Oct 2024 International Blog – Preparing for an International Workforce in UK's Expanding Green Sector
“Make Britain a clean energy superpower” - Ed Miliband, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary
Underneath the attention-grabbing headline though, we need to consider cultural competence – and in Arinite’s case, within safety management.
As I write this, the podiums are being given their final preparations, sound-checks, etc., for the annual Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Keynote speeches will no doubt elaborate on the Government’s manifesto to create 650,000 new high-quality jobs transitioning to a clean-energy system, and exporting the technologies of the future. For example, Scotland's installed wind power capacity already forms 39% of the UK's capacity, 5% of Europe's, and 1% of the world's.
The UK was the first G7 country to legislate for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and time will tell if we achieve that goal. A major milestone was reached when the UK stopped burning coal for power generation at the end of September 2024 - the first industrial county to do so. As the UK strives to meet its ambitious climate targets, the green sector is growing rapidly.
The generation of green electricity (also known as renewable energy) is seldom considered low-risk, for example building offshore windfarms, solar farms, hydroelectric dams, geothermal energy stations, tidal barriers, nuclear powerplants, burning biomass fuel, along with storage and distribution of high voltage electricity. These all involve high risk activities which need to be effectively managed.
From renewable energy projects to green building and sustainable manufacturing, this sector is drawing an increasingly diverse, international workforce.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, safety management must be inclusive and culturally competent, taking into account the varied backgrounds of the workers.
Key strategies to prepare for an international workforce in the UK’s green sector
- Understanding Cultural Competence in Safety Management
Cultural competence refers to the ability of health & safety managers to interact effectively with employees from different cultural backgrounds. This is crucial in the green sector, where workers may come from a range of countries, each with distinct safety norms, communication styles, and workplace expectations.
Incorporating cultural competence means being aware of these differences and adjusting health & safety protocols, training, and management practices to accommodate them. This leads to more inclusive health & safety practices that help prevent accidents, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure all workers feel respected and understood.
- Training in Cross-Cultural Communication
Effective communication is at the core of health & safety management, and with an international workforce, this requires more than just overcoming language barriers. Workers from different cultural backgrounds may interpret instructions, risks, or health & safety protocols differently based on their previous experiences and cultural norms. See: Arinite July 2024 International Blog – Cross-Cultural Communication in International Health and Safety Management
- Customising Health & safety Protocols
Standard health & safety protocols may not always be effective across different cultural groups. As the above link shows, some cultures may have different approaches to personal protective equipment (PPE) or attitudes toward risk.
- Building a diverse health & safety leadership team
Incorporating diverse perspectives into health & safety management can be a powerful tool in addressing cultural differences. A diverse health & safety leadership team can bring insights into various cultural health & safety norms and practices, making it easier to develop inclusive protocols. This can be done by:
- Recruit from diverse backgrounds: Actively seek out managers who reflect the diversity of the workforce. This helps in building trust with workers and creating health & safety programmes that resonate with a broader audience.
- Foster inclusivity at all levels: Encourage feedback from workers about health & safety concerns and solutions, and ensure that their cultural perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The UK has robust health and health & safety regulations, but it’s essential to ensure that these are applied effectively across a diverse workforce.
- Ensure compliance with equality laws: Many countries mandate non-discrimination in the workplace. Health & safety procedures must be adapted to ensure they are inclusive of all workers, including those from different cultural and religious backgrounds.
- Account for international standards: Some workers may come from countries with less stringent health & safety regulations. It's crucial to educate them on the UK's higher H&S standards and ensure they are equipped to comply.
- Leveraging Technology
Technology can be an effective tool for enhancing cultural competence in health & safety management.
- Use digital translation tools for instant translation of documents and real-time interpretation during health & safety meetings.
Conclusion
As the UK’s green sector continues to expand, welcoming an international workforce brings both opportunities and challenges.
Culturally competent health & safety management is essential for ensuring that all workers, regardless of their background, are protected and feel secure.
This requires a proactive approach to cross-cultural communication, adapting H&S protocols, fostering diversity in H&S leadership, and creating an inclusive H&S culture.
By addressing these elements, managers can create a safer, more productive workplace in the green sector, helping to advance the UK’s environmental goals while ensuring the well-being of its global workforce.
Further reading
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