Posted By Bob Matthews Hi All We employ quite a few foreign workers (temps) through an ageny, they can range from Poles, Chinese, to Iraqis, We have a great problem with H&S inductions when they start as they speak very little (or none)english, so how do we get them to understand??? Has anyone else come across this issue??? Cheers Bob

Posted By fats van den raad Bob When I came across the language problem I found the best way around it is to use a knowledgable and trustworthy interpreter. Gestures etc. may do for the very basic simple instructions, but anything more advanced requires an interpreter.

Posted By Timothy Capner Hi Bob Mirroring fats' comment re: translators. That unfortunately is the only way to go, but it is costly. HSE do offer multi-lingual leaflets, but many Slavic languages are not fully covered by HSE. I'm having great difficulty having an employee H&S handbook translated into Slovensky, Italian and Russian. Good luck Bob and if you find a reasonably priced, technical, translation service, please let me know. Cheers Tim C

Posted By James M Bob, I have just spent a week training foreign workers in their parent language. This is an area where you have to ask yourself do I employ non english speaking (NES) staff (normally because they are cheaper) or do I pay more and employ english speakers? Either way, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is required and must show adequate supervision at all times. Too many people have been caught out where they have inducted NES and put them to work without confirming they have fully understood the rules of the workplace. In constrcution, where there are lots of NES employees you will find that a post induction test is included. This shows confirmation of understanding and duty of care from the employer. Be very careful on this matter, I know of a handful of companies that have found themselves wanting after an accident. They were unable to prove adequate IITS. GOOD LUCK Jim