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Safety Net Journal Issue 4 |
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Migrant worker safety concerns
By Tony Larkin
Deaths involving workers from the expanded European Union mean UK businesses need to be extra vigilant about managing the safety of migrant staff. Figures published recently by the HSE have revealed that out of 59 deaths in construction last year, five were migrant Polish workers.
Migrant workers employed in the UK enjoy the same protection as UK workers and have the same rights and responsibilities. So, risk assessments and the resulting actions must take the different languages and cultures of these new workers into account
Workers with a limited command of English may not fully understand safety briefings or training so English lessons or an interpreter may be required.
Written material, such as risk assessments, operating instructions and working procedures should be translated into the appropriate languages.
Usdaw, HSE and TUC have all prepared material in a number of foreign languages. The HSE translations can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/languages/. Although many pictorial warning signs are universal in their meaning, some carry additional text, such as electrical equipment showing a "next inspection date". Ideally, there should be signs written in workers' native languages.
Source: HSE
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