something is unclear.
4. Ensure visible and approachable supervision
Supervision is not just about monitoring performance—it is about being present, offering support, and encouraging dialogue. By regularly checking in and engaging with employees, you can identify unsafe situations early and provide timely guidance.
5. Verify understanding of instructions
Don’t just ask whether instructions are clear. Ask employees to explain what they will do and what they need to consider. This helps ensure that instructions are truly understood.
6. Encourage a culture of asking questions
Create a work environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and expressing doubts. Emphasise that safety always takes priority over speed and that everyone is responsible for reporting unsafe situations.
A safe summer starts with proper guidance
Seasonal workers make an important contribution during the holiday period. Because they are often young and inexperienced, they require additional attention when it comes to safety. By providing a solid introduction, appropriate guidance, and visible supervision, you can reduce the risk of incidents and ensure employees can work safely and with confidence.