Communicating occupational health and safety across languages

It’s important all workers are safe and understand health and safety information.

WorkSafe has updated its guidance to help employers effectively communicate health and safety messages in multilingual workplaces. The compliance code will help employees understand health and safety information, receive training, and participate in consultations.

It updates the 2008 compliance code to clearly define employers’ duties and obligations under the OHS Act and OHS Regulations for communicating health and safety information in appropriate languages.

The compliance code provides practical guidance and advice to employers and health and safety representatives (HSRs) on:

• The duties for employers in culturally and linguistically diverse workplaces.
• New examples of cultural barriers that may impact effective communication in workplaces.
• Suitable approaches to undertaking consultation.
• best practices in translation and interpreting services.
• Clarity on the role and the limitations of employees acting as multilingual facilitators.
• How to understand and plan for workforce information needs, including how to build a language profile by identifying language groups within their workforce.
• Techniques for communicating health and safety across languages.
• Providing language support to employees, such as using translators, interpreters and multilingual employees.
• Effective ways to provide information, instruction, and training in culturally and linguistically diverse workplaces.

While not mandatory, employers that comply with the compliance code will be considered to have complied with their duties and obligations under the OHS Act and OHS Regulations.

“Communicating health and safety information was central to reducing the risk of workplace injury and illness. Employers must ensure their workers receive and understand health and safety information, are able to raise and discuss issues, and are properly trained in safe work practices.”

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said.

Follow Us & Connect!

Featuring myWorkCover about-us

Scan our QR Code to connect!

Disclaimer:

The information in this post is strictly for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is not intended to express specific opinions about specific cases. Before acting on any of the issues discussed in this post, seek additional advice. The information provided should not be relied on for any purpose other than to assist you to understand how Workers’ Compensation insurance works. It is for illustrative purposes only and My WorkCover Solutions Pty Ltd does not accept liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person resulting in any way from the use of or reliance on, the information provided. The information in this article is believed to be correct as of the date of publication. However, changes in the applicable laws may have an impact on the accuracy of the material. This article contains general information that is not tailored to any specific person’s situation. This publication may contain information that relates to the regulation of Workers’ Compensation insurance in your State or Territory. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations, we would recommend you refer to the appropriate legislation as currently in force in the State or Territory you conduct your business. You can find up-to-date legislation by visiting each state’s WorkCover Authority website, alternatively contact myWorkCover for updated information.