Nearly 6,700 workplace accidents occurred nationwide in 2013.

In 2013, the whole country experienced 6,695 occupational accidents, resulting in 627 deaths, over 6,000 injuries, and material losses exceeding 70 billion VND.

Press conference providing information about the National Week of Occupational Safety, Health and Fire Prevention on February 26th. (Photo: KT)

This figure was provided by Ha Tat Thang, Director of the Department of Occupational Safety (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), at a press conference on the 16th National Week of Occupational Safety, Health and Fire Prevention organized by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on the morning of February 26th in Hanoi.

According to Director Ha Tat Thang, compared to 2012, although the number of occupational accidents decreased by 81 cases (1.2%), and the total number of victims decreased by 80 people (1.2%), the number of fatal occupational accidents increased by 10 cases (1.8%) and the number of deaths increased by 21 people (3.5%). Notably, the number of accidents involving two or more seriously injured people and the number of female workers among the victims increased by 55.8% and 19% respectively.

Material losses due to occupational accidents in 2013 (medical expenses, funeral costs, compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, etc.) amounted to nearly 72 billion VND; property damage was over 6 billion VND; and the total number of days lost due to occupational accidents was over 153,000.

According to Mr. Ha Tat Thang, the 10 localities with the highest number of fatal workplace accidents are: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Bac Giang, Da Nang, and Nghe An. Among the production and business sectors with the most workplace accidents, construction ranks first; followed by mining; electricity production and business; and mechanical manufacturing. The main causes of fatal injuries include: falls from heights; electric shock; being crushed, clamped, or caught by machinery and equipment.

Of the main causes of fatal workplace accidents, employer-related causes account for 59%, while employee-related causes account for 26%.

At the press conference, Mr. Ha Tat Thang also announced that the 16th National Week of Occupational Safety, Health and Fire Prevention will be launched nationwide from March 16th to March 22nd, 2014. The launching ceremony for the National Week will be held on Sunday, March 16th, 2014 in Thua Thien Hue.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Kiem, Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Thua Thien Hue province, Phu Bai Industrial Park (Huong Thuy town, Thua Thien Hue) will be the chosen location for the launching ceremony with the participation of over 2,500 workers. In addition, many activities will take place during this week, such as: strengthening propaganda and communication on mass media about the current situation and warning messages regarding occupational accidents, occupational diseases, and fire prevention; organizing inspections of occupational safety and health and fire prevention work.../.

According to the Communist Party of Vietnam