The Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety and the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures at the University of South Australia in conjunction with Helping Hand are pleased to announce the launch of the report: Communicating work health and safety in the context of cultural and linguistic diversity in aged care, funded by SafeWork SA.

The report responds to unprecedented changes in the Australian aged care sector. The population is aging, traditional sources of care such as the extended family are less readily available, and there is a shortage of skilled personnel in the labour market. Combined with the changing demographics of the Australian workforce in general, there has been a significant increase in the cultural and linguistic diversity among staff and residents.

The report is based on an extensive study of communication in aged care in this context of cultural and linguistic diversity within the aged care sector, and provides recommendations on how workers, employers and residents can accomplish safety in care in this increasingly complex environment.

The research identifies ways in which diverse linguistic and cultural groups work together to develop safe work practices and more enriching experiences of work and care for those involved. Based on the findings of the report, strategies for improving communication of health and safety at work are outlined.