In line with the Directive No. 29 issued by Party Central Committee's Secretariat on September 18, 2013, on "Enhancing occupational safety and health in the face of industrialization, modernization, and globalization," agencies, departments, and businesses across Da Nang are introducing a range of effective solutions and models to create a clean, green, and beautiful working environment.

Employees participating in the recent sports festival for firefighting and rescue, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary skills to respond swiftly and efficiently in case of emergencies. Photo: L.P

Affective approaches

At Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC), "DRC’s Safety Day" is held every Wednesday. On this day, the company's Occupational Safety and Health Council deploy its personnel to inspect and evaluate occupational safety and health (OSH) practices across the company’s departments and facilities. These evaluations, guided by strict criteria, result in scores for each department, and these scores then serve as a basis for commendations or disciplinary measures related to occupational safety compliance.

Beyond inspections, "DRC’s Safety Day" also includes awareness raising campaigns to educate the company’s employees about the importance of such OSH practices. In a strategic move to entrench a safety culture in the company, starting from May 2023, DRC has launched a "Monthly safety incentive program for its employees. Under this initiative, the company’s OSH Council conducts random evaluations of safety procedures in its departments and facilities at least four times a month. Those sectors that successfully prevent accidents and occupational hazards are eligible for awards, with incentives increasing for sustained safety records.

Mr. Le Hoang Khanh Nhut, DRC’s Director General, highlighted the company's dedication to maintaining effective OSH models while focusing on developing a team of skilled and professional staff for OSH evaluation. Specifically, the company established a labor protection committee with 9 members and 9 OSH specialized departments. Heed has been paid to building a medical station staffed with 7 personnel, of whom, two are doctors who take the responsibility of caring for workers' health. Importance has been attached to setting up a network of 170 safety and health officers. Annually, the company invests over 31 billion VND in OSH activities.

"Through the implementation of multiple practical OSH models and methods, the employees' sense of responsibility for OSH has been elevated. Through inspections and supervision, many cases and potential safety hazards at work are promptly identified and addressed. As a result, there has been a significant reduction in both the frequency and intensity of workplace accidents, contributing to boosting the company’s production, ensuring a safe working environment, protecting the health and lives of workers, and safeguarding company assets," Mr. Nhut said.

Meanwhile, at the Hoa Tho Textile and Garment Joint Stock Corporation, one of the key aspects of the company's safety culture is ensuring a safe, green, and clean working environment. Annually and periodically, the corporation invites functional units to measure and monitor the working environment to ensure safety, installs modern systems for wastewater treatment, gas emissions, and air filtration, ensuring a well-ventilated and safe workplace. In addition, the company emphasizes planting more greenery within the company premises and arranging flowerpots and plants in production areas to create a comfortable space at work.

Raising Awareness on Occupational Safety and Health

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Confederation of Labour, Le Van Dai, has said that under the motto "Diversifying awareness raising activities and using all means to facilitate the grassroots levels and employees to get faster access to information about OSH" trade unions at levels across the city have escalated their efforts in launching awareness raising campaigns through various methods. These include organizing training sessions, opening competitions, opening seminars, and more.

Besides, special attention has paid to launching movements of "Green, Clean and Beautiful Working Space’, and “Ensuring OSH for employees," getting involved in developing projects and giving ideas related to OSH, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of production, improving working conditions and the environment.

Notably, the Da Nang Confederation of Labour annually hosts a competition called "Skilled Occupational Health and Safety Officers," that features such events as staged performances, quizzes on OSH legal knowledge, responses to situational questions, and practical first-aid bandaging for injured persons. The annual competition attracts hundreds of hygiene officers and workers.

According to Mr. Dai, such a competition has significantly contributed to raising awareness about regulations and policies on OSH, and on fire and explosion prevention among employees.

Focus has been paid to encouraging employees to comply with OSH legal regulations, helping to foster a culture of safety in agencies, units, and businesses. Heed has been paid to elevating the responsibility of the community and businesses in improving working conditions and environment, minimizing occupational accidents and diseases among workers.

In addition, the Da Nang Confederation of Labour has directed grassroots trade unions in the establishment teams responsible for OSH and a network of hygiene officers, organizing OSH training for workers in businesses. As a result, over 70% of the city’s businesses have established a network of more than 2,000 OSH officers  in total. This effort has significantly contributed to creating a safer work environment and boosting the production in the city’s businesses

Reported by LAM PHUONG – Translated by THAO TRANG