We all know that the world is changing in countless ways, and many workplaces have implemented policies and programs to encourage inclusivity and acceptance. These policies are necessary and positive additions that help ensure equality and reduce discrimination. With that in mind, I want to talk about how important it is that we prioritize Safety Management Programs that keep all workers safe on the job—regardless of what languages they speak.
Understanding the Importance of Multilingual Safety Training
“Language barriers can also play a role. If you don’t understand English very well, you may not catch the warnings and safety messages that are given at job sites.”
Ames Alexander, The Charlotte Observer
Effective safety training is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries, but language barriers can significantly hinder the comprehension and retention of safety information. When that happens, it can result in any number of disasters. All workers have a federal right to receive training in a language they understand, so as an employer, you have an obligation to provide it.
Inadequate safety training can lead to:
- Increased risk of accidents — If my employees don’t understand the safety procedures and hazards on the job, they are at risk of injury or even death. If the language barrier caused it, the consequences are my fault. OSHA estimates that a quarter of workplace accidents resulted from language barriers.
- Low employee morale — Even if your employees aren’t physically injured, there are other impacts. Employees who do not understand safety instructions may feel isolated and undervalued, and when people feel that way at work, it’s only a matter of time before they seek employment elsewhere.
- Non-compliance with regulations — I will always stress that the health and safety of employees is the most important concept here. But you should know that companies could face legal action and hefty fines for failing to provide adequate safety training in all languages spoken by their team.
Designing Safety Training Materials for Multilingual Use
I want to make sure people understand that this process is not a one-person job. When you’re designing and creating safety training programs and materials for your crew, a lot of planning and preparation is going to go into that. The best thing you can do is build an action team dedicated to the task, preferably made up of people who speak the languages you’re implementing into your training.
Walk with me briefly though a few tips for designing the kinds of materials that will effectively reach everyone on your team.
- Do not skimp on translation!
- It is imperative that all safety requirements are communicated clearly to all employees. That’s why hiring a professional translator who is well-versed in the language you need is the best way to ensure accuracy. Not only should your translators speak the language in question, but they should also have industry knowledge so that they can adequately explain concepts in a way that non-English speakers can understand.
- It is imperative that all safety requirements are communicated clearly to all employees. That’s why hiring a professional translator who is well-versed in the language you need is the best way to ensure accuracy. Not only should your translators speak the language in question, but they should also have industry knowledge so that they can adequately explain concepts in a way that non-English speakers can understand.
- Be aware of cultural differences.
- Some hand gestures, like the two-finger peace sign, mean something very different (and offensive) in other countries. This rings true for certain phrases and words, too. Make sure that the idioms and references you use are given cultural context to avoid offense.
- Some hand gestures, like the two-finger peace sign, mean something very different (and offensive) in other countries. This rings true for certain phrases and words, too. Make sure that the idioms and references you use are given cultural context to avoid offense.
- Keep it simple, clear, and concise.
- Use short, simple sentences and avoid complex grammatical structures. The goal for these materials is to make sure there is no room for misunderstanding. There is not a Pulitzer prize at stake, but there are human lives on the line, so make sure your training materials are easily digested.
Tips for Training Non-Native Speakers
While plenty of manufacturing safety training tips are available already, I’ve gathered some specific ideas to help you as you get ready to train employees who may not speak fluent English. Some of these may seem obvious, and others I have already touched on, but let’s take a close look now.
1. Use visual cues and demonstrations
Show, don’t just tell — Have you ever noticed how the safety card in the airplane seat pocket shows evacuation instructions almost exclusively in picture form? This is an easy way to get instructions across to people who all speak different languages. Visual depictions of safety procedures can be fliers or diagrams with visual aids, or it can be physical demonstrations of the safe way to handle tools and equipment.
Hands-on training — No matter how much you read about how to do something, it never truly clicks until you have a chance to do it yourself. That’s why I recommend Incorporating hands-on training sessions where employees can practice safety procedures under supervision. This gives them a low-stakes environment to practice their skills and ensure they’re ready for emergencies.
2. Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment
Encourage questions — Conducting a successful safety meeting should involve collaborative efforts. Encourage employees to ask questions without fear of judgment or embarrassment. The only stupid question is the one that doesn’t get asked. I remind people that it’s better to ask a question up front, even if it makes you nervous, than to deal with something catastrophic happening. Be friendly, nonjudgmental, and educational in your responses to all questions.
3. Use qualified interpreters
Professional interpreters — Again, this cannot be overstated. Only using tools like online translators is not going to cut it. You need to invest in a professionally trained translator who also has knowledge about the job or industry. That will help them translate niche concepts and ensure that nothing gets lost in translation.
4. Provide clear and concise instructions
Use simple and direct language — I know it can be easy to fall into the trap of using industry lingo and jargon, but it’s important to avoid those in this case. Try not to use overly technical terms whenever possible. Safety instructions should be easily understood by everyone no matter their language or reading level.
5. Incorporate repetition
Repeat key information — Repeat key safety messages and procedures multiple times throughout the training. Studies have proven that repetition has a strong impact over whether learners will retain the information they are given.
6. Provide ongoing support
On-the-job coaching — Having interpreters on staff is ideal. But regardless, make sure to provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring so there is confirmation that everyone understands the safety procedures. This also gives employees a designated space to address any questions or concerns.
Leveraging Technology in Multilingual Safety Training
Don’t be afraid of technology! Today, we have so many tools at our fingertips that can help us ensure an equitable and accessible training program for our employees.
- Translation software — I said that you can’t trust rapid online language translators, and I stand by that. However, you can use those translators and then fill in the gaps using the expertise of a trained interpreter.
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) — We can now access VR and AR technology and create immersive and interactive safety training experiences. Not only is this a benefit to all employees regardless of language, but VR and AR tools are also customizable and can be personalized for different language groups.
- Wireless Translation Systems — The name says it all! These systems consist of a headset connecting your employee to an interpreter, who is using one of two translation methods. They will use simultaneous and consecutive interpretation methods, depending on the scenario, to ensure the information you’re sharing is correctly delivered to everyone.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Multilingual Safety Training
As with anything, your programs will grow old and stale, often including irrelevant or inaccurate information. If your safety training isn’t up to date with the information employees need in all relevant languages, it’s not effective at all. I offer some tips for avoiding this pitfall.
- Observe — Keep an eye on your employees on the job site to assess whether they are applying safety procedures correctly. If not, it may be time for more training.
- Collaborate — Request frequent feedback from employees and collaborate with them on ways to make the workplace safer and the training program more accessible.
- Report — Keep detailed accounts of everything that happens over the course of a period of time. This will help you track accidents and injuries and figure out how to prevent them.
Conclusion
There will always be a dozen different ways to do something and get a similar result, but I truly believe the best path forward involves embracing diversity in language and everything else so that we can collaborate and learn from our differences.
By trying out these strategies and testing the results regularly, you can communicate safety information to your multilingual workforce, enhance workplace safety, and boost morale. The upsides are endless.
