health and safety at food or pharma plant

Vulnerable workers and Health & Safety risks: the Essentials

We all want to feel safe at work, but the truth is some of us face more risks than others. We’re talking about vulnerable workers—those who, for various reasons, might be more susceptible to workplace hazards and less likely to advocate for their own safety. In the third and final article of the “Essentials” series, let’s dive into who these workers are, the unique challenges they face, and how we can create a safer and more inclusive work environment for everyone.

Who are vulnerable workers?

Vulnerability isn’t always obvious. It can be influenced by a whole bunch of factors, sometimes intersecting in complex ways. Here are some vulnerable worker examples and the key things that can contribute to worker vulnerability:

  • Low socioeconomic status: Workers struggling financially might feel pressured to accept risky jobs or work excessive hours, putting their Health & Safety on the line.
  • Low literacy and limited training: If someone has trouble understanding safety instructions or hasn’t received adequate training, they’re more likely to make mistakes that could lead to accidents.
  • Age: Young workers often lack experience and may be more prone to taking risks, while older workers might face age-related physical limitations or health conditions.
  • Language barriers: Imagine trying to navigate a hazardous worksite when you don’t fully understand the safety procedures or warning signs. That’s the reality for many workers facing language barriers.
  • Immigration status: Workers with precarious immigration status might hesitate to report safety concerns for fear of losing their jobs or facing deportation.
  • People facing discrimination: Sadly, discrimination based on factors like Indigenous identity, race, LGBTQ+ status, or disability can create additional barriers to safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

What are the workplace risks for vulnerable workers?

Vulnerable workers often face a heightened risk of workplace injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities. They may be:

  • More likely to be exposed to hazards: They might be assigned to the most dangerous tasks or work in environments with poor safety standards.
  • Less likely to receive adequate training: This can leave them unprepared to deal with hazards effectively.
  • Less likely to report safety concerns: Fear of retaliation, job loss, or discrimination can prevent them from speaking up.
  • More likely to experience psychological harm: Stress, anxiety, and discrimination can take a toll on mental health.
Safety and Health Week: a cpr class is being taught at work

How to protect vulnerable workers in the workplace

Identify and assess risks

To protect vulnerable workers, we need to go beyond generic risk assessments and delve into the specific hazards they might encounter. This means considering factors like their age, language skills, cultural background, and health conditions, and involving them in the assessment process to gain their valuable insights. Remember to assess not just physical hazards, but also psychosocial factors that can affect their wellbeing.

Provide clear and accessible information

Safety information must be crystal clear for everyone, regardless of their background. Use plain language, visuals like diagrams and videos, and provide translations for workers with diverse language needs. This ensures that everyone understands safety procedures and can work safely.

Offer comprehensive training

Training should be tailored to the specific needs and learning styles of vulnerable workers. Make it interactive with hands-on activities and real-life scenarios. Consider mentorship programs and provide additional support for those with learning disabilities or language barriers.

Encourage open communication

Create a safe space for vulnerable workers to voice concerns without fear. Establish confidential reporting systems, enforce strong anti-retaliation policies, and foster a culture of open communication where supervisors regularly check in with vulnerable workers.

Provide support and resources

Offer extra support to help vulnerable workers navigate the workplace safely. This could include mentorship programs, language assistance, and access to mental health services to address any challenges they may face.

Empower workers

Give vulnerable workers a voice by involving them in developing and implementing safety protocols. Include them on safety committees, encourage them to share safety improvement ideas, and recognize their contributions to a safer workplace.

Address root causes

Go beyond addressing symptoms and tackle the root causes of vulnerability. Advocate for fair wages, secure employment, and decent working conditions. Implement anti-discrimination policies and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. Support literacy programs and skills training to empower vulnerable workers.

Risk assessments for vulnerable workers

Regular and thorough risk assessments are absolutely crucial for protecting vulnerable workers in the workplace. Here’s how to make them vulnerable employee risk assessments truly effective:

  • Go beyond the generic: Don’t just rely on standard templates. Consider the unique vulnerabilities of different groups and tailor your assessments accordingly.
  • Involve workers in the process: Who better to identify potential hazards and solutions than the workers themselves?
  • Consider the psychosocial environment: Don’t just focus on physical hazards. Assess factors like workload, work–life balance, and social support that can affect mental health.
  • Regularly review and update: Remember that workplace conditions and worker needs can change, so make sure your vulnerable employee risk assessments are dynamic and up to date.

Get Health & Safety support for your vulnerable workers

Need a hand with anything Health & Safety? Citation Canada is here to help. We have a range of services to lend a helping hand to your business, such as Health & Safety software, Health & Safety content solutions, and Health & Safety support.

Our experts can assist with keeping your Health & Safety documentation organized, creating Health & Safety risk assessments, or even live Health & Safety advice and onsite advice.

Don’t wait for an accident to happen! Book a free demo at a time that fits your schedule. Our HR experts will provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs in as little as one business day.

Also, check out our FREE toolkit, your go-to resource for everything on workplace Health & Safety!