Quang Nam (VNA) – The action month for labour safety and hygiene, themed risk management at workplaces, was launched in the central province of Quang Nam on May 4.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Tan Dung noted efforts made in 2018 have so far boosted public and business awareness on the matter as well as improved labour productivity and working environment.

He said the number of workplace accidents dropped by 8.5 percent last year from 2017 to 7,090, and a significant decrease of work-related accidents was recorded in the mining, electricity and oil-petrol industries.

He added that however, the overall numbers of occupational accidents, diseases, and serious incidents in workplaces remain high.

The deputy minister noted that the fatalities of work-related accidents among non-contracted workers went up by 59 percent, calling for more attention to this sector.

He particularly underlined the high risks in occupational accidents as in early 2019, several serious incidents like construction collapse or workshop fire cases have been reported.

Dung urged ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises to intensify the enforcement of the law on occupational safety and hygiene and related legal documents; pay more attention to the assessment and anticipation of work-related risks and diseases and come up with measures to tackle them.

Safety models must be replicated, while the effectiveness of inspection work ought to be increased, he stressed.

Acknowledging Vietnam’s efforts in ensuring labour safety and hygiene, a representative of the International Labour Organisation’s Country Office for Vietnam said the issue should always be put at the centre of public attention and be included in common standards for sustainable development.

As scheduled, during the month, there will be a dialogue between the National Council for Labour Safety and Hygiene and enterprises, a seminar discussing experience in occupational accidents and preventive measures, a training course on health care for health workers, among others.

Labour safety and hygiene inspections will be launched at 10 construction sites and eight groups and corporations nationwide.-VNA