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A recent court case involving a Romanian worker at Ballymaguire Foods highlights a significant, often underestimated risk for Irish employers, particularly those providing safety training.
In the case, which was heard in the Circuit Civil Court, a worker who spoke no English sued for €60,000 in damages after suffering a workplace injury. He claimed he had not understood the company’s health and safety training or on-site signage, which were delivered exclusively in English.
While the judge has reserved judgment, the arguments made in court are already setting off alarm-bells across sectors with diverse workforces including construction, manufacturing, food processing and logistics.
Why This Matters for Video-Based Training
Many organisations have invested in video formats for safety induction and training—rightly so. Done well, video can increase engagement, improve recall and ensure consistency across multiple sites.
This case highlights a critical compliance gap: if the video is only delivered in English, and the employee cannot understand it, then the organisation may still be exposed to legal and reputational risk, even if the content itself is excellent.
The core issue isn’t whether the training was offered. It’s whether the employee understood it.
Our Experience: Using AI to Bridge the Language Gap
Earlier this year, our team worked on a project to proactively address this exact challenge.
They had a high-quality 45-minute motion graphic induction video, delivered only in English. But like many large firms, they employ workers from a range of linguistic backgrounds.
We helped them transform that training into a more inclusive, cost-effective and legally robust resource by:
Leveraging AI to shorten the video content to its leanest, most engaging format without losing any of the original training material or emphasis
Recreating the visuals to match the new script and support visual learners
Translating the entire module into multiple languages, using AI-powered translation tools
Adding natural-sounding AI voiceovers in each language
Delivering the full solution at a value-for-money price point that wouldn’t have been achievable using traditional production methods
The Result?
Clearer onboarding for multilingual staff
Reduced risk of misunderstanding safety protocols
Stronger evidence of compliance
A more inclusive and professional training experience, delivered efficiently
A Proactive Step in a Changing Landscape
Whether or not the Ballymaguire Foods judgment ultimately sides with the plaintiff, the case has highlighted a trend we expect to see more of: legal teams challenging the adequacy of workplace training on the grounds of comprehension, not just delivery.
For companies relying on video-based induction or safety content, this is a good time to ask whether your current training could withstand that level of scrutiny.
We’re currently working with other organisations to apply the same multilingual approach rapidly, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption to existing systems.
If you'd like to learn more or see a sample of how this works in practice, we’d be happy to talk.
Interested in upgrading your training materials for a multilingual workforce? Contact us today or book a quick call to discuss your requirements.