Rank: New forum user 
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I am a workshop manager, recently (first lockdown) I was given a polish technician I quickly understood that there is an issue between both parties on how we communicate with each other,
I have repeatedly reported this to higher management an hr with no success. I am concerned we do not have anything in place to both protect my workers and other workers working alongside him.
I have hse folders such as risk assessments, coshh, and ssow I believe we need copy’s of this translated to go alongside this but the company fill there is no need to.
Also I recently found out they sat an English test to determine how good there English was however the questions that were asked were written in polish.
Can anyone advise ? Thank you
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Legally the employer is obliged to ensure all matters including H&S are clearly understood by all employees. We are still (at time of posting) part of the EU with its freedoms of work & movement for all citizens. You need accurate rather than colloquial translations which is why the NHS/Police/etc. will not accept "family members" as interpreters. Care must be taken ensuring the correct message has been delivered so beware the temptation to use on-line translators.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Legally the employer is obliged to ensure all matters including H&S are clearly understood by all employees. We are still (at time of posting) part of the EU with its freedoms of work & movement for all citizens. You need accurate rather than colloquial translations which is why the NHS/Police/etc. will not accept "family members" as interpreters. Care must be taken ensuring the correct message has been delivered so beware the temptation to use on-line translators.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Core information is here...we actually employ 1 person to translate into Polish to comply...there is also a Red Cross medical translation book that gives information for First Aiders etc..
https://www.hse.gov.uk/languages/index.htm
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi What exactly does he not understand? The HSE have published translations into Polish of most of their documentation. This will explain basic H&S concepts like hazard, risk assessment, hazardous substances etc. English is now taught in Polish high schools as I think a compulsory subject, and most people who have attended school in the past twenty years should have a basic grasp of the language. Assuming he can actually read Polish, using the documentation from the HSE, he should be able to get the gist of it. Any work specific instructions should be translated if possible, but it is important that they are originally written in plain English. I have come across English speakers who when confronted with a high-level policy document as oppose to a proper set of work instructions just switch off. He does not need to know the ins and outs of your H&S system; just enough information to do his job safely.
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks for the reply.
any information passed through emails. Covid, guidance toolbox talks about any change in the way we do things. Are not delivered accurately or correct this is why I have gone to my employer and explained me reading an English document to them does not work.
I was given access to a translator which when asked if she had any qualifications in translation she quickly replied I have none I’m just able to speak a good level of English and her native tongue is polish. Also i need her to be able to explain technical exercises that take place in the workshop which she doesn’t understand. Again I went back to the employer and asked the question is this good enough. No answer yet.
As for the workshop we are mechanics so we are working on all types of size of vehicles that go on to the public roads the equipment in the workshop has the potential to cause serious injury if used incorrectly (not following a ssow that the company have put in place for that piece of equipment in English only.
This is a huge learning experience for me and I am just trying to do the right thing for my team of employees. I feel the problem has been put on my plate and higher management are ignoring me.
I want my polish tech to be able to get the same support and info as any other member of staff.
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