OSHA Compliance in Staffing: Key Responsibilities
We champion safety because it’s the right thing to do, but it’s also a legal and financial imperative. This week, we’re breaking down the fundamental legal concepts that govern workplace safety, especially the role of OSHA compliance in the staffing industry. Understanding how OSHA operates — and how it affects both us and our clients — is essential to protecting our talent and our business.
The General Duty Clause
At the core of OSHA compliance is the General Duty Clause. It requires every employer to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. This applies to all workplaces across the United States and sets the foundation for every other safety expectation.
We also operate under OSHA’s Temporary Worker Initiative (TWI), which clarifies that both the host employer (our client) and the staffing agency (NCW) share responsibility for worker safety. This shared model is a critical part of OSHA compliance for staffing companies.
The “Controlling Employer” Concept
In staffing, OSHA defines the host employer as the “controlling employer.” This means:
The Client (Controlling Employer):
They manage the day-to-day environment, supervise the jobsite, and provide site-specific hazard training. Because they control the physical workspace, they carry a large portion of OSHA compliance obligations.
Us (Staffing Employer):
We handle general safety training, ensure workers are qualified, provide general PPE, and maintain documentation. We share liability and must uphold our side of OSHA compliance with every placement we make.
How NCW Supports OSHA Compliance on Your Jobsite
At NCW, our safety protocols are designed to protect both your workforce and your operations. By thoroughly vetting each jobsite and asking the right safety questions upfront, we help ensure that placements align with OSHA compliance expectations. This partnership reduces risk for your organization and supports a safer, more productive jobsite.
A clearly defined contract outlining each party’s safety responsibilities also benefits you. It establishes shared expectations, ensures OSHA compliance is met on both sides, and creates a transparent framework that protects your business in the event of an incident.
How We Prepare Workers Before They Arrive Onsite
Before any NCW associate steps onto your jobsite, they complete the required general safety training and receive all necessary PPE. We maintain detailed documentation to verify that every worker is prepared, informed, and compliant with OSHA standards.
This proactive approach means you can trust that the workers arriving at your site have already met the foundational safety requirements — giving you peace of mind, reducing onboarding gaps, and strengthening overall OSHA compliance across the environment you control.
Understanding these legal requirements reinforces the urgency of our safety protocols and ensures that our commitment to safety protects both our talent and our business.