Occupational environment monitoring of a sanitary pad manufacturing factory

1. Overview of the sanitary pad manufacturing factory

a. What is a sanitary pad manufacturing factory?

Factory manufacturing sanitary pads is a factory that manufactures feminine hygiene products, including sanitary pads and tampons. The factory is usually equipped with automatic production lines to manufacture these hygiene products.

The manufactured products may vary in size, thickness, shape, surface type, fragrance, and different features to suit the needs and preferences of different customers.

b. Manufacturing stages in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory

The manufacturing stages in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory may include the following steps:

• Material preparation: Materials such as recycled paper, cellulose fibers, and plastic are supplied and prepared for use in the manufacturing process.
• Manufacturing sanitary pad cores: Sanitary pad cores are manufactured by wrapping layers of paper and cellulose fibers around a shaft.
• Cutting and packaging sanitary pads: The sanitary pad cores are cut into different lengths and then packaged.
• Manufacturing sanitary pad fabric surface: The sanitary pad fabric may be manufactured by combining different types of fabrics and protective substances to create a smooth and breathable surface.
• Assembling and packaging sanitary pads: The fabric surfaces are assembled with the sanitary pad cores and then packaged.
• Quality inspection: All sanitary pad products are inspected for quality before packaging and release.
• Transportation and storage: The sanitary pad products are packaged and transported to retailers or storage warehouses for distribution to end customers.

c. Types of machines used in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory

The types of machines used in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory may include:

• Sanitary pad core manufacturing machine: This machine is used to wrap layers of paper and cellulose fibers around a shaft to form the sanitary pad core.
• Sanitary pad cutting machine: This machine is used to cut the sanitary pad cores into different lengths.
• Sanitary pad fabric surface manufacturing machine: This machine is used to combine different types of fabrics and protective substances to create a smooth and breathable surface.
• Sanitary pad assembling machine: This machine is used to assemble sanitary pad cores and fabric surfaces together.
• Sanitary pad packaging machine: This machine is used to package assembled and quality-checked sanitary pad products.
• Quality inspection machine: This machine is used to check the quality of sanitary pad products before packaging and release.

In addition, during the manufacturing process, the factory also uses other supporting machines such as grinders, dryers, printers, product packaging machines, and product transport machines.

d. What occupational diseases may occur for workers in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory?

Workers in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory may be exposed to various environmental factors, from noise, harmful dust to chemicals that are harmful to health. Common occupational diseases in the sanitary pad manufacturing industry include:

• Respiratory diseases: workers may face dust and cotton fibers during the manufacturing process, causing respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.
• Skin diseases: exposure to chemicals during sanitary pad manufacturing may cause skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, peeling skin, etc.
• Ear diseases: continuous noise from machines in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory may cause ear problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, etc.
• Spinal diseases: work related to installation, transportation, and arrangement of machines may cause stress and pressure on the spine, leading to back and neck problems.
• Hand diseases: working with equipment and machines may cause hand problems such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, and wrist pain.

These occupational diseases can be prevented by providing sufficient protective equipment, training workers in occupational safety and health, ensuring safe working procedures, and protecting workers’ rights.

e. Common types of sanitary pads on the market

Currently, there are many different types of sanitary pads on the market with various sizes and features. Common types of sanitary pads on the market include:

• Night sanitary pads: Designed to be thicker and able to absorb more blood compared to regular sanitary pads.
• Day sanitary pads: Thinner sanitary pads suitable for daytime use.
• Non-adhesive sanitary pads: Sanitary pads with a non-adhesive surface, preventing sticking to the skin during use.
• Organic sanitary pads: Sanitary pads made from organic materials, environmentally friendly.
• Scented sanitary pads: Sanitary pads with added fragrance to reduce unpleasant odors and create comfort.
• Winged sanitary pads: Sanitary pads with wings on the sides to fix the pad in place and prevent leakage.
• Ultra-thin absorbent sanitary pads: Super thin and super absorbent sanitary pads that make users feel more comfortable and confident.
• Premium sanitary pads: Sanitary pads designed with special features, such as soft materials, good absorbency, and leakage protection, providing comfort and confidence for users.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring service

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory?

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment measurement) in the sanitary pad manufacturing factory is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurement indicators of occupational environmental factors at the sanitary pad manufacturing factory, in order to take timely measures, minimize environmental harm to workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Occupational environment monitoring is a mandatory requirement for sanitary pad manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in caring for, protecting, and improving workers’ health because workers are the main resource of enterprises and directly generate profits. Workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous factors exceeding permissible standards will suffer health damage and develop occupational diseases.

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b. Occupational environment monitoring program of Nam Viet

The occupational environment monitoring program of Nam Viet is a program researched by monitoring engineers in the field of occupational safety and environmental protection. With the goal of ensuring workers’ health and safety, this program uses modern measuring methods to monitor air quality, water, microclimate, physical factors, dust, etc. in the workplace. This program is very important in ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

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

c. Standardization in the workplace environment measurement process

Standardization in the workplace environment measurement process of Nam Viet is a very important aspect to ensure the quality of measurement results. To guarantee accuracy and reliability, this program uses recognized standards and standardized procedures from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data are highly reliable for workplace environment assessment and decision-making on workplace environment improvements to protect workers’ health.

These standardized procedures also ensure that measurement results are carried out by a highly qualified team of monitoring specialists with many years of experience, helping managers and experts rely on results from An Toan Nam Viet to make accurate and valuable decisions in protecting workers’ health and the environment.

By applying standardization in the workplace environment measurement process, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health, while also contributing positively to the development and improvement of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

d. Occupational environment monitoring report of the sanitary pad manufacturing factory

Occupational environment monitoring results are prepared according to form No. 04 Appendix III issued together with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and made into 02 copies: 01 copy sent to the labor facility that signed the contract for occupational environment monitoring and 01 copy stored at the monitoring organization.

The storage duration of occupational environment monitoring results follows the provisions of law, which is permanent record storage.

e. Frequency of conducting occupational environment monitoring according to legal regulations

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

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environment monitoring results report according to legal regulations

The deadline for report submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises in manufacturing facilities are required to submit the occupational environment monitoring results report to the Department of Health in the locality where the manufacturing facility, business has its headquarters and where employees are working.

When there are changes in technology processes, manufacturing processes, or when renovating or upgrading labor facilities that may generate new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises in manufacturing facilities must update occupational hygiene records related to harmful factors requiring occupational environment monitoring.

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

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

• Clause 2: A fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly announce occupational environment monitoring results and results of inspection, evaluation, and management of hazardous factors at the workplace to employees immediately after having the results.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct occupational environment monitoring to control harm to workers’ health as prescribed by law.
• Clause 4: A fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with organizations conducting occupational environment monitoring to commit fraud in monitoring activities but not to the extent of criminal prosecution.

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in sanitary pad manufacturing factories

Harmful environmental factors for workers in sanitary pad manufacturing factories include:

• Smoke, dust, and toxic fumes: The sanitary pad manufacturing process often generates smoke, dust, and toxic fumes, especially during the cutting and packaging stages. These toxins can cause respiratory problems, rhinitis, difficulty breathing, and other health issues.
• Noise: Machinery in sanitary pad manufacturing factories generates high levels of noise, particularly during cutting and packaging. Continuous noise can cause hearing problems and lead to stress and tension among workers.
• Strong lighting: Workers in sanitary pad manufacturing factories often work in environments with strong lighting, especially during product quality inspection. Strong lighting can cause eye problems, fatigue, and stress for workers.
• Temperature and humidity: Some sanitary pad manufacturing processes require specific temperature and humidity levels, such as during drying. Improper temperature and humidity can cause health problems for workers, especially during hot days.
• Chemicals: Chemicals used in sanitary pad manufacturing can cause health problems for workers, particularly when they are not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Allergenic materials: Workers in sanitary pad manufacturing factories may be exposed to allergenic materials such as rubber, fiberglass, polyester, and adhesives, which can cause skin and respiratory problems.

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4. Measures to improve the working environment in sanitary pad manufacturing factories

To improve the working environment in sanitary pad manufacturing factories and minimize harmful effects on workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Design appropriate facilities and manufacturing equipment: Facilities and equipment must be designed to meet safety and hygiene requirements, reducing harmful effects on workers’ health.
• Ensure occupational hygiene and safety: Ensuring occupational hygiene and safety is very important in the working environment of sanitary pad manufacturing factories. Measures may include providing protective equipment, training workers on occupational safety and health, risk assessment, supervision, and regular inspection.
• Implement adequate environmental sanitation: Adequate environmental sanitation helps minimize the impact of harmful substances on workers’ health. Measures include waste management and control, maintenance and cleaning of manufacturing equipment, checking water and air quality, and properly handling waste.
• Implement product quality control: Product quality control is one of the key measures to ensure safety and compliance with standards. This may include checking raw material quality, manufacturing processes, and final products.
• Provide worker training: Training workers on sanitation, occupational safety, waste management, product quality control, and other skills helps improve competence and work efficiency, while reducing harmful impacts on health.
• Regularly conduct occupational environment monitoring in factories, collecting and analyzing harmful factors to adjust and reduce risks, thereby preventing occupational diseases for workers.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in sanitary pad manufacturing factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with excellent benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services in accordance with Decree 44/2016/NĐ-CP on managing and controlling harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors at workshops or factories.
• Receive consulting and recommendations on measures to minimize harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key factor in business development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future medical expenses.
• Improved worker health leads to better product quality and stable productivity.
• Comply with occupational safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the business brand.

The occupational environment monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to reduce the impact of occupational diseases, contributing to a healthier and higher-quality working environment.

6. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center

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

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and monitoring occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, the monitoring center of Nam Viet has been and is becoming one of the reputable units in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:

• We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
• Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and create benefits for businesses.
• By working with the Nam Viet Monitoring team, companies will receive professional services from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost advantages.

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

• Before conducting occupational environment monitoring, our company always ensures that the machinery and equipment used for monitoring are calibrated and standardized in accordance with legal regulations.
• Strictly follow the occupational environment monitoring process committed to the Department of Health.
• Accurately report occupational environment monitoring results to employers.
• If occupational environment monitoring results do not ensure worker safety, Nam Viet will provide corrective solutions, and the workplace will implement as follows:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize harmful impacts and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health check-ups to detect occupational diseases and work-related illnesses early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide material compensation for workers in accordance with labor laws.

7. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation

To help businesses perform occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a high-quality occupational environment monitoring service quotation at reasonable costs.

• Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the costs of the monitoring services we provide. This includes expenses related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, while also being ready to provide prompt and professional consulting support for all service inquiries.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that best suit their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.