Tuesday, June 8, 2004

It is clear that the issue of multiculturalism and language barriers created thereby, are of prime importance to ensuring a safe working environment and the operation of safe working practices. Activities to increase the ease of understanding, of sometimes overly complex policies/procedures/working practices, are to be welcomed. This will enable the workforce to better comprehend the need for health, safety and welfare at the workplace and into the extended world beyond.

The Health Service is a good example of multiculturalism, and nowhere is it more important to understand the needs of the workforce and the understanding of these issues.

The principles involved in providing proper communication across ethnic groups does not stop with the workforce or health and safety, but extends to customers/clients alike.

Monday, June 7, 2004

As a company we are commencing on a new training programme for all staff. The first phase of this training was 'Diversity Training'. The course looked at prejudice and discrimination within the workplace and how to manage it. We are still awaiting the feedback on the course as it is still ongoing. However, the conference seems to be an ideal opportunity to look at ways to develop the training further.

Saturday, June 5, 2004

To help with better understanding on how other service industries communicate with a cultural diverse market, it may be possible to ask them in the best approach to adopt. E.g. NHS communicating with its patients.

Tuesday, June 1, 2004

AMEC have recently spent several months working with Food & Drink organisations in the Middle East. We have extensive experience in implementing change and training programmes, in particular:

- Lean Manufacturing
- Standard Operating Practices (SOP's)
- Improved hygiene regimes
- End-to-End Logistics assessment

The above programmes have all been delivered in a multicultural environment to both managers and production staff. The work provided real challenges in terms of communicating best/better practice. AMEC Food & Drink and SHE specialists are therefore delighted to see these issues being raised and discussed by the HSE, NWFA and the Food & Drink Industry.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

I think that this is a wonderful idea and the issue will affect a large proportion of British Industry not simply food manufacturers. As a business, the Roberts Food Group, Leeds, are currently developing pictorial information sheets, as we have six different languages employed within our business, amongst which includes;
Urdu, Punjabi, Kurdish, Russian, etc

Can you please keep us appraised of your progress and nearer to the event we would be happy to share the work that we have completed with other companies.