Hai Phong-based businesses care about improving working environment, ensuring workers' health

Prolonged heatwaves in recent time have directly affected workers’ health and productivity. In response, businesses in Hai Phong city have swiftly adopted various solutions to improve workplace conditions and ensure the well-being of their employees.

Wide range of measures

At many companies, trade union officers play a core role in building and sustaining the "Green, clean, beautiful, safe and hygienic workplace" movement.

According to Pham Thi Thu Ha, Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Aurora Art Co., Ltd. in Do Son industrial park, in addition to natural ventilation and industrial fans, the union has advised the company’s management board to increase open air vents, install heat-resistant roofing in workshops, plant more trees, and provide misting fans and air purifiers to improve working conditions.

The company also supplements workers' diets with yogurt and fruit to boost vitamin intake and strengthen immunity.

Meanwhile, the Trade Unions of UE Vietnam Co., Ltd. in An Phat high-tech industrial park, Viet Hoa ward and Proterial Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Tan Truong industrial park, Mao Dien commune, regularly assess workplace conditions and gather employee feedback to help the companies’ management boards refine policies on meal allowances and heatwave bonuses, minimizing occupational risks.

Truong Duc Thuan, Head of the Safety Board of IBS Heavy Industries JSC. in Hong Bang ward, said the company employs nearly 200 workers, with about 40% working outdoors at warehouses or in high or low-light environments. They are required to wear safety belts, helmets, gloves, and cooling fan-equipped jackets before working.

The company has also set up shaded rest stops with seating and drinking water for the workers to cool off during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

More care solutions needed

In addition to short-term measures, many companies are implementing long-term protection strategies. Hoang Thi Hong Diep, Executive Director of Van Der Leun Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Nam Cau Kien industrial park, shared that as a Dutch enterprise specializing in marine electrical components, her company prioritizes not only workers’ income and living conditions but also their health.

It conducts regular health check-ups to detect occupational diseases. Each workday includes 30 minutes of yoga to prevent neck, shoulder, and back ailments. In addition to standard health and social insurance, workers are provided with some personal insurance and other protective benefits.

To better protect workers’ health, Tran Thi Kim Thoa, Head of the city Occupational Safety and Hygiene Association, suggested that businesses place greater emphasis on monitoring workplace environmental factors, especially smoke, dust, noise, and chemicals, as prolonged exposure can lead to lung diseases, hearing loss, and cancer. With expert consultation, businesses can promptly work out solutions to mitigate these health risks.

According to Tran Van Huy, Deputy Director of the city Department of Home Affairs, assessing risks and proactively taking occupational safety and hygiene measures should not be limited to the annual “Occupational Safety and Hygiene Action Month” but must become a routine practice.

Therefore, the department will enhance guidance and support for enterprises in developing and complying with procedures and measures to ensure occupational safety and hygiene, with priority given to those working without labor contracts or in special environments.

The department will also continue advising the city People’s Committee to organize recognition events to honor businesses with effective practices in improving working conditions.

MAI LE