Employee English class is as much about worker safety as it is about improving communication. Typically, blue collar manufacturing businesses tend to hire more ESL workers (who speak English as a Second Language). As a business owner, you have a responsibility to provide every worker with a safe working environment. Usually this means going over the safety trainings again, having proper signage throughout the workspace etc. Business owners and decision makers should be prepared to take additional steps to ensure worker safety. If an ESL employee is struggling with pronunciation, how can they communicate to the rest of their team? If they can't understand terminology needed for their job, how can you trust they can follow instruction? Especially in big factories, communication is as much about safety as any other protocol you are required to follow.
How employee English class improves worker safety
When tackling employee safety, it's important to consider that it comes down to more than just proper signage and safety trainings. Because how can ESL workers follow safety instructions if they aren't familiar with industry terminology? Here's 3 ways employee English class improves safety in factories...
1. Employee English class improves communication
Effective communication is a skill that can mitigate workplace problems no matter the industry. Specifically with manufacturing and factory based jobs, poor communication can lead to physical bodily harm in thousands of ways. In most job sites loud noises, operating large machinery and staying out of someone else's way are all distractions that could get someone hurt if they aren't paying attention. English courses for employees will help your team to resolve conflict, and increase engagement while creating a safer, more productive working environment.
2. Employee English class provides tools for life
On any given work site, there are multiple hazards that could cause injuries. English training for companies can introduce your employees to vocabulary they may have never come across before. By improving vocabulary for your ESL employees, they will use what they've learned in so many different situations to come. Knowing how to identify potential dangers, and how to talk to emergency responders are some of the things that come with ensuring safety.
3. An investment in employee English class could save lives
The last thing anybody wants is an accident, but the reality is that 20% of all workplace accidents happen in factories. In the event of an emergency, you want your employees to be prepared. They should know standard vocabulary to describe machinery and standard protocol to operate them. But they should also know basic terminology that first responders use when and if an incident happens in your factory. Do they know how to respond to questions like:
"Where is your defibrillator?"
"When did you start chest compressions?"
"Does your guest use an Epi-pen?"
"What are their vital signs?"
Your associates definitely don't need a highly specialized level of vocabulary, but these are all questions that first responders will ask. Your employees should know basic first aid terminology and be able to answer these questions in English should a rescue event be required on your property.
Our highly engaging In-Person English Training for employees and interactive Corporate English classes online with live native-speaking teachers are easy to access from wherever you are. We offer Real-Time Private and Group Corporate English Training. Get a Free Quote for your Industry Specific Onsite or Online English Classes for Companies.
For more information contact our Language Training Department:
Phone: (617) 731-3700
Email: training@languageconnections.com
