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Occupational health and safety of temporary and agency workers

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  • Benjamin Hopkins

Abstract

Previous quantitative studies have established a link between precarious work and occupational health and safety (OHS). Using an ethnographically informed qualitative approach, this article investigates the workplace experiences of different types of precarious workers, in particular those who are directly-employed temporary workers and those who are engaged through an agency. Drawing on the work of Andrew Hopkins, the article finds cultural practices that lead to worsened OHS experiences for those who are engaged through an agency. These experiences include inadequate safety training, poor quality personal protective equipment and a lack of clarity of supervisory roles.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Hopkins, 2017. "Occupational health and safety of temporary and agency workers," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 38(4), pages 609-628, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:38:y:2017:i:4:p:609-628
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X15581424
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    References listed on IDEAS

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