The Links Between Culture and OHS: A Literature Review

Abstract

There is growing recognition that as workplaces become more culturally and ethnically diverse, OHS prevention and investigation must be seen within the context of a cross-cultural milieu. In particular, investigations into workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses have indicated that many of the root causes are the lack of communication or the inability to make sense of the communication and where cultural diversity factors are at play. The focus of this paper, therefore, is: ''What evidence is there in the literature on the links between culture and OHS?” In particular, this paper identifies the key debates, strengths and weaknesses of the research on the topic. Finally it is argued that more attention is required on the subject of cultural diversity and its impact on OHS and employment relations in general which has implications for power relations between different groups/individuals in the workplace. Hence, further exploration of the significance of cultural diversity and communication and OHS is encouraged.