Haiphong City Urgently Boosts Workplace Safety After Rise in Fatal Accidents
Haiphong, Vietnam – A surge in workplace fatalities has prompted swift action from the Haiphong City Labor Federation, triggering a new wave of inspections, training programs, and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. This breaking news comes as officials scramble to reverse a troubling trend and protect the city’s workforce. The initiative, dubbed “Green, Clean, Beautiful, Guarantee of Occupational Safety and Hygiene,” aims to fundamentally shift the safety culture within businesses, large and small.
Alarming Increase in Workplace Deaths Sparks Immediate Response
Recent data reveals a disturbing increase in work-related accidents. In 2024, Haiphong recorded 23 fatal accidents, a significant jump of 12 cases and 12 deaths compared to the previous year. While the first half of 2025 shows a slight decrease in the East Hiiphong region (3 fatalities, down 7 from the same period in 2024), the West Haiphong region reported 9 fatalities, with 6 directly linked to inadequate occupational safety measures. This prompted an immediate response, with the City Labor Federation launching an action month focused on “Strengthening the evaluation, identification of dangers and risks and proactive implementation of measures to ensure occupational safety and hygiene in work.”
What’s Driving the Danger? Root Causes Revealed
Inspections have uncovered a concerning pattern of negligence. Employers are being cited for failing to maintain safety regulations, allowing subjective practices during production, and providing inadequate health investigations for employees. Shockingly, some companies are spending as little as 50,000-100,000 VND (approximately $2-$4 USD) per employee on health checks – a sum deemed insufficient for comprehensive assessments. Other violations include improper storage of materials near power sources, lack of separation between production and storage areas, and the continued use of outdated machinery without proper evaluation. A critical shortage of qualified occupational safety officers at the basic level, often burdened with multiple roles and lacking specialized knowledge, is also contributing to the problem.
New Initiatives: Training, Inspections, and Stricter Penalties
The City Labor Federation is implementing a multi-pronged approach to address these issues. Over 60,500 workers have already received occupational safety training in 2024, and 26 dedicated “occupational safety corners” have been established. Furthermore, 58 new networks of occupational safety and hygiene employees are being formed to foster a grassroots safety culture. The Federation plans to conduct 35 legal training sessions for over 7,500 squads and workers. Crucially, cross-sector inspections are being intensified, and stricter penalties are being proposed for violations of occupational safety and hygiene laws. The focus is shifting towards proactive risk assessment and the implementation of preventative measures.
Beyond Compliance: Building a Sustainable Safety Culture
The movement isn’t just about ticking boxes and avoiding fines. Officials recognize that true, lasting change requires a fundamental shift in mindset. Nguyen Anh Tuan, chairman of the municipal trade union association, emphasized the importance of companies integrating occupational safety and hygiene into their core business strategies. The goal is to move beyond mere compliance and cultivate a culture where safety is valued as an integral part of sustainable development. This includes investing in modern equipment, embracing technological innovations, and prioritizing the well-being of employees.
A Global Perspective: The Importance of Proactive Workplace Safety
The situation in Haiphong highlights a global challenge. Workplace accidents are a preventable tragedy, and proactive safety measures are essential for protecting workers and fostering economic growth. Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) advocate for robust occupational safety and health (OSH) systems, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, training, and worker participation. Investing in OSH isn’t just ethically sound; it’s economically beneficial, reducing costs associated with accidents, absenteeism, and lost productivity. Companies that prioritize safety often experience improved employee morale, increased efficiency, and a stronger reputation.
As Haiphong City doubles down on its commitment to workplace safety, the hope is that these efforts will not only reduce the number of accidents but also inspire a broader movement towards a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all workers. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and insights into the latest trends in occupational safety and health.
