HÀ NỘI — The construction sector is currently seeing the highest number of fatal work accidents, making up more than 20 per cent of the total amount of incidents across the country.

The findings were announced yesterday in a press conference in Hà Nội by the Department of Work Safety under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA).

The construction materials manufacturing sector ranks second with more than nine per cent of total fatal work accidents in the country.

Falling from height is the main cause of fatalities in work accidents, making up more than 27 per cent. Electric shock is the second main cause with 13 per cent of the total number.

HCM City experienced the highest number of fatalities in work accidents last year, with 122 cases killing 123 people. 

Director of the Department of Work Safety Hà Tất Thắng said that most work accidents were investigated based on regulations, however, several localities sent investigation reports to MOLISA late, making it difficult for management to investigate effectively.

Provinces and cities with the highest number of fatalities in work accidents last year. — VNS Infographic Đoàn Tùng

Besides, he said, several large enterprises relied vain gloriously on their wealth to compensate the victims’ families and local authorities in order to avoid criminal responsibility. As a result, the violated enterprises only received administrative fines.

In order to increase the safety awareness of enterprises and workers, an action month on work safety and hygiene will be launched in HCM City on May 6 with the theme “To take the initiative in preventing and controlling dangerous and harmful factors at the work place so as to limit occupational accidents and diseases”.

Nguyễn Anh Thơ, deputy director of the department, said that during the month, inspections will be conducted, especially in sectors with high risk. Community activities will be organised, with participation from enterprises and workers, as well as training courses, contests, forums, painting exhibitions and conferences on the issue.

The work safety awareness of authorities at different levels, from grassroots to central, changed significantly after the National Assembly approved the Law on Occupational Safety and Health in July 2016.

"The action month is expected to help limit work accidents, and better control work diseases," said Thơ.

The country saw close to 9,000 work accidents last year, killing 982 people and injuring more than 9,100 others, according to the MOLISA. — VNS