By Don Fowler
Safety Health Environment & Quality Manager
JWLand Construction
I began working in the ACT construction industry in my teens, and over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles—from tradesperson to safety auditor, and now SHEQ Manager. Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique life experiences and perspectives that have shaped the way construction projects are managed and delivered in our region.
The multicultural nature of our industry has undeniably enriched workplace culture and broadened the skillsets across trades. However, it has also brought to light a persistent challenge: language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) barriers. These challenges can complicate communication, training, and—most critically—safety management.
In my view, providing safety documentation such as SWMS, site inductions, site rules, Codes of Practice, Safety Alerts, and pre-start briefings in workers’ primary languages is not just a courtesy—it’s a necessity. Doing so ensures compliance with WHS laws, reduces the risk of accidents caused by misunderstandings, and fosters a more inclusive and positive safety culture. When safety information is accessible to all workers, regardless of LLN skills, we create a safer, fairer, and more productive workplace that supports effective project delivery.
In the ACT, PCBUs use a variety of construction management software tools and operate under different Safety Management Systems (SMS), which vary in complexity and implementation. For workers with LLN challenges, navigating these systems and understanding safety requirements can be daunting. But small, meaningful changes—like using plain language, offering translations, and incorporating visual aids—can make a big difference. These adjustments empower workers to take an active role in fostering safer, more inclusive, and collaborative workplaces.
There are many tools and strategies available to support workers with LLN challenges. Real-time translation apps and professional translation services make critical safety documents accessible in multiple languages. LLN assessment platforms help identify skill gaps and provide targeted support. Online LLN training modules and construction safety software with visual workflows and simplified formats further improve comprehension. Together, these tools help all workers understand their safety obligations and actively contribute to a safer workplace.
To strengthen these efforts, Safety Management Plans and policies should be written in plain language, avoid technical jargon, and include clear procedures for making safety information accessible—such as translated documents or visual guides. Project Risk Registers should identify LLN-related hazards, such as misunderstandings of SWMS or site rules, and document controls including multilingual instructions, pictorial guides, and mentoring systems.
SWMS, inductions, toolbox talks, and pre-start briefings should incorporate step-by-step instructions, demonstrations, and interactive learning to ensure comprehension regardless of literacy levels. Safety reporting, signage, and communication tools should also be simplified and, where possible, available in multiple languages to allow all workers to participate fully.
Finally, LLN considerations should be embedded in audits, inspections, and continuous improvement processes. This ensures that safety information is not only understood but acted upon—empowering workers to contribute actively to a safer, more inclusive workplace.
