It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week. There are a lot of different aspects included when it comes to safety. Mary Bauer, OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist, notes one of the trends they’re seeing when it comes to farm safety is actually based on cultural differences and language barriers. 

“OSHA has noted a trend in agriculture where more workers are being brought in from outside, particularly foreign-born workers,” explains Bauer. “This has led to communication barriers and cultural differences that can lead to workplace hazards and injuries. To address this, farmers are being advised to transition from a family model to a more employee-based business.”

One of the main challenges in training foreign-born workers is the language barrier. Bauer says literacy programs are available to assist with this, and simple gestures like learning to say "good morning" or "thank you" in their language can go a long way towards acceptance. In addition to language, hands-on learning is recommended to help workers understand the tasks and expectations better.

It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week. There are a lot of different aspects included when it comes to safety. Mary Bauer, OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist, notes one of the trends they’re seeing when it comes to farm safety is actually based on cultural differences and language barriers. 
“OSHA has noted a trend in agriculture where more workers are being brought in from outside, particularly foreign-born workers,” explains Bauer. “This has led to communication barriers and cultural differences that can lead to workplace hazards and injuries. To address this, farmers are being advised to transition from a family model to a more employee-based business.”
One of the main challenges in training foreign-born workers is the language barrier. Bauer says literacy programs are available to assist with this, and simple gestures like learning to say "good morning" or "thank you" in their language can go a long way towards acceptance. In addition to language, hands-on learning is recommended to help workers understand the tasks and expectations better.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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