With an influx of non-English speaking workers it is inevitable that the issue of understanding policy and instructions on Health and Safety will arise from time to time.

As an employer you have a duty to instruct your workforce in safe practice.

In a recent case a Romanian employee lost a leg through entering an area where loading shovels were in operation.

The employee argued he hadn’t understood the requirements because of the language barrier.

It is vital to address this issue and this can be done using a work colleague or a third party translator.

Both the employee and the translator should sign to confirm they understood the instructions given.

It goes without saying that instructions should be concise and easily understood.

Symbols such as ‘No Entry’ etc speak much clearer than words.

Visit www.lawgistics.co.uk or call 0870 26 77 118 for more information.