Occupational environment monitoring of a cashew nut processing factory

1. Overview of Cashew Nut Manufacturing Factories

a. What is a cashew nut manufacturing factory?

Factory for cashew nut manufacturing is a specialized facility used to manufacture cashew nuts, a highly nutritious and valuable food product on the market. These factories typically have specialized equipment and procedures for shelling and processing cashew nuts, followed by packaging for sale in the market.

b. Production stages in cashew nut manufacturing factories

The typical production stages in a cashew nut manufacturing factory include:

• Selection: Cashew nuts are selected and separated from impurities such as shells, leaves, and soil.
• Washing: Selected cashew nuts are thoroughly washed with water.
• Drying: Washed cashew nuts are dried in drying ovens.
• Roasting: Dried cashew nuts are roasted in roasting ovens to develop their characteristic flavor.
• Processing: After roasting, cashew nuts are further processed into products such as salted roasted cashews, roasted nuts, crispy cashews, sliced cashews, and other varieties.
• Packaging: Cashew nut products are packaged in suitable containers to preserve freshness and maintain quality.

c. Machinery used in cashew nut manufacturing factories

Some common machinery in cashew nut manufacturing factories includes:

• Sorting machine: Used to separate shells from cashew nuts after roasting.
• Roasting machine: Used to roast cashew nuts. It can be adjusted to achieve different colors and flavors.
• Polishing machine: Used to polish cashew nuts and remove residual shells after roasting and cleaning.
• Packaging machine: Used to package cashew nuts into bags or boxes for transport and sale.
• Drying machine: Used to dry cashew nuts after roasting and polishing.
• Nut separating machine: Used to separate cashew nuts from shells.
• Membrane separating machine: Used to remove the thin membrane covering the cashew nut, which can make it difficult to digest.

d. Occupational diseases that may occur among workers in cashew nut manufacturing factories

Workers in cashew nut manufacturing factories may face health risks such as:

• Respiratory diseases: Dust from cashew nuts and waste particles can irritate or damage the respiratory tract, leading to lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchial inflammation.
• Skin diseases: Exposure to chemicals and dust can cause skin irritation or other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or scaling.
• Digestive disorders: Chemicals can cause gastrointestinal problems including nausea, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Hand-related conditions: Repetitive use of hand tools or repeated motions can cause conditions such as muscle inflammation, joint degeneration, or numbness.
• Noise and hearing damage: Machinery and equipment in the factory generate high noise levels, which can lead to hearing problems and may also cause sleep disturbances, stress, and anxiety.
• Fire and explosion hazards: Cashew nuts are flammable, so manufacturing factories must comply with safety regulations to minimize fire and explosion risks.

To mitigate these risks, cashew nut manufacturing factories can implement measures to protect workers’ health, including maintaining good hygiene, providing personal protective equipment, training employees on health and safety practices, using safe equipment, and minimizing noise and dust exposure.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in cashew nut manufacturing factories?

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment measurement) in cashew nut manufacturing factories is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measured indicators of workplace environmental factors at the factory. This aims to implement timely measures, minimize environmental impacts on workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Occupational environment monitoring is a mandatory requirement for cashew nut manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays a critical role in caring for, protecting, and enhancing workers’ health because workers are the main resource and directly generate profit for the business. Employees exposed regularly to risks or occupational hazards beyond permissible limits can suffer health effects and develop occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

b. An Toan Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program

An Toan Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program is developed by monitoring engineers in the field of occupational safety and environmental protection. To ensure the health and safety of workers, the program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air, water, and microclimate, physical, and dust factors in the workplace. This program is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

Additionally, An Toan Nam Viet’s program plays an important role in researching and developing new solutions to improve workplace environmental quality. With the dedication and professionalism of its monitoring experts, An Toan Nam Viet’s exclusive program is a breakthrough in occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in occupational environment measurement procedures

Standardization in An Toan Nam Viet’s occupational environment measurement procedures is crucial for ensuring measurement quality. To guarantee accuracy and reliability, the program follows standards and standardized procedures recognized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that the collected data can be reliably used to assess the work environment and make decisions to improve workplace conditions to protect workers’ health.

These standardized procedures also ensure that measurements are performed by highly qualified monitoring specialists with years of experience, helping managers and experts trust the results from An Toan Nam Viet and make accurate decisions valuable for worker health and environmental protection.

By applying standardization in occupational environment measurements, An Toan Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment and protecting employees’ health, while also contributing to improving occupational safety and environmental management in Vietnam.

d. Reporting results of occupational environment monitoring in cashew nut manufacturing factories

Occupational environment monitoring results are prepared according to Form No. 04, Appendix III, issued with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and prepared in 02 copies: one sent to the workplace that signed the monitoring contract and one kept at the organization performing the monitoring.

The retention period for occupational environment monitoring results is indefinite according to legal regulations.

e. Frequency of occupational environment monitoring as required by law

According to Clause 2 of Article 18 of Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 84/2015/QH13, employers must conduct occupational environment monitoring to evaluate hazardous factors at least once a year.

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environment monitoring reports as required by law

The deadline for submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises operating in manufacturing factories are required to submit occupational environment monitoring reports to the Department of Health at the locality where the enterprise’s headquarters is located and where employees work.

When there are changes in technology, manufacturing processes, or when renovating or upgrading workplaces that may introduce new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises must update occupational hygiene records regarding the harmful factors that require monitoring.

g. Regulations on penalties for violations of occupational environment monitoring by employers

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated January 17, 2022, regulating administrative penalties in labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contracts:

• Clause 2: A fine of VND 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 for employers who fail to publicly disclose to employees at the monitored workplace and the site being inspected, evaluated, and managed regarding hazardous factors immediately after receiving the monitoring results.
• Clause 3: A fine of VND 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 for employers who fail to conduct occupational environment monitoring to control hazards affecting workers’ health as prescribed by law.
• Clause 4: A fine of VND 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 for employers who collude with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in occupational environment monitoring activities but without criminal liability.

3. Harmful Environmental Factors for Workers in Cashew Nut Processing Factories

Workers in cashew nut processing factories may face several harmful environmental factors, including:

• Dust: During production, dust particles may be generated from handling, transporting, and packaging cashew nuts. These dust particles can enter workers’ respiratory tracts and cause health issues such as asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems.
• Noise: Equipment and machinery in cashew nut factories can produce noise. Exposure to noise can lead to health problems such as hearing loss, vision impairment, and stress.
• Chemical use: During cashew nut production, chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives may be used to maintain product freshness. Improper use of these chemicals can be harmful to workers if proper protection is not provided.
• Humidity: Humidity can be an issue during cashew nut production, especially during handling and storage. High humidity may promote bacterial and mold growth, posing health risks to workers.
• Temperature: Cashew nut production processes often require specific temperature conditions to ensure product quality. However, excessively high temperatures can cause health problems such as heat stroke, fatigue, and headaches.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to Improve Working Environment in Cashew Nut Processing Factories

To improve the working environment in cashew nut processing factories, the following measures can be applied:

• Ensure food hygiene and safety: Ensure that all cashew nut products comply with food hygiene and safety standards.
• Use personal protective equipment: Ensure workers use full personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, coats, safety glasses, and safety shoes, to protect their health during production.
• Improve working conditions: Factories should provide air conditioning and proper ventilation to reduce dust and chemical fumes in the air, while ensuring sufficient lighting and spacious, airy workspaces.
• Train workers: Employees should be trained to understand production processes, recognize workplace hazards, and know how to prevent health risks related to cashew nuts.
• Use environmental protection equipment: Factories should implement environmental protection equipment, including wastewater treatment systems, air filtration, waste management, and other measures to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
• Regularly conduct occupational environment monitoring in the factory, collecting and analyzing harmful factors to adjust and reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases for workers.

5. Benefits of Periodic Monitoring in Cashew Nut Factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides excellent benefits for enterprises using occupational environment monitoring services according to Decree 44/2016/ND – CP on managing and controlling harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors in the factory.
• Receive consultation and recommendations for measures to reduce harmful factors and improve workplace quality.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in business development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future treatment costs.
• Improve workers’ health, leading to better product quality and consistent output.
• Comply with occupational safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism in all aspects, enhancing the enterprise’s brand value.

Nam Viet’s environmental monitoring service is a solution to reduce occupational disease risks, contributing to a clean and quality working environment.

6. Nationwide Occupational Environment Monitoring Center

Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit monitoring and measuring occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring devices to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, handling, and following up on occupational environment issues. Following the principle “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:

• We always value brand reputation and the quality of our services.
• We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
• With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
• By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional service from monitoring experts and the best cost incentives.

The process for occupational environment monitoring at Nam Viet includes the following basic steps:

• Before conducting occupational environment monitoring, we ensure that all machinery and equipment are calibrated and compliant with legal regulations.
• Follow the full monitoring procedures as committed to the Department of Health.
• Report the monitoring results honestly to the employer.
• If the monitoring results indicate unsafe conditions, Nam Viet will assist in providing solutions, and the factory will implement:
  • Measures to improve working conditions, minimizing harmful factor impacts and preventing occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checks for early detection of occupational and work-related diseases for workers in unsafe environments.
  • Provide material compensation for workers according to labor law regulations.

7. Occupational Environment Monitoring Price List

To help enterprises conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides clients with a price list for occupational environment monitoring services that is both quality and reasonably priced.

• Our price list provides detailed information on the cost of monitoring services we offer, including expenses for transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can fully rely on the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market and are always ready to consult and answer any questions regarding monitoring services quickly and professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, clients can easily select the service packages that fit their needs. We guarantee maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.