7-7. Language and Cultural Considerations for EHS Training in Multicultural Teams

In our increasingly globalized world, multinational teams are becoming the norm. For companies, this means EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) education must now cater to employees with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. However, underestimating language barriers and cultural differences can lead to a failure to properly communicate safety rules, increasing the risk of serious accidents and compliance violations. Therefore, linguistic and cultural considerations are essential strategic elements of EHS education.

Overcoming Language Barriers

The most significant challenge in EHS education for multinational teams is language difference. While translating training materials into employees' native languages is a basic step, a simple, literal translation can lead to misunderstandings. Since technical terms and safety signs often vary by country, using contextualized translations and visual aids like pictograms, videos, and illustrated manuals is highly effective. More companies are also ensuring uniform education by implementing real-time interpretation or multilingual e-learning systems.

Designing Education with Cultural Backgrounds in Mind

Cultural differences influence safety behavior and risk perception. For example, in hierarchical cultures, subordinates may be hesitant to speak up to their superiors, which can suppress near-miss reporting. In collectivist cultures, the efficiency of the team may be prioritized over individual safety. It is crucial to understand these cultural backgrounds and reflect them in the training programs. Specifically, role-playing scenarios and facilitating cross-cultural discussions can improve mutual understanding and shared safety awareness.

Required Skills for Trainers

To succeed in EHS education for multinational teams, trainers must have a strong understanding of different cultures. They need not only to convey safety knowledge but also to possess the skills to communicate while respecting the cultural backgrounds of their audience. It is also important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the training and incorporate a process to correct misunderstandings and differences in comprehension.

Best Practices in Global Companies

Some global companies with multinational teams adopt a model where they place local safety managers at each location while the headquarters provides a unified educational policy. This allows for guidance that is rooted in local culture while maintaining the consistency of global standards. Additionally, some companies are introducing multilingual educational apps with gamification elements and practical safety training using VR/AR, which has been reported to improve educational effectiveness.

Conclusion

In EHS education for multinational teams, it is essential to consider linguistic and cultural differences and design training that is tailored to the specific circumstances of the workplace. Adopting an approach that overcomes language barriers and respects cultural differences leads to the cultivation of a global safety culture and the sustainable growth of the company.