Enhancing worker awareness on occupational health and safety

On October 30^th, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Occupational Safety and Health, organized a workshop titled "Enhancing knowledge, solutions, and policies for physically demanding, hazardous, and toxic occupations in current work environment".

Chairmen of the Workshop

The workshop was attended and chaired by Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations Pham Quang Thao; President of the Vietnam Association of Occupational Safety and Health Le Van Trinh; and Head of the Communication and Knowledge Dissemination Department of VUSTA Le Thanh Tung.

TheVice President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations Pham Quang Thaodelivers opening speech at the Workshop.

In his opening speech, Vice President of VUSTA Pham Quang Thao, noted that technological advancements have brought about considerable changes in production methods, prompting a shift in how heavy, hazardous, and toxic jobs are assessed and classified. This evolution is essential in providing a basis for implementing worker policies and benefits, including social insurance, work hours, rest periods, wage allowances, and in-kind support.

Mr. Pham Quang Thao also emphasized that occupational safety and policies for workers in heavy, hazardous, and toxic jobs have long been a priority for the State. This workshop serves not only as a platform for experts to share insights but also as an opportunity for the scientific community within the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations to exchange perspectives, address pressing questions, and suggest innovative policy solutions for workers and high-risk occupations.

Mr.Nguyen Anh Tho, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Occupational Safety and Health deliversremarksat the Workshop

During the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tho, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, highlighted that work-related stress has become an increasingly prominent global issue, affecting both the health and well-being of employees and the productivity of businesses. Stress at work occurs when the demands of various tasks and roles surpass an individual's capacity and ability to cope. In North America and Australia, job-related psychological stress ranks as the second most common compensated occupational illness, following musculoskeletal disorders.

In the mining sector, a considerable number of workers are grappling with serious mental health issues and workplace hazards. Studies reveal that miners are subject to high-risk conditions, including dangerous work environments, risks of fire, explosions, and cave-ins; high-intensity labor, shift work; work-family conflicts; workplace psychosocial risks; substance abuse; and psychological stress. This underscores the urgent need for in-depth research on work-related psychological stress in mining operations. Psychological stress presents as a hidden risk—it does not immediately lead to accidents or illnesses but gradually erodes workers' health, resulting in various health issues and impacting both the quality of labor and workers' overall quality of life.

 Mrs.Nguyen Thi Hai Ha, representative of the Institute of Labor and Social Sciences deliversremarksat the Workshop

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hai Ha, representing the Institute of Labor and Social Sciences, highlighted that the development of a list of heavy, hazardous, and dangerous occupations globally reflects the varied approaches each country takes to evaluate and identify high-risk jobs for worker health and safety.

In South Korea, regulations specify that environmental factors exceeding allowed standards are excluded from job hazard assessments, as production facilities that surpass these limits are prohibited from operating. This policy ensures that the working environment adheres to high safety standards from the start. Instead, South Korea assesses the severity of high-risk jobs primarily through two key factors: physical strain and psychological stress, integrated into an occupational stress evaluation system. The country has developed a 43-item occupational stress measurement tool, which includes questions to assess general and common occupational stressors. Additionally, the tool evaluates stress across eight domains: physical environment, job demands, job autonomy, job stability, relationship conflicts, organizational systems, adequacy of compensation, and corporate culture.

TheHead of the Occupational Diseases Department at the Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Healthdelivers remarks at the Workshop

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Trung, Head of the Occupational Diseases Department at the Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, explained that silicosis is caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace. This condition results in irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, for which there is currently no specific treatment. Without timely detection and intervention, the disease can progress to severe complications such as heart failure, arthritis, pulmonary hypertension, and even lung cancer. After years of exposure, affected individuals exhibit significant lung damage as silica particles accumulate in their lungs and airways. This gradual buildup impairs breathing and can lead to respiratory failure, which, in severe cases, may be fatal.

Late detection of silicosis poses a high risk of mortality. Silicosis remains the most common occupational disease among the 35 work-related illnesses covered by insurance in our country. As reported by the Ministry of Health, by the end of 2011, Vietnam had recorded 27,246 cases of occupational disease, with silicosis comprising 74.4% of these cases. Currently, the health of workers in the stone processing industry receives insufficient attention, as many companies in this sector still fail to conduct environmental monitoring, provide regular health check-ups, or assess occupational diseases for their employees. Therefore, it is crucial to swiftly apply appropriate classification measures to address the harmful factors and risks in this field.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hoan, Deputy Director of the Center for Labor Protection and Environmental Protection deliversremarksat the Workshop

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hoan, Deputy Director of the Center for Labor and Environmental Protection, emphasized that health risks are not limited to workers in production facilities—office workers are also exposed to harmful effects. Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) commonly observed among individuals working and residing in enclosed spaces include respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, fatigue, headaches and dizziness, concentration difficulties, memory impairment, and allergy-related symptoms. Research has established a connection between indoor air quality and SBS symptoms. The causes of SBS symptoms stem from chemical agents, particulate matter, physical and biological factors in indoor air, as well as the characteristics of those living and working in these confined environments.

Strategies to mitigate the risk of Sick Building Syndrome generally involve a combination of measures, including eliminating or adjusting pollution sources, enhancing ventilation rates and optimizing ventilation systems, installing air filtration equipment, and conducting education and awareness programs to improve understanding of SBS.

Mr. Le Minh Duc, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Institute for Occupational Safety and Healthdelivers remarksat the Workshop

Representing Da Nang, Le Minh Duc, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, representing Da Nang, emphasized the crucial role that occupational safety and hygiene play in supporting the sustainable development of the economy, society, and environment. Poor working conditions are a leading cause of numerous workplace accidents and health problems, affecting hundreds of millions of workers annually. These issues not only reduce work capacity but also impact public health and result in significant economic and environmental losses.

Associate Professor Le Minh Duc proposed the adoption of a standardized approach to assess and classify working conditions, enabling more accurate labor classification that reflects the intensity, toxicity, and dangers associated with specific job roles. He also recommended conducting research on safety culture within workplaces. He stressed that occupational health and safety (OHS) is a shared responsibility, and improving working conditions is a key factor in reducing workplace hazards for employees. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of raising workers' awareness of OHS through communication, training, effective management solutions, and the integration of 4.0 technology and AI to enhance monitoring and management.

Mrs.Do Thi Lan Chi, Deputy Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department, Trade Union University delivers remarks at the Workshop

Speaking at the workshop, Mrs. Do Thi Lan Chi, Deputy Head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department at Trade Union University, highlighted that the power industry is a critical sector, fundamental to national economic development and social progress. As the power industry has evolved globally, each country has developed safety and management systems tailored to their specific national contexts. In Vietnam, power transmission is listed among the 11 high-risk occupations for workplace accidents and occupational diseases, as specified in Article 8 of Circular 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs. Given the rapid expansion of the power sector, ensuring safety in transmission operations has become a top priority.

To prevent recurring incidents and reduce occupational safety risks in power transmission, Mrs. Do Thi Lan Chi stressed the importance of comprehensive supervision and monitoring of operational processes. She emphasized the need for proper documentation and adherence to work permits in line with regulatory requirements. She also recommended the installation of sensors to detect electrical leaks, elevated temperatures, or other faults, which would provide timely alerts to protect both workers and equipment. Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity of implementing strict fire prevention and control measures, ensuring that any equipment deficiencies are promptly addressed to prevent potential hazards. Mrs. Lan Chi also called for strong management practices, rigorous oversight, and regular inspections to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment during maintenance and repair tasks, alongside promoting a safety-conscious culture within the industry.