Victoria: safety communication must be understood, not merely distributed

WorkSafe Victoria’s Communicating OHS across languages compliance code was published on 28 July 2022 and remains available on its official resource page. It operates within Victoria’s OHS framework.

Practical points

Build and regularly update a workplace language profile, including short-term employees. Consult employees and HSRs about appropriate formats and language support. Explain why language information is collected and reassure workers that identifying communication needs will not threaten their employment.

A communication plan should identify responsibilities, resources, translations and training. Written translations alone may not meet everyone’s needs. Use demonstrations, discussion and suitable visual material, then check understanding through explanation or demonstration rather than a simple yes/no question.

A corrections example

For a hypothetical new equipment procedure in a prison workshop, ask workers to demonstrate the safe sequence and explain how they would report a fault. If understanding differs, change the communication method before treating attendance at induction as proof of competence. This is a training-design example, not a finding about any workforce.

Status and source

Following the code provides deemed compliance only for duties it covers. Other lawful methods are possible; the code does not replace the legislation. General education, not individual legal advice.

Read the official WorkSafe resource page and complete official PDF.