HSE has a dedicated website providing guidance for employers and migrant workers. The site aims to help protect vulnerable workers by capturing in one place the increasing amount of key guidance and essential information available.
The website has been developed to help migrant workers understand their rights and responsibilities. It also explains what employers need to do to manage the health and safety of this group of workers.
The pages for workers have been translated into several languages, and are also available in English. Advice, guidance and sources of further information and help are accessible through page navigation; links are provided to other relevant Government and non-Governmental agencies.
HSE has also published a booklet for the agricultural and food processing industries that gives essential advice on the health, safety and welfare of temporary (including migrant) workers.
The booklet provides guidance for employers, employment agencies, employment businesses, gang masters and other labour providers on their responsibilities. The guidance covers responsibilities, risk assessment, control measures, record keeping and information, instruction, training and supervision.
Printed versions of the booklet (INDG414) are available from HSE Books
Employers have a legal responsibility to provide information, instruction, training and supervision in an understandable format for all workers, irrespective of their national origins, first language, or literacy.
Many workers in the food industry are unable to communicate in English and therefore rely on colleagues whose own language and translation capabilities are untested. These language barriers make training difficult, and also prevent communication of urgent concerns on the shop floor.
In 2006 Bill Callaghan, then Chair of the Health and Safety Commission, gave the keynote address at the launch of guidance produced by the food industry. This guidance is commended to all food and drink manufacturing companies.
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