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Brough900048  
#1 Posted : 11 February 2011 12:00:16(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Brough900048

I am about to start the process of reviewing risk assessments. The site has around 50% foreign workers. Having never worked on a site like this before, can anyone give me any advice on how my risk assessments should reflect this? The assessments we have now, do not seem to reflect the issues that these workers may have i.e. with communication etc. Thanks for any help.
Canopener  
#2 Posted : 11 February 2011 12:06:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener

Very briefly, there are other issues as well such as the different culture of their home country (this may be a significant factor) and even such things as the fact that they are likely to drive on the other side of the road. WE found that this was a bit of an issue with refuse loaders expecting traffic to come from a different direction to what they actually were (if that makes sense). The HSE does have some information on their website about migrant workers that may be a help. You may also want to consider having some information translated or use an interpreter. Try Intran for more information.
Ron Hunter  
#3 Posted : 11 February 2011 12:45:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

I wouldn't suggest that formal risk assessment is the proper angle to approach this from. The issues should focus on the communication of safe systems of work and the provision of supervision, information, instruction and training. These are somewhat "fundamental" issues of the heath and safety management system and (certainly for the medium to large organisation) should be described in your arrangements documents. I suggest it is these "arrangements" that should be reviewed, and you need to get your senior management team involved in that review asap. Your risk assessments haven't changed.The hazards are the same, your controls are the same. The way you effectively communicate these matters (and any significant findings via consultation etc.) does need to change to reflect this change in the workforce.
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