HCM CITY — HCM City plans to launch an action-month for occupational safety and health in May as part of the city’s effort to raise public awareness about the issues.

Speaking at a meeting held in the city on April 5, Nguyễn Quốc Việt, a representative of the city’s Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said an opening ceremony would be held on May 6 with an exhibition displaying 80 photos on Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in District 1 from May 6-15.

The department plans to create 10 videos on occupational safety, health and will strengthen labour safety and hygiene training at local businesses.

Enterprises have been asked to reduce workplace pollution and the incidence of occupational diseases. They have also been asked to undertake inspections of explosion-prevention methods at their workplaces.

Conferences and seminars on improving working conditions and healthcare for employees, especially those working in high-risk sectors, will be organised during the action month.

At the meeting, the department has guidance on a decree issued on September 20 last year on occupational accidents and disease insurance.

The department also called for donations for activities during the action month.

Last year, the city held 18 action weeks and one action month on occupational safety and health.

A report from the city’s Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs said that over 1,490 work-related accidents occurred last year, which dropped by 15.35 per cent compared to 2016.

More than 100 people were killed in labour accidents in the city last year.

The report said that employers caused more than 13.6 per cent of occupational accidents, while workers were responsible for more than 42.5 per cent, and other causes, 43.9 per cent. — VNS