Workplace safety in Vietnam cannot be ignored. In this rapidly developing economy, ensuring employee safety is not only a moral obligation, but also the key to corporate sustainable development. Good safety practices can increase productivity, reduce accident costs, and enhance employee loyalty while meeting increasingly stringent legal requirements. As Vietnam becomes deeply integrated into the global economy, workplace safety has become an important factor in attracting international investment and winning overseas orders. More importantly, it helps cultivate a safety culture for the whole society and promotes the overall progress of the country. Therefore, both local and multinational companies should regard workplace safety as a strategic priority, continue to invest resources, and constantly improve management to create a safer and more prosperous Vietnam.

Overview of Vietnam’s latest laws and regulations

Vietnam has continuously improved its legal system on occupational safety and health in recent years to cope with new challenges brought by the rapidly developing economic environment. The new version of the Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) passed in 2019 is an important milestone in this process. The law officially came into effect on January 1, 2021, placing higher requirements on workplace safety. The new labor law emphasizes employers’ responsibilities in ensuring a safe working environment, including regular risk assessments, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, and safety training for employees.

At the same time, the Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) promulgated in 2015 remains as Vietnam’s first comprehensive law specifically targeting occupational safety and health, laying the foundation for workplace safety in the entire country. . The law stipulates in detail the rights and obligations of employers and employees in terms of safety and health, including mandatory safety training, regular health examinations, and occupational disease prevention measures.

In order to further refine the implementation of these laws, the Vietnamese government has successively promulgated a number of supporting regulations. For example, Government Decree 45/2013/ND-CP details working hours, rest periods, and safety and health requirements for special occupations. Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP specifically puts forward specific requirements for occupational safety and health training, including training content, duration and frequency.

In terms of training, the Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH issued by the Ministry of Labor, Disabled Persons and Social Affairs further clarified the specific content and implementation details of the training. This ensures standardization and effectiveness of safety training across the country. At the same time, government decree 88/2020/ND-CP provides detailed regulations on the implementation of occupational accident and occupational disease insurance, providing better protection for workers.

Regarding work environment monitoring, Notice 14/2021/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates specific monitoring and evaluation standards and procedures. This ensures that businesses can detect and address potential security risks in a timely manner. In addition, Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates the content and procedures of mandatory occupational safety and health inspections, providing clear guidance for government supervision.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Labour, Disabled Persons and Social Affairs also issued Decision 1070/QD-BLDTBXH outlining a list of high-risk jobs that require strict safety measures. This provides additional guidance for industry-specific safety management.

Together, these laws and regulations constitute Vietnam’s current legal framework for occupational safety and health. They not only reflect the Vietnamese government’s emphasis on workers’ safety and health, but also provide clear compliance guidelines for companies. With the continued development of the economy and changes in the industrial structure, the Vietnamese government is constantly updating and improving relevant regulations to adapt to new security challenges. Therefore, businesses need to stay current on the latest legal changes and ensure they are always compliant with the latest security standards and requirements.

Safety management system

Establishing a sound safety management system is key for Vietnamese companies to ensure workplace safety. The core of this system includes the establishment of a safety and health management committee, the implementation of risk assessment and safety audit processes, and a complete accident reporting and investigation mechanism.

The establishment of the Safety and Health Management Committee is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP. The Act requires employers to establish a dedicated safety and health management committee within the enterprise to formulate and supervise the implementation of safety and health policies. The composition of the committee should include management representatives, union representatives and employees with relevant expertise. The main responsibilities of the committee include developing safety and health plans, organizing safety training, supervising the implementation of safety measures, and regularly evaluating safety performance. For businesses with fewer than 300 employees, a dedicated safety and health officer can be designated to perform these duties.

Risk assessment and safety audit are indispensable links in the safety management system. According to the Industrial Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13), companies must conduct comprehensive risk assessments on a regular basis. This process includes identifying potential hazards, assessing risk levels, developing prevention and control measures, and continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures. Safety audits are systematic inspections of the entire safety management system, usually conducted regularly by internal professionals or external experts. Notice 14/2021/TT-BLDTBXH further stipulates specific standards and procedures for work environment monitoring and assessment, providing clear guidance for enterprises.

Incident reporting and investigation mechanisms are important components of the safety management system. According to the provisions of the Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) and the Labor Safety and Health Law, enterprises must establish a complete accident reporting system. Any workplace accident, no matter how big or small, should be reported promptly to the relevant authorities. For serious accidents, companies must immediately notify local labor management departments and police agencies. Accident investigations should be conducted by a dedicated investigation team, including management representatives, union representatives and relevant technical experts. The purpose of the investigation is not only to determine the cause of the accident, but more importantly, to formulate preventive measures to avoid similar accidents from happening again.

Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP also stipulates that companies must keep detailed accident records, including accident descriptions, investigation results, corrective measures taken, etc. These records are not only used for internal management, but also an important reference for government regulatory authorities when conducting safety inspections.

In addition, Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH details the content and procedures of mandatory occupational safety and health inspections. Enterprises should conduct regular self-assessments and inspections in accordance with the requirements of this notice, and accept regular or irregular inspections by government departments.

By establishing a complete safety management system, companies can not only effectively prevent and reduce workplace accidents, but also cultivate employees’ safety awareness and create a positive safety culture. This not only complies with the requirements of Vietnamese law, but is also an important guarantee for enterprises to achieve sustainable development. As Vietnam’s economy continues to develop and its industrial structure upgrades, the government may further improve relevant regulations. Enterprises need to remain vigilant and promptly adjust and optimize their safety management systems to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and new safety challenges.

Safety training and education

Safety training and education are core to preventing occupational accidents and protecting employee health . The Vietnamese government has adopted a series of regulations to clarify mandatory safety training requirements, training regulations for special types of work, and specific standards for training record management.

Mandatory safety training requirements are mainly based on Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH issued by the Ministry of Labor, Disability and Social Affairs of Vietnam. The notice details the content, duration and frequency of safety training for different types of work. According to this regulation, all new employees must receive at least 16 hours of basic safety training, including general workplace safety knowledge, relevant laws and regulations, emergency response, etc. Employees already on the job are required to receive at least 16 hours of retraining every year to update safety knowledge and strengthen safety awareness. The training requirements for managers and safety specialists are more stringent and usually require at least 48 hours of professional training. These trainings must be conducted by qualified training institutions or in-house certified trainers to ensure training quality.

For special types of work, especially high-risk work, the Vietnamese government has formulated more stringent training requirements. Reference is made to Decision 1070/QD-BLDTBXH issued by the Ministry of Labour, Disabled Persons and Social Affairs, which sets out a list of high-risk jobs requiring strict safety measures. For these types of work, in addition to basic safety training, they also need to receive specialized skills training and safe operation training. For example, for work such as working at heights, operating special equipment, handling hazardous chemicals, etc., employees must receive additional professional training and obtain corresponding operating qualification certificates. These trainings are usually provided by professional training institutions. The content and duration of the training depend on the nature of the work and the degree of risk, and may last for weeks or even months.

Training record management is an important part of ensuring training effectiveness and compliance. According to the provisions of Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH, enterprises must establish a complete training record management system. This system should include the training history of each employee, including training date, content, duration, assessment results and other detailed information. Training records are not only proof of employees’ personal safety capabilities, but also an important proof of corporate compliance with regulations. Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP further requires companies to keep these records for at least 5 years to facilitate inspection and audit by government agencies.

Vietnam’s Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) and Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) also set out general requirements for safety training. These laws emphasize employers’ obligations to provide safety training, as well as employees’ rights and responsibilities to participate in training. They provide a legal basis for more specific training regulations and ensure that safety training plays an important role in the entire labor safety and health system.

With the development of technology and changes in the work environment, the Vietnamese government is constantly updating and improving relevant training requirements. For example, in recent years, more and more companies have begun to adopt online training and virtual reality technology to supplement traditional face-to-face training. Although these new methods have not yet been clearly stipulated in regulations, many companies have begun to explore how to incorporate them into existing training systems to improve training effectiveness and efficiency.

Vietnam’s safety training and education system aims to establish a comprehensive, continuous and effective learning environment to ensure that all employees have the necessary safety knowledge and skills. By strictly implementing these training requirements, companies can not only meet legal compliance, but also significantly improve workplace safety and reduce accidents, thereby laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the company.

Working environment monitoring and evaluation

Working environment monitoring and assessment is a key component of Vietnam’s enterprise safety management system, which aims to identify, evaluate and control potential hazards in the workplace and ensure the health and safety of employees. The Vietnamese government has provided detailed guidance to enterprises through a series of regulations, especially Notice 14/2021/TT-BLDTBXH.

Regular monitoring procedures are the basis of work environment management. According to the provisions of Notice 14/2021/TT-BLDTBXH, enterprises must establish a systematic monitoring plan and conduct comprehensive inspections of the working environment on a regular basis. This notice requires companies to conduct comprehensive work environment monitoring at least once a year. For certain high-risk industries or positions, the frequency of monitoring may need to be increased to quarterly or monthly. The scope of monitoring includes physical factors (such as noise, lighting, temperature, radiation, etc.), chemical factors (such as the concentration of harmful substances in the air), biological factors (such as bacteria, viruses, etc.) and ergonomic factors.

During the monitoring process, enterprises should use calibrated professional equipment and operate it by qualified personnel or institutions. Monitoring data must be accurately recorded and compared with national standards or industry standards. The notice also stipulates that companies must keep monitoring records for at least five years to facilitate tracking environmental trends and accepting inspections by government departments.

Assessment standards and methods are key to ensuring the reliability and consistency of monitoring results. Vietnam’s Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) provides a legal framework for work environment assessment, while Notice 14/2021/TT-BLDTBXH further refines specific standards and methods. The assessment should be based on national technical specifications (QCVN) and national standards (TCVN), which set specific limits and requirements for different industries and different types of work environments.

Assessment methods include quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis mainly involves measuring specific indicators, such as the concentration of specific substances in the air, noise decibel levels, etc., and comparing the results with standard limits. Qualitative analysis includes observation and evaluation of work processes, equipment maintenance status, use of personal protective equipment, etc. In addition, employee questionnaires and health examination results are also important basis for evaluating the working environment.

The implementation of improvement measures is the ultimate goal of monitoring and evaluation. According to the provisions of the Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) and the Labor Safety and Health Law, enterprises must take immediate corrective measures once they discover that the working environment does not meet standards. This may include engineering controls (such as improving ventilation systems, installing sound insulation equipment, etc.), administrative controls (such as adjusting work processes, limiting exposure time, etc.), and providing personal protective equipment.

Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP further requires companies to develop detailed improvement plans, clarifying responsible persons, implementation timetable and required resources. The implementation process of improvement measures should be effectively recorded and verified during the next monitoring to ensure that the problem is truly solved.

According to Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH, the content and procedures of mandatory occupational safety and health inspections are stipulated, which provides clear guidance for government regulatory authorities and provides a reference for enterprises’ self-assessment. Businesses should integrate government inspection requirements into daily monitoring and evaluation efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition, with the development of technology, more and more companies are beginning to adopt smart sensors and data analysis technology to achieve real-time monitoring and early warning. Although current regulations do not yet explicitly provide for these new technologies, they offer new possibilities for improving the efficiency and accuracy of monitoring.

Work environment monitoring and evaluation is a continuous and systematic process that requires companies to invest a lot of time and resources. However, by strictly enforcing these procedures, companies can not only ensure compliance, but also significantly improve workplace safety levels and reduce the occurrence of occupational diseases and injuries, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing long-term costs. This is not only conducive to the sustainable development of the company itself, but also contributes to the improvement of Vietnam’s overall industrial safety level.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Management

Personal protective equipment (PPE) management is an important component of Vietnam’s workplace safety management system and is directly related to the health and safety of employees. The Vietnamese government has provided detailed guidance for the selection, use, maintenance and management of PPE through a series of regulations and standards.

PPE selection and equipment standards are the first steps to ensure employees are properly protected. According to Vietnam’s Industrial Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13), employers are responsible for providing employees with appropriate personal protective equipment. The specific selection criteria refer to the national technical specifications (QCVN) and national standards (TCVN). These standards set out detailed PPE requirements for different industries and work environments. For example, for the construction industry, QCVN 18:2018/BXD stipulates specific technical requirements for PPE such as safety helmets and safety belts.

When selecting PPE, companies need to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and consider specific hazards in the work environment, such as physical, chemical, biological and other risks. At the same time, the comfort of the PPE, its compatibility with the work, and the employee’s personal characteristics (such as body shape, gender, etc.) must also be considered. Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP further requires enterprises to establish a PPE needs assessment mechanism and regularly review and update the PPE list to adapt to the changing work environment and emerging risks.

Usage training and maintenance are key to ensuring the effectiveness of PPE. According to the provisions of Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH, enterprises must provide employees with comprehensive training on the use of PPE. The training content should include the correct wearing method, usage restrictions, maintenance and replacement timing of PPE. Training should not be limited to when new employees are hired, but refresher training should be conducted regularly, especially when new types of PPE are introduced or the work environment changes.

In terms of maintenance, companies need to establish a systematic PPE maintenance plan. This includes daily cleaning, regular inspections, necessary repairs or replacement parts, etc. Employees should be trained on how to perform basic daily maintenance, such as cleaning safety glasses and checking the integrity of hard hats. For some complex PPE, such as respiratory protective equipment, regular maintenance and testing by professionals may be required. Maintenance records should be properly kept as important evidence of PPE management.

The regular inspection and replacement system is an important part of PPE management. Vietnam Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) requires employers to ensure that all PPE is in good working order at all times. To this end, companies need to establish a systematic PPE inspection system. Inspections should include self-inspections before daily use and regular professional inspections. Inspections include the integrity and functionality of the PPE and whether there is obvious wear or damage.

For problems detected, enterprises should establish a rapid response mechanism to repair or replace unqualified PPE in a timely manner. The replacement cycle should be determined based on PPE type, frequency of use, working environment and other factors. For example, hard hats typically need to be replaced every 2-5 years, while some single-use PPE (such as certain types of masks) need to be replaced after each use. Enterprises should establish a PPE inventory management system to ensure that sufficient spare PPE is always available.

It is worth noting that Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates the content and procedures of mandatory occupational safety and health inspections, including inspections of PPE management. Businesses should integrate these requirements into daily PPE management to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition, with the development of technology, some companies have begun to adopt intelligent PPE and digital management systems. For example, a helmet with sensors can monitor the wearer’s physiological state and surrounding environment, and an intelligent management system can track PPE usage and maintenance records. Although current regulations do not yet clearly provide for these new technologies, they offer new possibilities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of PPE management.

Special safety requirements

Special safety requirements are an integral part of Vietnam’s workplace safety management system, covering key areas such as fire safety, electrical safety, machinery safety and chemical safety. These requirements are designed to address specific high-risk factors and ensure the overall safety of the work environment.

fire safety

Fire safety is the primary concern among special safety requirements. According to the Vietnam Fire Protection Law (No. 40/2013/QH13) and its implementation rules (Government Decree 136/2020/ND-CP), enterprises must be equipped with sufficient fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, smoke detectors, etc. The type and quantity of these equipment should be determined based on the floor area, nature of use and potential fire risk. Regulations require businesses to inspect these equipment regularly, typically with monthly visual inspections and annual comprehensive professional inspections. Inspection records must be kept for inspection by the fire department.

Emergency evacuation planning is another important aspect of fire safety. Businesses must develop a detailed evacuation plan that includes evacuation route maps, assembly points and evacuation procedures. This information should be clearly displayed in a prominent place in the workplace. In addition, businesses are required to conduct regular fire drills, usually at least twice a year. Drills should simulate different fire scenarios and ensure that all employees are familiar with evacuation procedures and the use of firefighting equipment. Exercise results should be recorded and analyzed to continuously improve emergency response capabilities.

electrical safety

Electrical safety is another critical area of ​​special safety. According to the Vietnam Electricity Law (No. 28/2004/QH11) and relevant technical specifications, enterprises must establish strict electrical system inspection and maintenance standards. This typically includes periodic insulation testing, grounding system inspections, load testing, etc. For high voltage equipment, more frequent and rigorous inspections may be required. All electrical maintenance and repair work must be performed by suitably qualified personnel.

Electrical work safety procedures are key to ensuring electrical safety. Enterprises should develop detailed electrical work safety procedures, including work permit systems, personal protective equipment requirements, energy isolation procedures, etc. These procedures should be based on national electrical safety standards and adapted to the specific circumstances of the enterprise. All personnel engaged in electrical work must receive specialized safety training and undergo regular refresher training.

Machinery safety

Machinery safety is a key area of ​​focus in industries such as manufacturing and construction. According to Vietnam’s Labor Safety and Health Law and relevant technical specifications, enterprises must ensure that all machinery and equipment are equipped with appropriate protective devices, such as protective covers, safety interlocks, emergency stop devices, etc. These guards should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure their effectiveness.

Machinery operating procedures and training are the core of machinery safety management. Enterprises should develop detailed operating procedures for each type of machinery and equipment, including starting, running, stopping and emergency procedures. All operators must receive comprehensive safety training, which should include mechanical principles, safe operating procedures, potential risks and emergency measures. Training records should be properly kept, and refresher training and evaluation should be conducted regularly.

chemical safety

Chemical safety management is an important challenge facing many industries. According to Vietnam’s Chemical Law (No. 06/2007/QH12) and its implementation rules, companies must establish strict chemical storage and use specifications. This includes appropriate storage facilities (e.g. fireproof cabinets, ventilation systems), clear labeling systems, classified storage principles, etc. During the use of chemicals, strict operating procedures must be followed, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, spill handling procedures, etc.

Safety data sheet (SDS) management is a key link in chemical safety. Companies must maintain up-to-date SDSs for all chemicals used and ensure that this information is readily available to employees. SDS should contain key information such as hazardous characteristics of chemicals, emergency treatment measures, and personal protection requirements. Companies should regularly review and update SDSs, especially when new chemicals are introduced or information on existing chemicals changes.

Companies should also establish emergency plans for chemical leaks and conduct regular drills. This includes things like spill control, evacuation, decontamination procedures, and more. All personnel who handle chemicals must receive specialized safety training. The training content should include chemical hazards, correct use methods, emergency response, etc.

These special security requirements do not exist in isolation, but are interrelated and influence each other. For example, chemical safety directly affects fire safety, and electrical safety issues can create fire risks. Therefore, when formulating security management strategies, enterprises should adopt a holistic approach to ensure that various security measures are coordinated and complementary to each other.

In recent years, with the development of technology, many companies have begun to adopt intelligent safety management systems, such as intelligent fire monitoring systems, electrical safety warning systems, intelligent chemical management systems, etc. Although current regulations do not yet clearly provide for these new technologies, they offer new possibilities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of safety management.

Special safety requirements cover a number of key areas of workplace safety management. By strictly enforcing these requirements, businesses can not only ensure compliance but also significantly improve overall workplace safety and reduce the risk of accidents. This not only protects the health and safety of employees, but also creates a good safety culture for the company, which is conducive to improving production efficiency and corporate reputation, thus promoting the long-term sustainable development of the company. At the same time, enterprises should realize that safety management is a process of continuous improvement, and safety management strategies need to be continuously adjusted and optimized based on regulatory updates, technological advancements and practical experience.

Occupational health management

Occupational health management is a key component of the safety management system of Vietnamese enterprises. It aims to protect the physical and mental health of employees, prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases, and provide necessary protection for employees who have developed occupational diseases. The Vietnamese government has provided a comprehensive guidance framework for occupational health management through a series of laws and regulations.

Occupational disease prevention measures are the primary task of occupational health management. According to Vietnam’s Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13), employers are responsible for taking necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases. This includes engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective measures. Engineering control measures, such as improving ventilation systems and installing noise isolation devices, aim to reduce or eliminate occupational hazards from the source. Management control measures include formulating safe operating procedures, adjusting working hours, job rotation systems, etc., with the purpose of reducing the time and intensity of employees’ exposure to occupational hazards. Personal protective measures are to provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment when the first two types of measures cannot completely eliminate the risk.

In addition, Notice 19/2016/TT-BYT stipulates the catalog of occupational diseases and diagnostic standards, providing clear guidance for enterprises to identify and prevent occupational diseases. Enterprises should formulate targeted preventive measures based on this catalog and combined with their own production characteristics. For example, for workplaces with noise hazards, in addition to providing earplugs or earmuffs, comprehensive measures such as noise source control and working time restrictions should also be considered.

The regular health examination system is an important part of occupational health management. In accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Safety and Health Law and Notice 14/2013/TT-BYT, employers must arrange regular health examinations for employees. The average employee undergoes a health check-up at least once a year, while employees who perform strenuous work or are exposed to occupational hazards may need to get a check-up every six months. The content and frequency of health examinations should be determined based on the nature of the work and occupational hazards. The examination items should at least include general physical examinations and special work-related examination items.

Health examination results should be properly kept and used for tracking employee health status and early detection of occupational diseases. If it is found that an employee’s health condition is abnormal or he or she is prone to occupational diseases, the employer should take timely measures, such as adjusting work positions, reducing contact time, etc. At the same time, companies should also establish a health record management system to ensure the confidentiality and traceability of employee health information.

Occupational disease insurance is an important mechanism to provide financial protection for employees suffering from occupational diseases. According to Decree 88/2020/ND-CP, Vietnam implements a compulsory occupational disease insurance system. This decree stipulates that all employers must participate in occupational disease insurance for their employees, and the insurance premiums shall be borne by the employer. Coverage includes illness, disability or death caused by work-related injuries.

Occupational disease insurance provides benefits including medical expense reimbursement, disability benefits, sick leave pay, etc. For example, patients with occupational diseases that require long-term treatment can receive sick leave pay for up to 6 months. Employees who have permanently lost the ability to work due to occupational diseases can receive a one-time disability benefit and a monthly disability pension.

It is worth noting that Circular 56/2017/TT-BYT stipulates the procedures and standards for occupational disease identification. Enterprises should be familiar with these regulations so that they can correctly handle cases of occupational diseases and ensure that employees’ rights and interests are fully protected. At the same time, enterprises should also establish an occupational disease reporting and investigation mechanism to promptly discover and deal with occupational health problems.

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has paid more and more attention to occupational health management. For example, Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH further details the content and procedures of occupational safety and health inspections, including inspection requirements for occupational health management. This requires companies to continuously improve their occupational health management systems to adapt to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

With the development of technology, some companies have begun to adopt intelligent occupational health management systems. For example, wearable devices are used to monitor employees’ physiological indicators, and big data analysis is used to predict potential health risks. Although current regulations do not yet clearly provide for these new technologies, they offer new possibilities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of occupational health management.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Emergency preparedness and response are designed to ensure that businesses can effectively respond to a variety of potential emergencies and minimize casualties and property damage. The Vietnamese government has adopted a series of laws and regulations to provide a comprehensive guidance framework for enterprises’ emergency management.

The formulation of emergency plans is the basis of emergency preparedness. According to the provisions of Vietnam’s Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) and Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP, enterprises must develop detailed emergency plans for various emergencies that may occur. These plans should cover possible emergencies such as fires, explosions, chemical leaks, natural disasters, etc. The preparation process of the plan should be comprehensive and systematic, including steps such as risk assessment, resource analysis, response procedure development and regular review.

When developing emergency plans, companies need to consider several factors. First of all, the plan should be based on the specific situation of the enterprise, including production technology, factory layout, number of employees, etc. Secondly, the plan should clearly specify key information such as the command system, communication methods, evacuation routes and assembly points in an emergency. In addition, the plan should include coordination mechanisms with external emergency resources (e.g., fire departments, medical facilities). It is worth noting that Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH further refines the content requirements of emergency plans. Enterprises should fully refer to these regulations when formulating plans.

Emergency equipment configuration is key to ensuring the effectiveness of emergency response. According to the Vietnamese Fire Protection Law (No. 40/2013/QH13) and relevant technical specifications, enterprises must be equipped with sufficient emergency equipment. These equipment usually include fire-fighting equipment (such as fire extinguishers, fire hydrants), first aid equipment (such as first aid kits, stretchers), personal protective equipment (such as gas masks, protective clothing), etc. The type and quantity of equipment should be determined based on the specific risks and size of the business.

Government Decree 136/2020/ND-CP provides detailed regulations on the configuration of fire protection equipment, including the type and quantity of fire protection equipment that should be equipped in different types of buildings and places. For example, for high-rise buildings, automatic sprinkler systems and fire elevators may be required. Businesses should also consider special risks, such as chemical storage areas that may require specialized spill handling equipment and neutralizers.

The configuration of emergency equipment must not only consider quantity, but also focus on quality and applicability. All equipment should comply with national standards and be inspected and maintained regularly. Enterprises should establish an equipment management system to ensure that equipment is always in good working order and that all employees know the location and use of equipment.

Regular drills are an important means to test the effectiveness of emergency plans and improve employees’ emergency capabilities. According to the provisions of the Industrial Safety and Health Law and Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP, companies must organize regular emergency drills. The frequency and scale of drills should be determined based on the risk level and size of the business, but generally a full drill should be conducted at least once a year.

The drill should simulate a real emergency situation as much as possible and cover all aspects of the plan, including alarm, evacuation, rescue, coordination with external agencies, etc. Different types of drills should be conducted alternately, such as fire drills, chemical leakage handling drills, earthquake emergency drills, etc. The drill process should be recorded in detail, including participants, drill time, simulation scenarios, problems discovered, etc.

Post-exercise evaluation and improvement are equally important. Enterprises should organize relevant personnel to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the drill process and identify existing problems and improvement opportunities. Based on the assessment results, enterprises should promptly revise emergency plans, improve emergency equipment configuration, and strengthen employee training. This process of continuous improvement helps to continuously improve the company’s emergency response capabilities.

According to Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH, the content and procedures of mandatory occupational safety and health inspections are stipulated, including inspection requirements for emergency preparedness and response. Businesses should integrate these requirements into daily emergency management to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Contractor Management

Contractor management is a way for Vietnamese companies to ensure that external contractors adhere to the same safety standards when working on company premises. The Vietnamese government has adopted a series of laws and regulations to provide a comprehensive guidance framework for contractor management to ensure overall safety in the workplace.

Contractor safety qualification assessment is the primary link in contractor management. According to the Vietnamese Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14) and the Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13), enterprises have the responsibility to ensure that the contractors they hire have sufficient safety qualifications. This assessment process typically includes a review of the contractor’s safety management system, safety records, employee training, and relevant qualifications.

When evaluating contractor safety qualifications, enterprises should establish a set of systematic evaluation standards. These standards may include the contractor’s safety management policy, safety incident statistics, safety training programs, equipment maintenance records, etc. Especially for high-risk operations (such as high-altitude operations, confined space operations, etc.), contractors must provide corresponding professional qualification certificates. Notice 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH specifies the qualification requirements for special operations personnel. Enterprises should refer to these requirements when evaluating contractor qualifications.

Businesses should also consider the contractor’s past performance. This may include previous safety performance records, customer reviews, etc. Some large companies have even established contractor rating systems to regularly evaluate and grade contractors based on their safety performance as a basis for selecting and managing contractors.

Site safety management requirements are key to ensuring contractors operate safely on corporate premises. Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, businesses are responsible for providing a safe working environment for all people working on their premises, including contractor employees. This means that companies need to establish clear on-site safety management regulations and ensure that contractors fully understand and comply with these regulations.

On-site safety management requirements often include multiple aspects. The first is safety education and training. Contractor employees must receive corresponding safety training before entering the workplace and understand the company’s safety regulations, emergency evacuation procedures, etc. The second is the work permit system, especially for high-risk operations. Contractors must obtain permission from the company’s safety department before starting work. Thirdly, there are requirements for the use of personal protective equipment. Enterprises should clearly stipulate the protective equipment that needs to be used in different working environments and supervise the correct use of contractor employees.

Government Decree 39/2016/ND-CP provides detailed regulations on workplace safety and health conditions. Enterprises should fully refer to these regulations when formulating on-site safety management requirements. For example, for operations involving hazardous chemicals, contractors must strictly comply with the requirements of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

The joint safety inspection mechanism is an effective means of ensuring that contractors comply with safety regulations. Although Vietnamese law does not explicitly require the establishment of such a mechanism, many companies have adopted this approach based on best practices and international standards. Joint safety inspections are usually conducted jointly by enterprise safety managers and contractor representatives to promptly discover and correct safety hazards.

Joint safety inspections should be conducted regularly, with the frequency determined by the risk level and duration of the operation. The inspection content should comprehensively cover all aspects of on-site safety management, including the operating environment, equipment status, implementation of operating procedures, use of personal protective equipment, etc. Inspection results should be recorded in detail, including problems found, rectification requirements and deadlines, etc.

Joint safety inspections are not only a means of supervision, but also a process of mutual learning and improvement. Through inspections, enterprises can understand the safety management advantages of contractors and absorb good practices; contractors can also better understand the safety requirements of enterprises and improve their own safety management levels. Enterprises should establish an effective communication mechanism to ensure that problems discovered during inspections can be communicated to relevant parties in a timely manner and resolved. Some companies use information technology, such as mobile applications, to record and track safety inspection results in real time and improve management efficiency.

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has paid more and more attention to contractor management. Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates the content and procedures of occupational safety and health inspections, including inspection requirements for contractor management. This requires companies to continuously improve their contractor management systems to adapt to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

Safety inspection and audit

Safety inspections and audits are key links in Vietnamese corporate safety management systems, which aim to continuously assess and improve workplace safety conditions. This process spans internal inspections, external audits and government inspections, with each level playing a unique role.

Internal security inspection procedures are an important tool for corporate self-monitoring and improvement. According to Vietnam’s Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13), enterprises must conduct regular internal safety inspections. This procedure usually includes daily inspections, periodic comprehensive inspections and special inspections. The inspection content should cover many aspects such as the working environment, equipment status, and implementation of operating procedures. Enterprises should establish a systematic inspection plan and clarify the inspection frequency, responsible person and inspection focus. The inspection results should be recorded in detail and a rectification plan should be formed to ensure that the problems discovered are solved in a timely manner.

Third-party audits provide companies with an objective, professional external assessment. Although Vietnamese law does not require all companies to conduct third-party security audits, many large enterprises and multinational companies conduct such audits voluntarily to comply with international standards or customer requirements. Third-party audits are usually conducted by independent safety consulting agencies or certification bodies. The scope of the audit may include the effectiveness of the safety management system, compliance with regulations, risk management and control measures, etc. Audit results can help companies identify weaknesses in their management systems and provide suggestions for improvements.

Government inspections are an important means of ensuring that businesses comply with safety regulations. According to Notice 04/2021/TT-BLDTBXH, the government has the right to conduct regular or unscheduled safety inspections on enterprises. These inspections are usually carried out by labor inspectorates or other relevant government agencies. The inspection content includes safety management systems, training records, equipment maintenance, accident reports and other aspects. Enterprises should be familiar with relevant regulatory requirements and establish procedures for responding to government inspections, including preparing necessary documents and designating responsible persons to receive inspections. It is important that businesses view government inspections as opportunities for improvement rather than just compliance pressures.

Safety culture construction

The construction of safety culture is the cornerstone of the safety management system of Vietnamese enterprises, which shapes employees’ attitudes and behaviors towards safety. A strong safety culture not only reduces accident rates but also increases productivity and employee satisfaction.

The safety incentive mechanism is an effective tool to promote the construction of safety culture. According to Vietnam Labor Law (No. 45/2019/QH14), enterprises can set up reward systems to encourage employees’ contributions to safety production. This mechanism can include material rewards and spiritual rewards, such as safety performance bonuses, recognition of outstanding safety employees, etc. The key is to design fair and transparent evaluation criteria to ensure that incentives actually promote safe behavior rather than leading to the concealment of safety problems.

Employee participation in safety management is the core of establishing an autonomous safety culture. The Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) encourages employees to actively participate in the company’s safety management activities. This can be achieved in various forms, such as setting up a safety committee, organizing a collection of safety suggestions, and conducting safety innovation competitions. Involving employees in safety decision-making and improvement processes not only leverages the experience and insights of frontline employees, but also increases their sense of safety responsibility and ownership.

A continuous improvement strategy is key to keeping a safety culture vibrant. Enterprises should establish a systematic mechanism to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety culture construction, identify deficiencies and formulate improvement plans. This may include regular safety climate surveys, safety management system audits, etc. It is important to foster an open, learning organizational climate that encourages employees to provide candid feedback on safety issues and learn from mistakes and near-accidents.

By integrating these three aspects, organizations can build a proactive, self-directed safety culture. This kind of culture can not only meet regulatory requirements, but also become part of the company’s core competitiveness and promote the company’s sustainable development.

Conclusion

In Vietnam’s increasingly developing economic environment, workplace safety management has become a core element of business operations. Complying with safety regulations is not only a legal requirement, but also a manifestation of corporate social responsibility. The Vietnamese government has provided enterprises with a comprehensive safety management framework through a series of laws and regulations, such as the Labor Safety and Health Law (No. 84/2015/QH13) and related implementation rules. Strict compliance with these regulations can not only avoid legal risks and financial losses, but also enhance corporate image and enhance employee confidence and loyalty.

However, simply complying with regulations is not enough. Security management is a dynamic process that requires continuous attention and improvement by enterprises. As technology advances, work environments change, and new risks emerge, organizations must continually evaluate and update their security management strategies. Continuous improvement not only helps organizations adapt to changing security requirements, but also drives innovation and improves overall operational efficiency. By establishing a systematic evaluation mechanism, encouraging employee participation and absorbing international best practices, companies can maintain their leading position in a highly competitive market.

In short, effective safety management requires strict compliance with regulations and maintenance of continuous improvement motivation. This balance can help companies achieve sustainable development while ensuring the safety of employees, and contribute to Vietnam’s economic progress and social stability.