Brett Weaver
Language Access Consultant at PGLS
Manufacturing today is more global, quicker, and more complicated. In this setting, clear communication isn’t an operational edge — it’s a prerequisite to safety, efficacy, and profitability. The majority of manufacturers, however, confront one continual and mostly underestimated obstacle: linguistic diversity among their workers and along their supply chains.
This article deals with how language barriers impact manufacturing companies, the dangers they pose, and the actions visionary leaders are taking to safeguard their workers, de-bottleneck operations, and ensure sustainable growth.
How Language Barriers Affect Manufacturing Operations
In business, the workforce is often made up of employees of different linguistic backgrounds — particularly where labor is in short supply or where migrant labor is employed. In addition, supply chains span continents, and there are vendors and suppliers who may not share your native language.
Wherever there are language gaps at any point during this process, the whole operation is susceptible to:
- Misconceptions by employees regarding procedures, safety procedures, or use of equipment
- Delays resulting from miscommunication with suppliers or logistics partners
- Compliance risks of regulatory failure
- Poor staff morale and retention because of feelings of exclusion or confusion
The Top 3 Risks of Language Barriers in Manufacturing
1. Safety Risks: Language Gaps Endanger Workers
Safety is the foundation of every production environment. When instructions, safety procedures, or hazard communication cannot be understood because of a language problem, the potential for accidents grows exponentially.
Main safety hazards are:
- Misreading of machine operational instructions
- Inability to comprehend emergency protocols
- Inability to identify hazard signs or labels
- Challenges in reporting close calls or incidents
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, language barriers in the workplace are associated with increased rates of injuries and fatalities. Language barriers were found to be a contributory cause of nearly 25% of industrial accidents among immigrant construction and factory workers.
2. Efficiency Risks: Miscommunication Disrupts Operations
Manufacturing depends on synchronization and accuracy. Ineffective communication between workers or supply chain partners produces:
- Missed production deadlines
- Errors in product assembly or packaging
- Supplier Coordination Failures
- Material Delivery Delays
Language barriers hinder daily commerce, sap productivity, and spoil relationships throughout the supply chain.
3. Financial Risks: Language Barriers Hurt the Bottom Line
When efficiency and safety are compromised, so is your bottom line. The bottom-line costs of language disparity in manufacturing can be:
- Injury Costs: Medical cost, workers’ compensation claims, and increased insurance premiums
- Production Downtime: Losses due to accidents or errors
- Supply Chain Penalties: Failure to meet delivery timescales or inaccurate orders
- Regulatory Fines: Noncompliance with safety standards due to misunderstood protocols
For firms that operate in low-margin businesses, these types of costs can disproportionately affect profitability.
Solutions: How Manufacturers Are Overcoming Language Barriers
Progressive factory executives no longer consider language access a nice-to-have. It’s now a strategic necessity. Let’s discuss three of the ways they are overcoming this obstacle:
1. Workforce Language Training
Providing language instruction (or exposure to translated instructional content) enables workers to acquire the skills necessary to become effective workplace communicators.
- eLearning Localization: Companies are now localizing safety training, standard operating procedures, and onboarding modules into the native languages of employees. This provides understanding and engagement.
- On-site or distance language training: Focused English-as-a-second-language (ESL) or work-specific language training enables workers to gain confidence while improving safety and productivity.
2. Content Translation: Signage, Manuals, and Beyond
Manufacturing operations encompass an enormous range of written content — from equipment manuals and SOPs to safety signs and plant signage.
- Technical manual translation ensures workers can operate machinery safely and efficiently.
- Plant signage localization means that hazard warnings, directions, and emergency exits are understandable to all.
- Translation of employee handbooks establishes expectations with clarity and assists in fostering an inclusive culture.
3. Interpretation for Real-Time Communication
Multilingual supplier chains or vendors usually require assistance with site visits, audits, or meetings.
- Phone and video interpretation services allow teams to communicate clearly in the moment, averting costly misunderstandings.
- On-demand interpretation aids HR discussions, safety orientations, and emergencies in which clear understanding matters most.
The PGLS Approach: Helping Manufacturing Leaders Scale Language Access
At PGLS, we recognize the business imperatives that manufacturing leaders confront. Our solutions are crafted to:
- Minimize risks: From warning signs to compliance documents, our services keep you and your employees safe.
- Increase efficiency: Localized training and correct interpretation avoid delays and rework.
- Protect profitability: Reduce expensive mistakes, downtime, and ship on schedule with certainty.
We work alongside you as your strategic language partner, delivering comprehensive and personalized language solutions to help you connect with your audience—across any language or region.
Take the Next Step To More Efficient, Safer Operations
Language issues in manufacturing are more than a communications issue — they’re an operational risk. However, with the right partner, those issues can be transformed into competitive advantages.
Explore our comprehensive language access guide to learn more.
Download our eBook on building inclusive manufacturing operations.
Get in touch to start a conversation about scaling language solutions for your team.