Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Da Nang (VNA) – Communication should be fostered to raise public awareness and knowledge related to occupational health and safety at work, said Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep.
Diep joined around 200 participants from 10 ASEAN member nations and representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), and enterprises with outstanding performances in ensuring occupational health and safety at a meeting in response to World Day for Safety and Health at Work, held in the central city of Da Nang on April 27.
In his speech, the deputy minister affirmed that Vietnam and ASEAN in general will promote links with international partners, the ILO and the World Health Organisation, in devising measures to create safe and friendly working environments and prevent psychological risks for labourers.
He said ASEAN states are making every effort to boost reform, improve the quality of human resources, and build healthy working environment for labourers, thus increasing labour productivity.
However, an increase of stress and work pressure can cause serious effects on workers’ health, spirit and mentality, he noted.
He stressed the need for enterprises and labourers to thoroughly know the importance of ensuring safety and health at work places and consider this as a regular practice, Diep stressed.
Vietnam pays due attention to ensuring occupational health and safety at work, he said, adding that the National Assembly official approved the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, and many programmes and campaigns are being arranged to raise awareness of the issue for employees and employers.
Vietnam commits to enhancing resources, as well as synchronously implementing measures to protect the health of labourers, Diep stated.
Statistics from the WHO show that about 2.3 million people die due to occupational accidents and diseases every year, including 700 in Vietnam .
On the occasion, the ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) Coordinating Board honoured 14 enterprises within ASEAN, which made great achievements in ensuring occupational health and safety .-VNA
