When it comes to major construction and engineering projects involving hundreds or even thousands of people, it is common to encounter a diverse workforce with various nationalities and languages spoken on-site. Effective communication becomes crucial in such scenarios to ensure safety messages are fully understood and new processes well explained.
That’s why our specialist team of translation experts, working in our sister company NRL Language Solutions, support clients with a wide range of written language translation and interpreting services - to bridge the communication gap and ensure that everyone receives vital information, eliminating language barriers and misinterpretations.
We take a look at how using translation and interpreting can benefit site managers and project leads when working with a multi-national workforce.
Making site documentation accessible
Translating site induction material and communication updates into multiple languages can help workers better understand essential information, as well as drive inclusivity. This personal touch will not go unnoticed by your workforce, making them feel welcomed and valued in the project.
Additionally, think about translating signage around the site and important notices on bulletin boards. Key information such as employment contracts and site handbooks can also be made available in different languages.
Our translation team can assist you in providing documentation in multiple languages, whether it's a few pages or lengthy documents. Working with expert linguists, they’ll ensure accurate and precise translations are completed in a timely manner so you have a range of language material to share with workers.
Managing technical translation
It’s also advantageous to ensure technical translation is accessible in multiple languages, and the industry terminology is accurately translated across a range of engineering disciplines.
Whatever you need language support with, our Languages business can provide support in more than 135 languages – from a single document to a lengthy technical report – linguists will work meticulously, with thorough proofreading and quality checks.
Documentation they can translate includes:
Data sheets
Process flows
Technical documentation and reports
Engineering specifications
Health and Safety manuals
Product and Master specifications
Technical documents, plans and drawings (CAD)
Regulatory documents
Patents
Operating manuals and installation guides
Quality assurance documentation
Codes of conduct
Design specifications
Legal and regulatory documents
Machine and equipment operating manuals
Bill of materials
Quality management processes
Health and safety processes
Tender and bid documents
Commercial agreements
Supplier contracts
Interpreting business and HR meetings
With multiple stakeholders involved in projects, it may be more productive to have interpreters present during face-to-face and remote meetings to support non-English speakers. This attention to detail ensures that all parties can actively engage in discussions and decision-making processes – and ensures there are no misunderstandings due to a language barrier and the project stays on track. When liaising with clients and suppliers situated across the globe, booking an interpreter provides a valued addition to deliver productive meetings.
When it comes to HR-related activities on-site like performance reviews and disciplinary meetings, using an interpreter where the worker does not speak English as their native language can significantly enhance the effectiveness of these sessions – and demonstrate that you can keen to include them in the sessions. When you book interpreters through a language solutions provider such as NRL, you can rest assured that any discussions and information shared in meetings will remain confidential – and our team are more than happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to providing language services.
Choosing the right language partner
If you haven't worked with a language solutions provider before, it's important to familiarise yourself with their services. Translation services are typically charged based on word count, which includes a thorough proofread to check for accuracy. Interpreting services, on the other hand, can be booked by the hour, whether it's an in-person meeting or through video conferencing platforms like Teams or Zoom.
It's crucial to check that language providers uphold high quality standards and operate in line with industry best practice. Our Languages team have delivered translation and interpreting services since 1965. They are long-standing members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), as well as holding the ISO 9001 accreditation for quality management. This means that translation work is accompanied by a translation certification letter to endorse its accuracy, and all linguists adhere to their code of conduct that ensures the highest of standards of accuracy, precision and professionalism.
By translating site documentation, utilising interpreters for meetings, and partnering with a trusted language services provider, you can break down language barriers and foster a productive and inclusive work environment.
Want to find out more about our technical translation and interpreting services?