Prevention of occupational accidents and diseases in the textile industry

A production stage of workers at Hoa Tho Dong Ha Garment Company - Photo: KHÁNH HUNG

Head of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ai Loan said that although textile and garment enterprises have made many efforts regarding labor safety, in reality, in factories, labor accidents can occur at any stage of the production process, from cutting fabric, sewing, quality control to product packaging.

The main causes are often due to improper operation of machinery, failure to strictly follow safety procedures, lack of protective equipment, or deterioration of machinery and equipment, or lack of regular maintenance. Common accidents include workers being stabbed in the hand by sewing machines, being injured by fabric cutting knives, or slipping and falling while moving goods in the factory.

Along with that, the risk of fire and explosion due to electrical problems or improper use of heat-generating devices is also a major concern, especially in environments containing many types of fabrics and flammable materials. In addition, some chemicals used in dyeing, bleaching, and washing fabrics can cause dermatitis, allergies, or respiratory effects if not properly protected.

Another issue that cannot be ignored is the psychological and health factors of workers. In the textile industry, the pressure of progress and output causes many workers to work continuously in noisy, poorly ventilated, poorly lit environments and in cramped working positions. If these factors are not well controlled, they can reduce concentration, increase the risk of accidents and have long-term effects on health.

In some businesses, workers do not have adequate access to information and skills on occupational safety, leading to inadequate handling of situations when accidents occur. In fact, there have been many cases where workers have had accidents but did not know how to provide first aid or did not promptly report the incident, making the consequences more serious.

To minimize and prevent occupational accidents in the textile industry, it is necessary to implement many measures synchronously. First of all, businesses need to focus on training and coaching on occupational safety and hygiene (OSH) for workers right from the beginning of work and periodically according to regulations.

Workers need to be equipped with knowledge of risk identification, safe machine operation procedures, emergency handling skills as well as basic first aid measures. Along with that, the provision of adequate labor protection equipment such as gloves, glasses, masks, and hard hats is mandatory and must be regularly checked to ensure quality and efficiency of use.

Along with training, businesses need to conduct periodic inspections of all production machinery and equipment. Replace or repair damaged or degraded equipment promptly to limit the risk of technical incidents causing accidents. Arranging the production area reasonably, ensuring clear passageways, installing lighting, ventilation systems and fire prevention and fighting equipment according to standards are also key factors in building a safe and effective working environment. Businesses need to build an internal culture of occupational safety, encourage employees to proactively detect risks and participate in improving the working environment.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the state management of occupational safety and health in the textile and garment industry is being actively implemented. The Department always coordinates with relevant departments and sectors to regularly organize specialized inspections and examinations of occupational safety and health at enterprises, thereby promptly detecting, reminding or strictly handling violations of regulations. At the same time, propaganda and training are also focused on through training courses, specialized seminars and occupational safety and health competitions.

One of the recent outstanding activities is the 2024 Occupational Safety and Health Competition in the Textile Industry. This event attracts the participation of many businesses and workers, creating conditions for workers to practice skills, share experiences and raise awareness of occupational safety and health.

Many textile and garment enterprises in the province have performed well in occupational safety and health, typically: VTJ Toms Textile and Garment Company Limited; Branch of Phong Phu International Joint Stock Company - Phong Phu Export Garment Factory, Quang Tri ; Scavi Quang Tri Company Limited; Gio Linh Garment and Trading Joint Stock Company; Branch of Hoa Tho Textile and Garment Joint Stock Corporation - Hoa Tho Dong Ha Garment Company; Dai Song Tien Import-Export Garment Company Limited...

Along with that, every year, functional units such as the Provincial Police and the Provincial Federation of Labor also coordinate to organize drills and provide guidance on handling fire and explosion incidents and occupational accidents, helping to improve the ability of workers and employers to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. These activities really contribute to improving the quality of the working environment and minimizing unfortunate accidents that may occur.

Workplace accidents in the textile industry are a problem that exists alongside the development of the textile industry if there are no effective management and prevention measures. With the participation of all levels, the initiative of enterprises and the increasing awareness of workers, occupational safety and health in the textile industry in the locality is having many positive changes.

However, to achieve the long-term goal of building a safe, friendly and sustainable working environment, it is necessary to continue to maintain attention and proper investment from all sides, considering it an indispensable part of the business development strategy and developing high-quality human resources for the textile industry in the new era.

Khanh Hung

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/phong-tranh-tai-nan-lao-dong-va-benh-nghe-nghiep-trong-nganh-det-may-193843.htm