The report found that migrant workers may be experiencing higher levels of workplace accidents because they are more likely to work long hours, to work shifts and to have limited understanding of health and safety. Contributory factors also highlighted are communication difficulties and the fact migrants are more likely to take up work in sectors that they have not been trained or had experience working in. HSE believes that these factors are relevant to other vulnerable groups of workers as well, and is seeking to co-ordinate
its efforts to ensure improved health and safety protection for all concerned.
To tackle the issues raised by the findings, the research has recommended better-targeted HSE/Local Authority inspection, enforcement and supporting
activity as well as greater provision of targeted health and safety advice and support for migrant workers and those who employ them.
Commenting on the reports findings and recommendations, Jeremy Bevan, HSE programme manager on migrant workers, said: "HSE welcomes the research, and accepts the broad focus of the recommendations. We are already taking action
to implement the research's key findings, in particular we are continuing to target inspections and enforcement in sectors where migrant workers and other vulnerable workers are most likely to work, and are currently reviewing how best to reach these workers and their employers with key health and safety messages. In other areas where HSE involvement is recommended, planning is underway to consider further resourcing during the next year.
"We are also working with other government departments to stem the problem of illegal employment at source, by detecting and deterring those who,as employers, seek to evade regulation by Government. In addition, pilot initiatives such as those being carried out by the DTI have the potential to provide outreach to migrants' and other vulnerable groups, and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation at work."
