LookAtVietnam – The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) has said it aims to cut the number of serious labour accidents each year by 5 per cent.

The targets were outlined in the ministry’s national file on labour safety and hygiene and fire fighting and prevention, which was published on November 17.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, head of the ministry’s Labour Safety Department, said that building the national file on labour safety and hygiene was aimed at raising public awareness on Government policies and technical standards related to labour safety as well as highlighting improvements and shortcomings in the area.

The file also outlines Government plans to ensure that all serious labour accidents are investigated and violators punished while also making sure more than 80 per cent of workers with occupational diseases receive treatment.

The ministry will improve the State management and supervision on ensuring labour safety and hygiene for workers at enterprises as well as boosting regular health checks and care for workers.

More than 80 per cent of provinces and cities have set up a management network to prevent and monitor workers’ accidents.

The file also includes new legal documents related to labour safety and hygiene, such as national technical standards on mine operation and the decree on industrial explosive materials.

The ministry’s file shows that there are more than 2,570 fires resulting in VND310 billion (US$17.2 million) in damage each year. Almost 300 people are also injured in fires each year. The main reason for these fires are faulty electrical systems and equipment.

According to the file, the ministry will increase fines for violations that lead to fires while also improving fire fighting work.

The information in the file will lay the foundation for the 2010 National Programme on Labour Safety and Hygiene and Fire Prevention.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News