Summary

To conduct interventions with immigrant workers, health professionals and occupational health and safety practitioners (from here on referred to jointly as “professionals”) have to establish direct contact with them, either in person or by phone. As these various participants come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, their so-called “intercultural” encounters can reveal very different perspectives. Therefore, workers with occupational injuries cannot be treated without taking into account a multitude of factors (personal identity, social organization, education, social class, gender, religion or ideology, etc.) that influence their values and how they see themselves. These variables can cause major differences in the cultural perceptions held by the individuals involved, as well as misunderstandings, lack of understanding or disagreements. It is crucial that these differences be taken into consideration. If these encounters are to promote a successful return to work, it is important for organizations to encourage their health professionals and occupational health and safety practitioners to develop intercultural competencies. This document was designed to inspire reflection, and ultimately, to promote the development of intercultural competencies.