The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs reported a decrease in work-related accidents and fatalities in the first half of 2024, with 3,201 accidents and 3,065 victims, including both contracted and non-contracted workers. This reflects a positive trend, with a 7.09% and 7.25% reduction in accidents and fatalities respectively, compared to the same period in 2023.
MOST ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN THE FORMAL EMPLOYMENT SECTOR
Out of the total number of accidents, 2,755 occurred in the formal employment sector, resulting in 2,834 victims. Among these, 245 accidents were fatal, leading to 268 deaths and leaving 710 people severely injured.
The largest number of fatalities were reported in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dong Nai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Thai Binh, encompassing both contracted and non-contracted workers.
Notable severe accidents, resulting in multiple casualties, took place in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Yen Bai, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Bac Giang, and Lao Cai, within the construction, cement, and mineral exploration industries.
Local authorities are currently investigating several serious accidents, and in the first half of 2024, 14 work-related accidents were subject to prosecution, with 17 cases already decided by the investigative police.
The sectors with the highest number of fatal accidents include mineral exploration (14.13% of total accidents and 13.07% of total fatalities), construction (12.11% of accidents and 13.15% of fatalities), building materials production (10.2% of accidents and 10.82% of fatalities), and services (6.9% of accidents and 5.59% of fatalities).
FOCUSING ON INSPECTIONS IN HIGH-RISK INDUSTRIES
According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the financial losses due to work-related accidents in the first half of 2024 amounted to over VND 9,222 billion in medical expenses, funeral costs, and compensation for the victims’ families, reflecting an increase of approximately VND 3,597 billion compared to the same period last year.
Material damages exceeded VND 410 billion, a decrease of about VND 291 billion compared to the first half of 2023. On average, each injured worker took about 16 days of sick leave, a reduction of approximately 10 days compared to the previous year.
To proactively prevent work-related accidents in the future, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs has requested that relevant ministries and sectors instruct enterprises under their management to enhance safety and health inspections.
Additionally, the Ministry has proposed coordination in inspecting businesses operating in high-risk sectors, including construction, building materials production, minerals, and the management of machinery and equipment with stringent safety requirements. This includes construction projects in densely populated areas, elevators, and cranes.
Local authorities have been urged to strengthen inspections of enterprises’ compliance with safety and health regulations, especially in high-risk sectors. Emphasis should also be placed on establishing safe working procedures and ensuring that accident reporting adheres to current legislation.
Furthermore, the Ministry has recommended enhancing accident investigations for non-contracted workers and promoting accident prevention efforts with support from the social insurance fund for work-related accidents and occupational diseases.
Enterprises are required to prioritize safety and health measures, focusing on self-inspections and proactively controlling hazardous factors. Particular attention should be given to accidents involving machinery with stringent safety requirements, falls from height, electric shocks, falling objects, and collapses. Additionally, enterprises must provide safety training and vocational certificates to their employees as mandated by law.
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