Casual workers more likely to be injured than permanent employees

A new report released says casual workers face higher safety risks than permanent employees, and warns employers that having a high proportion of casual labour in their workforce can result in higher OHS and workers compensation costs.

The report, The hidden health and safety costs of casual employment, was conducted by the University of NSW Industrial Relations Research Centre, and was funded by law firm, Bartier Perry.

It was based on published literature looking at the impact of casualisation on health and safety.

A key finding of the report was that employers which had a high proportion of their workforce as temporary employees were more liekly to face higher costs for injuries and workers' compensation insurance.

The high use of casual labour also resulted in lower motivation and productivity, the report claimed.

"There is a growing body of international research linking casual employment with an increased risk of occupational injury and illness as well as other adverse outcomes," author Marie McNamara said.

"These adverse outcomes include increased staff turnover, lower motivation and job satisfaction, lower productivity and higher costs to companies," she said.

McNamara said employers that want to lessen the risks associated with a temporary workforce should ensure all casual employees receive appropriate levels of induction training and on-the-job supervision.

"There have been many recent court cases where inadequate supervision of casual workers has been cited as contributing to increased accidents and injuries," she said.

Courtesy of shortlist.net.au and CareersMultiList