Investigation of occupational diseases in a company where 5 workers died from pneumoconiosis
(Baonghean.vn) - On the first day, the investigation team examined the health of 30 workers who were and are working at Chau Tien Company Limited.
On November 8, the Occupational Disease Investigation Team established by the Nghe An Department of Health examined and took X-rays of workers who had been working at Chau Tien Company Limited (Nam Cam Industrial Park, Nghi Loc District). This is a company where up to 14 people have contracted silicosis and lung-related diseases in a short period of time, of which 5 have died.
Also joining the investigation team is a representative from the Institute of Occupational Health and Environment (Ministry of Health). "The investigation team will work for many days. On the first day, we only examined the health of 30 workers. In case the X-ray results detect pneumoconiosis, we will compile and send the films to the Institute of Occupational Health and Environment. There, the Professional Council will confirm and send the documents to Nghe An, then start the next steps to confirm occupational diseases for the workers," said a member of the team.
A representative of the Nghe An Center for Disease Control said that the unit had coordinated with the interdisciplinary inspection team to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Chau Tien Company Limited since May 2023. The team worked with the Management Board of the Southeast Economic Zone, Chau Tien Company Limited and took samples of raw materials (input and output) for analysis. The results were similar to those provided by the company, which was that the free silicon content in raw materials and finished products was over 99%.
"In this environment, the risk of acute silicosis is very high if the labor protection equipment is not guaranteed or suitable. In fact, many workers at Chau Tien Company Limited have contracted silicosis. However, it takes time to determine occupational silicosis. Because it is necessary to clearly determine whether the worker is exposed to toxic factors during the labor process or not. Then there are the results of environmental monitoring to see if the environment has factors that cause occupational diseases. Once the occupational disease is determined, the Medical Assessment Council will conduct an assessment of the level of reduced working capacity to have a basis to support the worker," he said, adding that for cases of death, investigating occupational diseases is very difficult but not impossible. These cases have medical records at hospitals, health insurance as well as records clearly showing the work process in the department, how long they worked in which environment in the company.
After receiving instructions from the Provincial People's Committee, the Nghe An Center for Disease Control sent a dispatch requesting the Department of Health Environment Management (Ministry of Health) to support human resources and technical investigation of the case at Chau Tien Company Limited. The Department directed the Central Lung Hospital; Institute of Medical Examination; Institute of Occupational Health and Environment to support the investigation of occupational disease cases for deceased workers; determine occupational diseases, assess the level of labor loss for workers being treated for silicosis and related lung diseases.
Previously, on August 10, 2023, the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued a document assigning relevant agencies to organize an investigation into occupational diseases for deceased workers. Determine occupational diseases for workers who are still undergoing treatment. Organize an assessment of the level of reduced working capacity immediately after the results of determining occupational diseases for those who are still undergoing treatment and examine and determine occupational diseases for workers who have worked and are working at Chau Tien Company Limited who are at risk of occupational diseases./.
