Health and Safety Guidance for Employers of Migrant Workers in the UK

Migrant workers make up an essential part of the UK workforce, contributing to industries such as construction, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics. As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all workers — including those who have come to the UK from abroad.

This guide is designed to help employers understand their duties under UK health and safety law, identify common challenges, and take practical steps to manage risks effectively when employing migrant workers.

Employers’ Legal Duties

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, all employers in Great Britain are legally required to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. This duty applies equally to migrant workers, regardless of their nationality or employment status.

It is important to remember that even if a worker’s employment or immigration status is unclear, you still owe them the same duty of care under health and safety law.

Training, Information and Communication

Effective communication is vital to keeping migrant workers safe. Language barriers and cultural differences can make it harder for workers to understand safety instructions, procedures, or emergency arrangements.

Employers should:

  • Assess workers’ understanding of English before starting work and identify where translation or interpretation support is needed.
  • Provide training and induction materials in multiple languages where possible.
  • Use visual aids, symbols, and demonstrations to explain safety procedures.
  • Encourage a workplace culture where workers feel comfortable asking questions if they do not understand something.
  • Check understanding through practical demonstrations rather than assuming verbal agreement means comprehension.

Supervisors and managers should receive additional guidance on communicating clearly and effectively with multilingual teams.

Identifying and Managing Key Risks

Migrant workers are often employed in higher-risk sectors, and may be unfamiliar with UK safety standards or equipment. Employers should take extra steps to identify and manage these risks, including:

Risk assessments must take into account the specific needs of migrant workers — for example, language barriers that may affect understanding of emergency procedures or PPE use.

Supervision and Support

Good supervision helps prevent accidents and ensures that safety standards are followed consistently. When employing migrant workers, employers should:

  • Appoint supervisors or team leaders who can communicate effectively with all members of staff.
  • Provide clear written and verbal instructions.
  • Check that new or inexperienced workers understand their tasks and know how to work safely.
  • Encourage regular feedback and allow time for clarification or retraining where necessary.

Extra support should be given to workers who are new to the UK, new to a job role, or working in sectors with a high turnover of staff.

Protecting Vulnerable Workers

Some workers may require additional protection under the law. Employers must carry out specific risk assessments for:

  • Young workers (under 18) – ensure appropriate supervision and restrict exposure to hazardous work.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding workers – assess and control risks from chemicals, manual handling, or long hours.
  • Temporary or agency staff – confirm that the employment agency and host employer have clearly defined safety responsibilities.

Employers should also ensure all workers know who to contact if they have a health and safety concern, and that they can raise issues confidentially without fear of losing their job.

Creating an Inclusive Safety Culture

An inclusive workplace culture helps improve safety, trust, and productivity. Employers can support migrant workers by:

  • Encouraging reporting of near misses and unsafe conditions without blame.
  • Providing clear induction programmes tailored to the workforce.
  • Offering mentoring or buddy systems that pair new workers with experienced staff.
  • Recognising cultural holidays and customs where appropriate to build engagement and respect.

When workers feel respected and supported, they are more likely to participate actively in health and safety initiatives.

Reporting and Getting Help

If a serious accident or incident occurs, employers must report it under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

Employers can contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for advice or to report unsafe practices. You can also seek guidance from trade associations, training bodies, and local councils to help meet your obligations.

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Every employer in the UK has a responsibility to ensure that migrant workers receive the same level of protection, training, and respect as all other employees. Clear communication, effective training, and an inclusive safety culture are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring legal compliance.

By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by migrant workers, employers can build safer, more productive, and more cohesive workplaces — benefiting both the workforce and the business as a whole.

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