An Evaluation of Barriers to Effective Communications and Learning for Information Related to Environment, Health and Safety
Abstract
Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) procedures and training are used by global
industries to mitigate risks and are often provided in a lingua franca. This research, investigated
strategies for overcoming language barriers associated with procedure performance, hazard
comprehension, and training effectiveness. Written procedures were tested using SecondLife®
to explore effects of native language on procedural performance and safety statement adherence.
Additionally, non-linguistic (NAPO) and English language (ENG) versions of EHS training were
compared for effectiveness with native English language participants (L1), non-native English
language participants (L2), and non-English language participants (L0).
First, 54 participants completed procedures under time pressure and were scored
according to performance and hazard comprehension. Analysis showed differences between L1
& L2 performance (specifically L2 Females), although no meaningful language fluency or
hazard comprehension differences were observed. Results suggest the lower performance of L2
was not due to English proficiency, but rather time pressure. Implications of lingua franca
procedures are not fully understood particularly regarding gender.
Second, 102 L1 & L2 US employees completed either the NAPO or ENG training and
were assessed on their reaction to and comprehension of the training (sensory modality was also
measured). Results show that ENG was more effective and preferred by both language groups.
These results may be due to the workers’ English proficiency and the number of channels of
communication provided by the training medium.
Third, 78 L0 Brazilian and Chinese employees completed trainings and were assessed
identically to the 2nd study. Results showed NAPO training was more effective and preferred by
both groups likely because ENG L0 trainees had no channels for processing the information
versus NAPO’s single channel of information. Interestingly, ENG Brazilians outperformed
Chinese counterparts—possibly due to the commonalities of Romance languages (Portuguese)
and English. Conversely, NAPO Chinese outperformed NAPO Brazilians, perhaps due to the
logographic nature of the Chinese language. Though participants preferring kinesthetic learning
had lower preference ratings than others, they did not prefer one training over another and their
modality preference had no effect on performance.
This research provides important implications regarding the use of single language
procedures and training in multi-lingual workforces.
Citation
Johnson, William Dale (2019). An Evaluation of Barriers to Effective Communications and Learning for Information Related to Environment, Health and Safety. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /184424.