Sharing workers’ hazards

Nguyen Thi Thai in Thanh Ha district, Hai Duong province, works for an export garment company near her house.

Thai went for a medical examination two months ago to know that she had pneumoconiosis, one of common diseases among garment workers.

Her condition was so severe that she must be hospitalized for a long time.

“Fortunately, I am entitled to a monthly allowance of nearly 1 million VND from occupational accident and disease insurance. The company has also transferred me to another section to limit exposure to fabric dust,” said Thai.

She can enjoy practical benefits, including allowances for occupational accidents and diseases, because the company sufficiently pays social insurance in accordance with regulations.

“Regulations on insurance for occupational accidents and diseases paid by employers are a fulcrum that partly offsets employees’ losses,” said Le Kim Thoa, Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Shint BVT Co., Ltd. in Hai Duong city.

Apart from allowances for those suffering an occupational accident or disease, about 10% of the insurance fund is annually used to assist businesses in implementing preventive activities, such as examination and treatment of occupational diseases, labor rehabilitation, training in occupational safety and hygiene, etc.

Enterprises must uphold their sense of responsibility for prevention of occupational accidents and diseases at work to be eligible for the amount of money.

Businesses successfully building a safe and employee-friendly working environment will enjoy dual benefits, according to Vu Dinh Tuyen, Director of Vinawood HY JSC. in Binh Giang district.

Those are easier recruitment with more engaged and devoted employees and saving of 0.2% of insurance premiums for occupational accidents and diseases, Tuyen said.

The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs believed that a safe working environment is very necessary to help employees feel secure about work and share difficulties with their employers.

The department will continue to pay attention to raising employers’ awareness about the significance of ensuring a safe working environment in the near future.

The provincial Social Insurance will also increase propaganda and dialogues for enterprises to properly pay occupational accident and disease insurance, strictly handle cases of late or evasive payment that affect workers’ rights, help employees clearly understand regulations, and quickly carry out allowance enjoyment procedures when necessary.

BAO ANH