Put safety first and foremost

In today's business, ensuring a safe working environment is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical and social responsibility of each business, thereby determining the stability and sustainable development of the business.

Recently, public opinion has been shocked and tormented by a series of particularly serious work accidents, causing many casualties in many provinces and cities across the country. Typically, the methane gas fire in a mine in Quang Ninh killed 4 workers; the explosion at Phu Lam Industrial Park, Bac Ninh province killed 1 person and injured 2 others. Next was the work accident at Yen Bai Cement and Minerals Joint Stock Company that killed 7 workers and injured 3 others. Most recently, the particularly serious work accident due to a boiler explosion at a wood factory in Dong Nai province killed 6 people and injured many others... Serious work accidents and tragic deaths that occurred before and during the Month of Action on Occupational Safety and Health in 2024 shocked public opinion, leaving serious consequences for families and society.

For Ninh Binh , according to statistics from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, in 2023, there were 93 occupational accidents in the province, including 8 fatal occupational accidents, killing 9 people and injuring dozens of others. In fact, although there have been many valuable lessons in the need to comply with and create a safe working environment for workers, the story of the need to ensure absolute safety in the labor and production process has not yet been given attention, attention, or priority by employers and workers.

Analyzing the causes of work accidents, especially serious accidents, the authorities found that subjective causes accounted for the majority, up to 75%. These causes stemmed from the disregard, non-compliance with procedures and regulations, subjectivity, lack of responsibility, and negligence of employers and direct workers. The quality and effectiveness of inspection and supervision by officials were not high, and implementation was not closely monitored.

Along with that, some businesses and employers have not invested adequately in means, equipment and tools for labor protection. A number of workers, although trained in occupational safety and hygiene, have had accidents due to subjective awareness, negligence, and pursuit of productivity and quantity of products... In addition, propaganda,education and training on occupational safety and hygiene have not been really effective, and have not predicted or controlled all risks of possible occupational accidents in order to promptly take effective preventive measures...

In the telegrams issued after serious work accidents, the Prime Minister requested urgent investigation, clarification of the cause of the accident, clarification of the responsibilities of relevant organizations and individuals, strict handling of violations according to the provisions of the law, and prevention of similar accidents... Work accidents can be reduced when employers and employees are fully aware of their responsibilities and the more careful they are, the fewer accidents there will be. When work accidents are reduced to the lowest level, it means that the quality of life of workers is improved. It is necessary to start from the principle of focusing on people, at all times and in all circumstances, maintaining the safety of workers' lives must be considered the most important and put first and foremost.

In order for the phrase "Safety First" to not only be a slogan hung at businesses and construction sites, but also become a golden rule and a mandatory requirement in the labor process, it requires the participation and positive response from many sides. In particular, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs needs to be proactive and coordinate with businesses to effectively carry out propaganda work, creating a sense of responsibility and understanding of labor safety in the whole society.

Along with that, strengthen the inspection and examination of the implementation of regulations and strictly handle violations at enterprises. Strengthen activities to support units in inspecting and assessing risks and hazards regarding occupational safety and hygiene at the workplace... The functional sector needs to grasp and further improve the work of ensuring occupational safety and hygiene in units, focusing on a number of contents, such as fully implementing policies and regimes for employees; paying attention to management and safety techniques; focusing on accident prevention, suspending and handling illegal production and business activities... Only then can we ensure life and property, minimize the number of occupational accidents, and reduce damage to employees and enterprises.

Article and photos: Huy Hoang

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