Temporary workers often bring valuable skills and experience, but they may be unfamiliar with the specific tasks, equipment, procedures, and hazards found at a new jobsite. Before beginning any assigned work, temporary workers must receive job-specific training that addresses the hazards of their tasks, required safety procedures, emergency response, and any equipment they are expected to use. No worker should perform a task without first receiving the appropriate training and authorization.
This toolbox talk reviews the importance of job-specific training for temporary workers and the shared responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure work is performed safely.
Why This Matters
- Every jobsite has unique hazards and work procedures.
- Task-specific training helps prevent injuries caused by unfamiliar work activities.
- Workers must understand hazards before operating tools, equipment, or machinery.
- Proper training improves confidence, communication, and safe job performance.
- Workers should only perform tasks they are trained and authorized to complete.
Common Hazards
- Starting work without task-specific safety instruction.
- Operating unfamiliar tools, equipment, or machinery.
- Failure to recognize job-specific hazards.
- Improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Misunderstanding work procedures or emergency response requirements.
- Performing tasks outside assigned responsibilities or training.
- Insufficient supervision during new or unfamiliar work.
- Assuming previous experience eliminates the need for site-specific training.
Safety Checklist
Before Work Begins
- Complete all required job-specific training before starting assigned tasks.
- Review the hazards, safe work procedures, and emergency response requirements for the job.
- Receive instruction on the proper use of tools, equipment, and machinery you will operate.
- Understand required PPE and when it must be worn.
- Know who your supervisor is and who to contact with questions.
- Do not begin work until you are trained, authorized, and understand the task.
During the Workday
- Follow all company safety procedures and supervisor instructions.
- Ask questions whenever a task or instruction is unclear.
- Report hazards, unsafe conditions, injuries, and near misses immediately.
- Stay within the scope of your training and assigned duties.
- Request additional instruction before performing any unfamiliar task.
- Participate in toolbox talks, pre-job briefings, and ongoing safety training.
Crew Talking Points
- What job-specific hazards are present today?
- Which tasks require specialized training or authorization?
- Who should temporary workers contact if they have questions about an assignment?
- How can experienced workers help temporary workers learn safe procedures?
- What should you do if assigned work that you have not been trained to perform?
- Speak up immediately if you are unsure how to safely complete any assigned task.
Stop Work If
- You have not received the required job-specific training.
- You are assigned work outside your training or authorization.
- You do not understand the hazards or safe work procedures.
- Required PPE or safety equipment is unavailable.
- Supervision or instruction is unavailable for unfamiliar work.
- You are unsure how to safely perform the assigned task.
Final Reminder
Every task requires the right knowledge, training, and preparation. Temporary workers should receive job-specific instruction before beginning work and should never feel pressured to perform tasks they are not trained or authorized to complete. Ask questions, follow safe work procedures, and speak up whenever additional training or clarification is needed. Proper training is one of the most effective ways to prevent workplace injuries.
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