How to create a safe work environment for temporary workers this summer

Holiday substitutes are an important resource during the summer months. By providing them with the right conditions, demonstrating that the work environment is taken seriously and that safety and well-being always come first, you not only create a safe environment, but also strengthen the reputation and attractiveness of the workplace for the future.

Basic requirements

Good preparation is essential to ensure that holiday replacements can work safely and contribute in a safe and effective manner. The work environment includes everything from personal safety to a clear structure and a welcoming culture. New employees rarely have the same knowledge of routines, risks and safety rules as regular coworkers, and therefore information and introduction need to be adapted accordingly.

A clear introduction – a key to safety

One of the most important factors for a good start is a clear introduction. It should include at least:

• Review of the workplace routines
• Knowledge of the risk areas and protective equipment
• Introduction to the machines and processes they are expected to work with
• Whom to contact in case of questions or incidents
• Spending time on the introduction reduces the risk of accidents, increases safety and makes it easier for the temporary employee to get started with their work.

All coworkers, regardless of employment form, have the right to a good work environment. It is easy to underestimate the need for support for temporary employees, but in many cases they need more guidance than others. By encouraging open communication, offering guidance and being responsive to questions, we can create an environment where even new coworkers feel included.

Think ahead

A safe work environment for temporary workers starts long before they come through the gates. By:

• Planning staffing well in advance
• Ensuring that routines and introductory materials are up to date
• Appointing a contact persons for new coworkers

… increases the chances of a safe, productive and well-functioning summer – for both temporary and regular staff.

According to the Regulation on Systematic Work Environment Management (AFS 2023:1):

 the employer must ensure that all employees have sufficient knowledge of the work and the risks involved to prevent ill-health and accidents and achieve a satisfactory work environment.

If there are serious risks in the work, there must be written instructions on how the work must be carried out in a safe manner. The instructions must be adapted to the target group and must be kept up to date.

The employer can provide employees with knowledge about the work environment by offering training and by allowing them to participate in the health and safety work. Employees often need to acquire new knowledge in the event of changes to work tasks, work equipment, working methods, operations, organisation or after a long absence from work.

The employer should provide employees with knowledge about the work as early as possible. An introduction should give employees an understanding of

1. Systematic work environment management in the workplace,
2. Own work tasks and how they relate to others’ work tasks,
3. The risks present in the business, and
4. To whom employees can turn regarding work environment issues. 

Written instructions for serious risks may need to be combined with verbal instructions. The employer should ensure that the employee has understood the instructions. It is important that the instructions are available at the workplace.

Introductions and instructions should be adapted to the circumstances of the employee, such as age, experience, language skills and any disability.

Please remember

As from 1 January 2025, the Regulation AFS 2012:3 Minors’ work environment can be found in AFS 2023:2 Planning and organisation of work on the work environment – basic obligations for those with employer responsibility.