HA NOI — The number of on-the-job fatalities jumped in the first six months of the year, the latest national report reveals.
The rise occurred despite efforts to promote work-place safety standards.
The Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Ministry report shows that 266 workers were killed and 525 seriously injured in more than 2,610 occupational accidents to June 30.
Total material losses were estimated at almost VND56.8 billion (US$2.8 million) with 64,225 work days lost.
The number of occupational accidents was more than 33 per cent higher than the first six months of last year with deaths 27 per cent higher and serious injury 107 per cent higher.
Most of the deaths and injury were recorded in economic zones, on construction sites or in mines.
HCM City, Quang Ninh, Dong Nai and Ha Noi maintained the dubious record of the most work-related accidents.
The number of deaths in Ha Noi increased to 19 and in southern Binh Duong Province to 16.
Typical of the accidents was an explosion at a mine in Hong Linh Commune, central Ha Tinh Province, on April 13 where two workers were killed and three injured.
Three workers died and 15 others were seriously injured when a boiler exploded at the Vinh Kien Food Processing Joint Stock Company's factory, the Minh Hoa Commune, southern Kien Giang Province on May 9.
One death and one injured after a manhole explosion in La Nga Commune in southern Dong Nai Province on Monday.
Ministry officials blamed both employers and employees for the growing toll.
Employers ignored safety and hygiene regulations and the need to upgrade the working environment while a lack of expertise made risk assessment and measures to curb any danger exacerbated risk.
Awareness of the need for work safety among employees was low.
Late reporting
Official reports also reveal that notification of work accidents is still tardy - just 61 of 425 were promptly reported to the ministry and only three enterprises were subjected to legal action.
A shortage of inspectors is blamed for the poor reporting.
Ministry figures show that Viet Nam has only 470 inspectors and they have responsibility for administration; work safety and hygiene, child labour and gender imbalance.
The ministry estimates that at least 1,000 inspectors are required.
Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Bui Hong Linh said the relevant local authorities must strengthen their examination of small-to-medium enterprises, especially in the construction, electricity and mining industries.
Local officials should check the enforcement of the labour safety and hygiene regulations among employers, he said.
These included training courses for workers; improving their work environment and supplying safety clothing, especially those who work with dangerous equipment and tools in a harmful environment.
The ministry is now writing a national programme for labour safety and hygiene for 2011-15.
The draft will soon go to the Government. — VNS
