Creating an Inclusive Safety Environment Through Language

Ideas can easily be lost in translation, especially when there is a language barrier. When creating a safe environment for your employees, communication plays a significant role.

Safety professionals must be able to communicate successfully when discussing hazards, risks and means of mitigation. Yet this can become complex when working with employees who speak different languages. Finding ways to communicate clearly is crucial.

Communication is the means to which we exchange ideas and information. Safety professionals are in constant communication through mediums such as posters, verbal and written instruction and video training.

In 2010, OSHA stated in a letter of interpretation that employers are to provide training, instruction in a “manner” or a “language” that is understandable to the employees. Based on the OSHA standard there are a few areas we should be mindful of to make accessible information in languages utilized by all employees.

Training

When communicating with your team on how to safely conduct tasks, each team member should be provided training in their primary language to avoid confusion or uncertainty.  Languages have nuances and differences in words which can lead to unintended interpretations or meaningless statements. If you are looking at learning management systems, bringing in training, or conducting OSHA 10 or 30’s find opportunities to provide the same training in the languages your team members are most comfortable with.

Labeling

Hazardous materials and machines in the workplace are identified through warning labels to prevent accidents and injuries. The ANSI Z535. 4 Standard, titled Product Safety Signs and Labels, specifies that “A product safety sign or label should alert persons to a specific hazard, the degree or level of hazard seriousness, the probable consequence of involvement with the hazard, and how the hazard can be avoided.” While labels in different languages are useful, graphical warnings are universally understood. To bridge the language gap, ISO 3864 standardizes hazard signs that can be recognized globally. Remember, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and conversely so are “languages”.

Posters

In the workplace we have posters with all sorts of information. By taking time to provide posters in different languages that are used by your employees, you help the culture of your company greatly. Providing safety information in employees’ native language helps boost their confidence and motivates them to embrace workplace safety. Your employees will feel seen and understand that they are valued and respected by the company and their peers.

Language barriers can create dangerous situations, which is why access to safety information is crucial for any team.

Providing multilingual resources and safety training to break that barrier is essential to ensure the safety of all employees. With such resources readily available throughout the workplace, employers can better support their team members while decreasing potential risks for injury or harm in the workplace.