Shannon MoneoSHANNON MONEO — Construction workers in Mazatlan, Mexico work in different conditions than Canada. The CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association believes cultural aspects play a role in how newcomers perform at worksites. Rory Kulmala says construction workers who hail from Latin America or Asia are accustomed to different safety standards.Another 1.45 million are expected over the next three years.
Rory Kulmala says construction workers who hail from Latin America or Asia are accustomed to different safety standards. When newcomers arrive at a Canadian worksite, companies can do several things to ensure safety is a priority, Kulmala advises. Employers must also inform employees of their rights, as workers, which can include not suppressing injuries.
A November 2018 article published in International Health found a direct correlation between language proficiency and workplace injury in Canada. One study determined 75 per cent of South Asian immigrants who suffered a workplace injury self-rated their English proficiency as poor or very poor.