Employers must promote the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace.

• They must ensure that a written health and safety plan is prepared for the workplace, regardless of its size. The plan provides the foundation for employees’ safety and well-being.

• They must also ensure that a healthy workplace culture is maintained, as such a culture helps reduce the risk of incidents and occupational accidents.

Under the Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety at Work, employers must ensure that employees, regardless of their language, background or work experience, receive:

• Adequate information, instruction and training on safe working practices.

• Information on the hazards associated with their work.

Employers must also ensure that employees understand the rules and safety requirements that apply in the workplace.

Employees must comply with the applicable rules.

Foreign employees at greater risk of accidents in construction

Particular attention must be paid to the safety of employees in construction, as working conditions are often demanding and the risk of accidents is high. AOSH data on reported occupational accidents show that foreign nationals account for nearly half of employees involved in reported occupational accidents in construction. This highlights the importance of ensuring that safety rules, procedures and instructions are clear, accessible and provided in a language that employees understand.

Good communication promotes safety

Language barriers, cultural differences and varying experience of working practices can increase the risk of accidents. Conditions in Iceland, such as icy surfaces, snow and challenging weather, can also pose additional risks to employees who are unfamiliar with such conditions.

Where employees speak different languages or have different levels of experience, particular emphasis must be placed on:

• Clear communication.

• Effective induction training.

• A healthy workplace culture.

It is also important to create a working environment in which employees feel able to:

• Ask questions.

• Raise concerns.

• Speak up if they identify shortcomings in safety or are experiencing difficulties with their well-being.

Particular attention should be paid to promoting psychosocial safety so that employees from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds feel that they can actively participate in workplace health and safety matters. Raising awareness of employees’ diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds also contributes to a safe and supportive working environment.

When employees feel safe and well at work, the risk of mistakes and accidents is reduced. This also promotes professionalism and, in turn, contributes to the success and reputation of businesses.

Safety and well-being at work are essential to ensuring that everyone returns home safe and well.