The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, while work fatalities decreased in general from 1996-2004, they increased among foreign-born workers, especially among Hispanics. The CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health determined that lack of knowledge of safety hazards and language difficulties contributed to these work-related deaths.
To increase safety on the job, English language learners (ELLs) should be able to understand vocabulary for workplace safety; identify unsafe situations; warn others of a potential hazard; follow directions and ask for clarification; and respond to a workplace injury.
ELLs should be familiar with safety equipment (such as hard hats and eye protection) and safety signs (such as "Caution: High Voltage" and "Eye Wash Station").
ELLs should be able to recognize workplace hazards---either simulated in the classroom or illustrated in specifically designed classroom materials.
Students should practice following multipart instructions, asking for clarification ("You want me to...?") and communicating when they do not understand ("I don't understand" or "What does_____ mean?").
Students should learn vocabulary to warn others ("Watch out!" and "Stop!" and "Don't touch that!"), describe an injury and call 911. They can role-play averting and responding to workplace hazards.