Remember the Needs of NESB Workers

By OHS Bulletin

Two employers have incurred penalties of more than $160,000.00 after workers who were not native English speakers seriously injured their hands while working with machinery.

The case highlights the need for employers to enure not only that machinery is safe, but that workers from NES backgrounds are given afdequate safety information, instruction and training that they can understand.

Visy Paper and a Furodeck Pty Ltd South Australian textile manufacturer were the recipients of the fines. Employers need to be aware of the languages spoken by workers and ensure they get information and instruction they can understand. Employers cannot assume from nods that workers understand what is being said as workers want to keep jobs and will try to please. An understanding of English is no guarantee of an understanding of technical language abut a machine or process.

(Occupational Health and Safety Bulletin; vol. 11n o 247, August 21, 2002)