Using Temp Agency Labor for Demo and Other Small Jobs

[Stephanie Medellin]

Does anyone use temporary help from staffing agencies or temp agencies to hire a few workers for the day?  We typically do a lot of the work ourselves because without getting a workers comp policy I wouldn't want to risk hiring someone for the day.  Sometimes we just need help with labor, like carrying lumber or other heavy items, or demo work and moving out trash. 

What has your experience been like?  Can you find skilled workers this way too?  How much over the worker's hourly rate do they charge?  Do they bring their own safety gear?  What if the property doesn't have a working bathroom yet?

[Aaron McGinnis]

We use a staffing agency for day-work. They bring their own insurance and bill us a flat rate per hour.

Rule of thumb is: Don't trust them with anything more dangerous than a shovel and a wheelbarrow. We use this labor to dig holes, move materials, and haul debris to a dumpster... nothing more. Generally they need to be provided with PPE like gloves, dust masks, and whatever else. 

If you don't have a working toilet on your job site, you need to rethink that choice. OSHA regs are pretty clear on facilities and besides which... gross! Portapotties are way cheaper than dysentery.