Cultural and language barriers on worksites are common human resources concerns in industries like aviation construction and safety. The more psychologically safe people feel when they’re at work, the better job they are going to do. It’s time to create safe worksites for all by addressing communication barriers and opening access to tools and resources that increase job satisfaction and safety.
Language barriers on job sites such as active airfields or construction areas can cause a surprising amount of inefficiencies, which in turn cause costly delays. Moreover, language gaps on the jobsite are a common culprit in workplace injury and sometimes even death.
Navigating language barriers and addressing multilingual challenges is not just a matter of courtesy or convenience, and it also happens to be an essential step in reducing errors, enhancing collaboration, and fostering an inclusive culture on jobsites.
Language barriers on jobsites such as active airfields or construction areas can cause a surprising amount of inefficiencies, which in turn cause costly delays. Moreover, language gaps on the jobsite are a common culprit in workplace injury and sometimes even death.
While Alder Airfield Services specializes in assisting contractors on airfield projects, a critical component of its work is about building relationships. For us, that starts with having good communication. Whether that’s with the contractors we are working for, or our temporary staff, we communicate using language that enhances worker safety and workplace success.
“There is frustration and a loss of self-esteem in terms of people who are not being understood.” Ali Munzer, CEO of Alder, saw firsthand the grievances of workers and felt the challenges of managing a multilingual worksite. But, she also embraced it as an opportunity to shift priorities.
“Alder prides itself on safety, diligence, and kindness. Yes, kindness. The teams at Alder work to create friction-free work environments that inspire efficiency and a welcome camaraderie,” Ali, who has extensive background in youth education and mental health counseling, added.
Safety risks
Language barriers on construction sites can lead to serious safety issues. Misunderstandings about safety instructions, such as scaffolding limits or evacuation procedures, increase the likelihood of accidents.
Ivannovation, a translation services company that aims to break down language barriers, is an amazing company that understands that workers who do not fully understand safety guidelines are at higher risk of injuries related to falls, equipment operation, or hazardous material exposure.
This problem is particularly acute in diverse workforces, where non-English-speaking workers may struggle to grasp critical information during safety briefings or training sessions.
Ivannovation has some great tips for encouraging better communication, including this an eye-opening example of the issues language can have on the worksite:
Workplace stress and team cohesion
A lack of clear communication can create stress and frustration among workers, leading to decreased morale and potential conflicts. Without proper communication strategies, cultural and linguistic differences can hinder teamwork and foster feelings of exclusion, which may also lead to discrimination or harassment (IVANNOVATION Talk.build )
‘When you know better, do better’
“When you know better, do better.” Alder employees look to that famous quote by poet Maya Angelou to find the answers.
Alder has integrated a variety of solutions so far. Truck drivers have been issued bilingual cards to use as a reference. Google Translate is regularly utilized. And efforts are being made to address difficulties hearing on site.
The volume of construction sites compounds communication issues.
At Alder, we will forever continue to implement adaptations as they are discovered and address problems as they arise.
Suggestions and strategies
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers suggestions and strategies to address these challenges as well. It is recommended safety training is delivered in a language employees understand. Important labor law postings should be in multiple languages. Universal symbols and diagrams are useful in conveying important information.
SHRM says change comes from the to and it is important to foster an inclusive environment where all feel comfortable and respected. In addition, professional interpreters can and should be used during incident reporting in order to ensure accurate details.
Safety and dignity for all
As Alder demonstrates, creating inclusive and safe multilingual sites is more than just an operational goal, it’s critical to ensuring safety and dignity for all workers. When left unaddressed, these barriers hinder productivity, pose dangerous physical and mental risks, and perpetuate systemic inequities.
As we’ve discovered here at Alder, change starts with awareness and a willingness to adapt. When workplaces prioritize psychological safety and inclusivity, everyone thrives.