Reducing occupational accidents in craft villages

Mr. Le Van Tuyen, owner of a vermicelli production facility in Dong Can village, Tan Tien commune (Gia Loc) regularly checks and maintains machinery to avoid work accidents.

In recent years, along with technological innovation, attention to raising awareness of occupational safety and health (OSH) in craft villages has helped reduce the rate of occupational accidents here significantly compared to before.

Change habits

Previously, Mr. Vu Van Hung in Ngo Dong carpentry village, Nam Hung commune (Nam Sach) often did not use gloves or masks when working, but after being reminded by the owner of the establishment and almost losing his hand while sawing wood, he changed his habit. "Anyone who does not use protective gear will not be counted for diligence and will have their salary deducted at the end of the month," said Mr. Hung.

In previous years, the issue of occupational safety and health in carpentry villages in the province was quite painful. Many workers who came into contact with machinery while working had work-related accidents. The dusty working environment combined with paint and chemicals also caused many people to suffer from occupational diseases. However, recently, many business owners have changed their awareness and paid more attention to the health of their workers. Mr. Le Van Tuyen, owner of a vermicelli production facility in Dong Can village, Tan Tien commune (Gia Loc) said: "We regularly maintain machinery and remind workers to check equipment before starting work."

Hai Duong currently has more than 60 craft villages. Some craft villages that process wood and produce agricultural products using cutting machines and milling machines are also prone to work-related accidents. Realizing the importance of raising workers' awareness of occupational safety and health, many localities have actively participated in propaganda. In some craft villages, village and residential area officials directly supervise and inspect compliance with occupational safety and health. Mr. Pham Van Chuong, Party Cell Secretary and Head of Dong Giao Ben Village in Luong Dien Commune (Cam Giang) said that recently, the provision of labor protection equipment for workers at local wood processing facilities has received more attention from production facility owners. In addition to organizing facility owners to sign commitments to comply with occupational safety and health conditions, local authorities also conduct surprise inspections to promptly remind and request production facility owners and workers to comply.

Woodworkers in Dong Giao have recently paid more attention to using protective gear while working.

The active role of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs

According to incomplete statistics from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, from the beginning of the year to the end of November, the province had more than 120 work accidents, killing 5 people and seriously injuring 42 others. The number of work accidents occurred mainly at construction sites, while there were not many in craft villages.

A representative of the Employment Department (Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs) said that the reduction of occupational accidents in craft villages comes from the awareness of managers, business owners, production facilities to workers. Therefore, the dissemination of knowledge about occupational safety and health needs to be carried out regularly and continuously. Along with strict punishment for violations of occupational safety and health, the responsibility of local authorities also needs to be raised.

To reduce occupational accidents in craft villages, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has organized many training courses to improve occupational safety and health capacity for managers; those who direct and organize occupational safety and health work at the district level, the Provincial Industrial Park Management Board and occupational safety and health management officers of communes, wards and towns; heads of residential areas with craft villages and cooperatives at high risk of occupational accidents and diseases. Through the training courses, trainees have improved their capacity, understanding and knowledge of occupational safety and health, serving as a basis for implementing occupational safety and health activities in the locality.

In 2022, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs advised the Provincial People's Committee to implement the Occupational Safety and Health Program for the period 2021-2025; supported the review and direct consultation on occupational safety and health at 70 enterprises, production and business establishments. The Department also organized training and capacity building for many officers in charge of occupational safety and health, business owners and workers.

HAI MINH