Mastering Compliance in Industrial Staffing

In another engaging episode of the Jombone webinar series, Garima Sahdev, Co-Founder and COO, and Connie Veenbaas, VP of Customer Success, shared valuable insights into the complex world of staffing compliance challenges in the industrial sector. The discussion revolved around critical aspects such as leveraging digital tools, understanding the risks of non-compliance, and implementing automated processes to stay abreast of regulations.

Industrial Staffing Compliance: A Primer

In the discussion, Connie emphasized the significance of compliance in industrial staffing and elaborated on adhering to various regulations, standards, laws, and guidelines set forth by government and industry associations. She also discussed the vital role it plays in staffing operations, recruitment processes, employee management, workplace practices, and alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.

Challenges in Compliance:

Connie highlighted the potential challenges faced by staffing agencies in day-to-day operations. She spoke about how non-compliance can manifest in various forms, such as neglecting health and safety regulations, violating employment laws, and engaging in discriminatory practices. She stressed the need to ensure a safe work environment for employees, requiring a focus on proper training and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards.

Legislative Changes and Implications:

The conversation delved into recent legislative changes impacting industrial staffing in Canada. Updates to labor standards, minimum wages, overtime, and vacation entitlements in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and BC underscored the dynamic nature of compliance. Temporary changes during the pandemic aimed to address workplace safety, sick leave, and remote work, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness were discussed.

Health and Safety Compliance:

The speakers stressed the importance of health and safety compliance in the industrial workplace and the various measures to adhere to compliance which include ensuring client companies have robust safety policies, providing proper training to candidates, and conducting regular inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Compliance with safety regulations contributes to a secure and healthy workforce that can encourage consistent job performance.

Wage and Hour Compliance for Temp Workers:

Garima addressed challenges in ensuring wage and hour compliance for temporary workers. Tracking work hours, educating clients and workers on overtime regulations and break entitlements, and staying informed about changes in the minimum wage are essential know-how for temp workers. She also stressed the need to have proactive measures which involves having regular communication and knowledge sharing to maintain compliance with evolving standards.

Ensuring Legitimate Workers:

The discussion shifted to the crucial aspect of verifying the legitimacy of workers, especially in the era of remote work. Garima emphasized the importance of thorough documentation checks, including social insurance numbers and work permits. She also elaborated that the need for diligence in the absence of in-person interactions is vital to prevent legal consequences.

Real-world Impact of Non-compliance:

Connie shared real-world scenarios where companies faced serious consequences due to non-compliance, including accidents and fatalities. She briefly spoke about how compliance is not just a legal requirement but a moral responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. She highlighted the need to have proactive measures in place, such as regular training and audits, can prevent such incidents and contribute to a positive reputation.

Adapting to Labor Law Changes:

Garima provided strategies for organizations to adapt to evolving labor laws effectively. From weekly touch-base sessions to continuous education to maintaining open tabs for quick reference to legal standards, she spoke about various strategies that can contribute to keeping workers informed about the latest compliance standards. The need for regular training sessions and discussions within the team to foster a culture of compliance awareness was elaborated.

As the webinar concluded, the speakers emphasized the importance of compliance in the industrial staffing sector. By understanding the challenges, staying informed about legislative changes, and implementing proactive measures, organizations can navigate the complex landscape of compliance and contribute to a safer and more compliant workforce.