ABSTRACT
A multi-method case study, including interviews, a survey and participatory observations, was undertaken to describe opportunities and challenges related to multicultural workplaces in the Norwegian construction industry, and the consequences for occupational safety, working environment and work performance. The findings show that challenges related to language and cultural differences are the most common, and that employment relationships and duration of relations have proven to affect many of the challenges. Consequences due to challenges related to language and culture were found more prominent for working environment and work performance than for safety. The focus on opportunities is limited and the potential is not fully exploited. Measures implemented to improve the conditions at multicultural workplaces mainly focus on solving the challenges and mitigating the consequences in a shortterm perspective. A more future-oriented focus is needed, including measures that may lead to long-term gains for the industry.
