Ensuring safety at veneer factories.

In recent years, the veneer processing industry in Lao Cai province has developed strongly, contributing to job creation for thousands of local workers and boosting the forest economy. However, behind the finished veneer products lie many potential risks of occupational safety hazards and fires, requiring production facilities and relevant authorities to strengthen preventive measures.

Potential safety risks

In many rural areas of Lao Cai province, it is not difficult to find timber processing workshops, especially veneer factories, interspersed within residential areas or along transportation routes. However, most of these facilities operate on a small scale and are largely unregulated.

The workforce consists mainly of local laborers who lack formal training in operating industrial machinery. This shortage of specialized knowledge, coupled with a careless attitude towards work, means that the risk of accidents in veneer factories is ever-present.

From loading and unloading timber and stripping the bark to cutting it into thin planks, all stages pose inherent dangers if workplace safety procedures are not strictly followed.

To understand the reality of workplace safety at veneer factories, we visited several production facilities in Xuan Quang commune, Lao Cai province. Here, the production process is continuous and involves high labor intensity. Workers are in direct contact with high-speed electric motor-driven equipment, requiring concentration and caution in every operation.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, from Bac Ngam village, Xuan Quang commune, who works at the Tuan Ngan wood peeling factory in Lang Bong village, said: "Although the work is hard, wood peeling provides a more stable income compared to traditional agricultural production. After each day's work, I and other workers collect wood chips and waste to take them away for processing to minimize the risk of fire and explosions."

According to Mr. Ta Hong Hai, Manager of Tuan Ngan Wood Peeling Factory, the unit always prioritizes labor safety and fire prevention and control. The factory has equipped itself with fire extinguishers to promptly handle any incidents that may arise.

However, Mr. Hai also admitted that during its many years of operation, the factory had experienced several workplace accidents resulting in workers being injured in their hands and feet. The biggest losers were still the workers and their families.

Enhance awareness among business owners and workers.

Leaving Bac Ngam village, we continued on to Bao Ngoc Company in Lang Bong village, Xuan Quang commune. This is a facility operating in the field of timber processing combined with trade, employing a large number of workers.

According to Mr. Lam Van Son, the owner of the facility, timber processing is a high-risk industry for fires, explosions, and workplace accidents. Therefore, management, from protective clothing to contracts and insurance for workers, needs to be implemented comprehensively.

Authorities need to intensify inspections of veneer factories to ensure fire safety and workplace safety.

Mr. Nong Van Son, Director of Bao Ngoc Company, said: "For workers in the veneer factory, strict requirements regarding work attire are always in place to minimize risks during machinery operation. Seemingly small details such as buttoning sleeves or neatly rolling up sleeves contribute to ensuring the safety of workers."

Given the rapid growth of veneer factories and the accompanying safety risks, authorities in Xuan Quang commune have intensified inspections, monitoring, and awareness campaigns on fire prevention and control.

According to Major Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, Deputy Head of Xuan Quang Commune Police, there are currently 12 veneer processing workshops operating in the area. The commune police regularly coordinate inspections and require facility owners to strictly comply with regulations on fire prevention, firefighting, and occupational safety.

Authorities are disseminating information and instructing people on how to use fire extinguishers.

In Bao Yen commune, there are currently more than 30 veneer production workshops concentrated along National Highway 70 and National Highway 279. Besides inspecting the origin of forest products and production processes, the forest rangers are also stepping up efforts to educate and encourage workshop owners and workers to strictly comply with legal regulations to minimize workplace accidents and fires.

Mr. Pham Hong Thai, Head of the Bao Yen Regional Forest Protection Unit, said:

Developing the veneer processing industry is a suitable direction for consuming forest products and increasing income for local people. However, for production facilities to develop sustainably, besides inspection and supervision by functional forces, the most important factor remains the compliance of facility owners and workers. Investing in protective equipment, strictly adhering to production processes, and proactively preventing risks will contribute to limiting unfortunate accidents that may occur.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/dam-bao-an-toan-tai-cac-xuong-go-van-boc-post900543.html