Vietnamese Manufacturers Prioritize Worker Safety, Achieve Years Without Accidents
A growing commitment to occupational safety and health is yielding impressive results for companies in Thai Nguyen province, with several reporting years of accident-free operations. This focus isn’t just about compliance; businesses are increasingly recognizing that a safe workplace boosts efficiency and long-term sustainability.
A Proactive Approach to Workplace Wellbeing
Companies like SAMJU VINA Co., Ltd., a major producer of adhesive tapes, films, and foams for industries ranging from automotive to electronics, are leading the charge. With a workforce exceeding 1,800 employees at its Diem Thuy Industrial Park facility, SAMJU VINA has made occupational health and safety a cornerstone of its operations.
“The company provides each department with personal protective equipment (PPE) annually,” explained a senior official at SAMJU VINA. “In addition to protective clothing, helmets, and gloves, specialized departments receive items like gas masks, safety shoes, and warning whistles.”
This commitment extends beyond equipment provision. SAMJU VINA actively coordinates training with specialized institutions, covering crucial areas such as first aid, fire protection, firefighting, and emergency drills. This proactive approach has demonstrably paid off, with the company maintaining a record of zero workplace accidents for multiple years.
Investing in Safety Through Modernization and Training
Phuong Anh Wood Joint Stock Company, based in Tan Thanh District, exemplifies another facet of this trend. The company is investing in modern machinery to enhance production of wooden furniture and aluminum-glass doors. However, this modernization is coupled with a rigorous focus on worker safety.
“Before putting the machines into operation, employees are instructed in the processes and operation steps and are obliged to strictly comply with safety and fire regulations,” stated the director of Phuong Anh Wood Company. Employees are also provided with appropriate protective gear, including clothing, masks, helmets, and gloves, tailored to their specific roles. Like SAMJU VINA, Phuong Anh Wood has also maintained an impressive safety record, reporting no workplace accidents for years.
Province-Wide Commitment and Enhanced Awareness
The dedication to workplace safety isn’t limited to these two companies. Numerous businesses throughout Thai Nguyen province’s industrial areas are actively prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their employees. Regular system and machine checks, coupled with preventative maintenance, are becoming standard practice.
Furthermore, companies are collaborating with relevant authorities to deliver comprehensive training courses and workshops. These initiatives focus on disseminating safety regulations, identifying potential hazards, and implementing preventative measures. The growing awareness of occupational safety and fire protection laws among both employers and employees is a key driver of this positive trend.
The Workers Support Center: A Hub for Safety Education
The Provincial Federation of Trade Unions’ Workers Support Center plays a vital role in bolstering this commitment. In 2024 alone, the center conducted 111 training sessions, certifying over 8,000 workers in occupational health and safety practices.
The center’s outreach efforts are continually evolving, tailoring content to the specific needs of individual companies and workers. Information sessions are increasingly integrated with union membership drives, encouraging greater worker participation. The use of visual aids, including images and video clips relevant to specific industries, further enhances understanding and retention.
“Effective implementation of occupational health and safety training contributes to safer production and business operations and reduces the risk of occupational accidents and diseases,” noted the Director of the Employee Assistance Center. Future efforts will focus on refining training quality and customizing it to the unique characteristics of various industries and professions, particularly those considered high-risk.
Safety as a Long-Term Investment
The evidence is clear: prioritizing occupational health and safety is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a strategic investment. It minimizes risks, protects employee health, and ultimately enhances operational efficiency. As one official concluded, every company should view investments in workplace safety as a long-term investment that delivers lasting benefits for both the organization and its workforce.
