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Discover occupational safety documents for workers in thermal power plant environments. Learn about health and safety measures when exposed to raw materials and production processes, while helping to minimize risks and occupational accidents in this important industry.

Table of Contents

PART I: CURRENT STATE OF SAFETY AT WORK IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

I. General Situation

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs informs sectors and localities of the occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 and outlines key solutions to proactively prevent incidents and accidents in the last 6 months of 2024. According to reports from 61 out of 63 centrally governed provinces and cities, in the first 6 months of 2024, there were a total of 3,201 occupational accidents nationwide (a decrease of 227 cases, equivalent to 7.09% compared to the same period in 2023), resulting in 3,065 victims (a decrease of 197 people, equivalent to 6.04% compared to the first 6 months of 2023), including both employees under labor contracts and those working without labor contracts. Specifically:

Number of fatal occupational accidents: 320 cases, a decrease of 25 cases (7.25%) compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 245 cases in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 28 cases or 10.3%; and 75 cases in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 3 cases or 4.2% compared to the first 6 months of 2023);
Number of deaths due to occupational accidents: 346 people, a decrease of 7 people or 1.98% compared to the same period in 2023 (including 268 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 13 people or 4.63%; and 78 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 6 people or 8.33%).
Number of people seriously injured: 810 people, an increase of 26 people or 3.32% compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 710 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 5 people or 0.7%; and 100 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 31 people or 44.92%).

Download the PDF file Occupational Accident Report – First 6 Months of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 in both sectors with and without labor relations saw a decrease in the number of deaths and fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2023.

II. Some Occupational Accidents in Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants, with the purpose of producing electrical energy from atomic nuclei, play a crucial role in supplying power to many countries around the world. However, due to the complexity and danger of the nuclear energy production process, these plants frequently face the risk of accidents. Below are some notable occupational accidents that have occurred in nuclear power plants:

The Chernobyl Accident (1986):
- One of the most serious accidents in the history of the nuclear industry.
- Caused a large number of plant employees to be exposed to significant amounts of radiation, leading to many health problems and deaths.
- The main cause was an unsafe testing process and negligence in occupational safety management.
The Three Mile Island Accident (1979):
- A serious coolant leak occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, USA.
- Although there were no direct fatalities, this event caused great concern and had a significant impact on the environment and public health.
The Fukushima Accident (2011):
- Due to the impact of a strong earthquake and tsunami in the Fukushima region, Japan, the nuclear power plants experienced serious incidents.
- Radiation leaks and uncontrolled nuclear reactions caused great concern in the international community about nuclear safety and environmental impact.
The Kyshtym Disaster (1957):
- One of the first accidents in the nuclear industry, occurring at the Mayak plant in the Soviet Union (now Russia).
- The incident occurred when a nuclear cooling tower caught fire, causing an environmental catastrophe and widespread impact on the health of the local community.

Occupational accidents in nuclear power plants are not only tragedies for the affected workers but also profound warnings about the importance of strict adherence to occupational safety measures and risk management in the nuclear industry.

PART II: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WHEN WORKING IN A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

I. Occupational Safety and Health for Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Staff

1. Characteristics of Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Work

Workers involved in inspecting and maintaining equipment in a nuclear power plant play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations. This job requires not only professional skills but also care and concentration. Workers often have to inspect every component of the systems, including the cooling and safety systems, to ensure they are functioning correctly and that no incidents occur.

For mechanical and electronic parts, workers need to have in-depth knowledge and technical skills to detect and repair faults and failures. Performing periodic tests according to a schedule is also an important part of this job, helping to ensure that any problems can be detected and rectified promptly before they cause major consequences.

Carefulness and precision are indispensable in this work, as a small mistake can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, workers often have to adhere to strict safety procedures and regulations, and use protective equipment correctly to protect themselves from the risk of accidents and radiation exposure. Their efforts play a critical role in ensuring that the nuclear power plant operates safely and stably, while keeping everyone and the surrounding environment protected.

2. Types of Occupational Accidents during Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Electrical Accidents:
- While working with electronic components and electrical systems, workers are at risk of electric shock if safety measures are not followed.
- Improper use of electrical equipment or contact with uninsulated wires can cause serious accidents.
Mechanical Accidents:
- During the process of repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment, workers can be injured by impacts, cuts, or having their fingers crushed in machinery.
- Using mechanical tools incorrectly or not following safety procedures can lead to accidents.
Radiation Risk:
- While working with equipment and systems containing radioactive materials, workers are at risk of radiation exposure if safety measures are not followed.
- Accidents involving radiation can cause serious health problems and even death.
Chemical Accidents:
- During contact with chemicals in the maintenance process, workers may face the risk of poisoning or burns from contact with corrosive substances.
- Using chemicals improperly or not wearing appropriate protective gear can lead to unwanted accidents.

3. Causes of Occupational Accidents during Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Lack of Training and Knowledge:
- Workers who do not have adequate training on safety procedures and techniques for inspection and maintenance may not recognize potential hazards and fail to apply preventive measures.
Lack of Attention and Concentration:
- Fatigue, stress, or negligence during work can reduce a worker’s concentration, leading to overlooking warning signs and causing unwanted accidents.
Equipment Failure and Technical Faults:
- Unexpected incidents can occur due to equipment not functioning correctly or technical faults not being detected in time during inspection and maintenance.
Lack of Protective and Safety Equipment:
- Using protective equipment incorrectly or that does not ensure sufficient safety can increase the risk of accidents during work.
Non-compliance with Safety Procedures:
- Failure to comply with safety procedures and regulations during work can create conditions for accidents to occur.
Accumulated Risk:
- During inspection and maintenance, workers may not recognize the accumulated risk from small activities, leading to major incidents.

4. Measures to Prevent Occupational Accidents during Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Training and Instruction:
- Workers need to be fully trained on safety procedures, work techniques, and the use of protective equipment.
- Periodic training helps update new knowledge and reminds them of safety measures.
Use of Protective Gear:
- Workers must always wear adequate protective gear, including helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and anti-radiation clothing (if necessary).
- Protective gear helps minimize the risk of injury in the event of an incident.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Strictly adhere to safety procedures and work instructions.
- Do not skip any step in the inspection and maintenance process.
Equipment Inspection:
- Before use, workers need to thoroughly inspect equipment and tools to ensure they are working correctly and do not pose a risk.
- Replace or repair faulty equipment immediately.
Working in Teams:
- Perform inspection and maintenance tasks in teams to have supervision and support from colleagues.
- Cooperate and communicate to minimize the risk of accidents.
Incident Reporting:
- Immediately report any incident or unsafe hazard that a worker detects.
- Provide detailed and accurate information for timely corrective action.

5. Occupational Safety Regulations for Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Occupational Safety Training:
- All workers involved in inspection and maintenance must be trained on potential hazards, safe work procedures, and the proper use of protective gear.
Use of Protective Gear:
- Workers must ensure they wear full protective gear such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and anti-radiation clothing (if necessary) throughout the work process.
Pre-use Equipment Inspection:
- Before starting work, workers must thoroughly inspect equipment and tools to ensure they are functioning correctly and do not pose a risk.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Everyone performing the work must strictly adhere to the safety procedures and work instructions set by the plant.
Teamwork:
- Inspection and maintenance tasks should be performed in teams to have supervision and support from colleagues.
Reporting and Risk Assessment:
- Workers must immediately report any detected incident or unsafe hazard and conduct periodic risk assessments.

6. Handling Emergency Occupational Accidents during Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Protect Yourself and Others:
- First, workers need to ensure their own safety and that of others in the area by moving away from the hazard and maintaining a safe distance.
Call for Rescue:
- As soon as an accident is detected, workers should call or notify the plant’s rescue and safety management team so they can provide immediate assistance.
Provide First Aid:
- If necessary, workers should provide first aid to the victim, such as dressing wounds, performing CPR, or stopping bleeding.
Secure the Scene:
- After ensuring everyone’s safety, workers need to secure the accident scene by isolating the area and preserving relevant evidence.
Report and Record:
- Workers need to immediately report the accident and record details of what happened to enable evaluation and prevent similar situations in the future.
Conduct a Risk Assessment:
- After an accident, workers need to conduct a risk assessment to determine the cause and propose preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

II. Occupational Safety and Health for Control Station Operation and System Monitoring Staff

1. Characteristics of Control Station Operation and System Monitoring Work

Monitoring System Parameters:
- Workers need to monitor important parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other indicators of critical systems like the cooling system, waste treatment, and safety systems.
- Monitoring these parameters helps to detect any potential incidents early and take timely corrective measures.
Operating According to Procedures:
- Workers must strictly adhere to the operating procedures set by the plant, ensuring that all activities are carried out according to regulations and do not pose a risk.
Incident Handling:
- In the event of an incident, workers must be able to handle the situation quickly and effectively to minimize the negative impact on the system and safety.
Maintenance and Upkeep:
- In addition to monitoring, workers also often participate in periodic maintenance and upkeep activities of the systems to ensure they operate stably and efficiently.
Reporting and Recording:
- Workers need to report and record details of activities, incidents, and handling measures to facilitate later evaluation and improvement.

2. Types of Occupational Accidents during Control Station Operation and System Monitoring

Radiation Risk:
- Workers may be exposed to radioactive materials when working near operating systems, posing a risk of radiation and health damage.
Physical Injury:
- Accidents such as collisions, slips, falls, or being crushed can occur during equipment operation and control, especially when working in confined spaces and complex systems.
Chemical Risk:
- Exposure to chemicals and toxic substances during the control and handling of system issues can cause accidents and health damage.
Machinery Accidents:
- Incidents or failures of equipment and machinery can lead to serious accidents if not operated and maintained correctly.
System Incidents:
- Technical errors or incidents in the control and monitoring system can cause accidents if not detected and handled promptly.

3. Causes of Occupational Accidents during Control Station Operation and System Monitoring

Lack of Knowledge and Training:
- Workers lacking the necessary knowledge and skills about the systems and operating procedures may perform their work improperly and unsafely.
Errors in Work Procedures:
- Failure to comply with operating and system monitoring procedures can lead to unwanted errors and the risk of accidents.
Lack of Attention and Concentration:
- A hazardous and stressful work environment can reduce workers’ concentration, leading to errors and accidents.
Use of Unsafe Equipment and Machinery:
- Using equipment and machinery improperly, or using equipment that is not guaranteed to be safe, can cause accidents.
Work Pressure:
- Pressure to complete work in a short amount of time can cause workers to misjudge risks and perform work unsafely.
Non-compliance with Safety Regulations:
- Any failure to comply with safety regulations and procedures can also lead to accidents.

4. Measures to Prevent Occupational Accidents during Control Station Operation and System Monitoring

Safety Training:
- Workers need to be trained on potential hazards, safe work procedures, and the proper use of protective gear.
Use of Protective Gear:
- Workers must ensure they wear full protective gear such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and anti-radiation clothing (if necessary) throughout the work process.
Pre-use Equipment Inspection:
- Before starting work, workers need to thoroughly inspect equipment and tools to ensure they are functioning correctly and do not pose a risk.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Everyone performing the work must strictly adhere to the safety procedures and work instructions set by the plant.
Teamwork:
- System inspection and monitoring tasks should be performed in teams to have supervision and support from colleagues.
Work Environment Monitoring:
- Monitor work environment factors such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other indicators to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for workers.
Reporting and Risk Assessment:
- Workers must immediately report any detected incident or unsafe hazard and conduct periodic risk assessments.

5. Occupational Safety Regulations for Control Station Operation and System Monitoring

Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Workers must comply with all safety regulations and procedures set by the plant, including the correct use of protective gear and safety equipment.
Use of Protective Gear:
- Workers must ensure they wear all types of protective gear such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and anti-radiation clothing (if necessary) fully and correctly.
Pre-use Equipment Inspection:
- Before using any equipment, workers need to inspect it thoroughly to ensure it is functioning correctly and does not pose a risk.
Incident Reporting:
- Any incident or safety issue arising during work must be reported immediately to the competent authority for timely corrective action.
Restricted Access:
- Only trained and skilled personnel are allowed to access hazardous areas or equipment.
Operating Instructions:
- Workers must be fully trained and instructed on how to operate equipment and systems safely and effectively.
Work Environment Monitoring:
- Monitor work environment factors such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other indicators to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for workers.

6. Handling Emergency Occupational Accidents during Control Station Operation and System Monitoring

Protect Yourself and Others:
- As soon as an accident is detected, workers must ensure their own safety and that of others by moving out of the hazardous area.
Report Immediately:
- Workers must immediately report the accident to the competent authority, including detailed information about the situation and the number of people affected.
Respond to the Emergency:
- Trained staff must know how to respond to emergencies such as radiation incidents, fires, explosions, or chemical leaks.
Use of Safety Equipment:
- During the handling of the situation, workers must use protective equipment such as gas masks, chemical-resistant suits, and insulating gloves fully and correctly.
Provide First Aid Support:
- Workers need to provide necessary support to the injured and contact emergency services or the fire department immediately if needed.
Clarify Cause and Consequences:
- After handling the situation, an investigation should be conducted to clarify the cause of the accident and assess the consequences to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

III. Occupational Safety and Health for Radioactive Waste Handling Staff

1. Characteristics of Radioactive Waste Handling Work

Waste Collection:
- Workers collect radioactive waste from the plant’s operational areas, ensuring that collection is done safely and does not cause leaks or exposure to others.
Safe Transportation:
- Radioactive waste must be transported to the disposal site safely and in accordance with regulations on the transport of radioactive waste, ensuring no leaks or contamination during transport.
Disposal According to Regulations:
- Workers perform the prescribed radioactive waste disposal procedures accurately and safely, including using protective equipment and special means to minimize the risk of exposure.
Safe Storage:
- Radioactive waste is stored in designated places and is preserved safely, ensuring it does not pose a risk to the environment and human health.

2. Types of Occupational Accidents during Radioactive Waste Handling

Exposure to Radioactive Waste:
- Workers may be at risk of direct or improper contact with radioactive waste, leading to contamination or exposure to ionizing radiation.
Leaks during Transportation:
- During the transportation of radioactive waste, leaks or transport equipment failures can occur, posing a risk of unsafe exposure.
Incidents during Handling:
- The handling of radioactive waste requires precision and care. Incidents such as equipment failure or improper handling procedures can cause accidents.
Fire and Explosion Risk:
- Radioactive waste can create a fire or explosion risk if not handled and stored correctly, especially when mixed with other chemicals.
Health Impacts:
- Long-term exposure to radioactive waste can cause health problems such as cancer, cell damage, and respiratory issues.

3. Causes of Occupational Accidents during Radioactive Waste Handling

Lack of Training and Awareness:
- Workers’ lack of understanding of the risks and preventive measures when working with radioactive waste can lead to unsafe behaviors.
Improper Equipment and Tools:
- Using equipment and tools improperly or that are not sufficiently safe can create a risk of accidents.
Improper Handling Procedures:
- Radioactive waste handling procedures that are not performed correctly or do not comply with regulations can lead to incidents and accidents.
Incorrect Staffing and Unsafe Storage:
- Failure to ensure a sufficient number of people involved in radioactive waste handling or unsafe storage of waste can create a risk of accidents.
Lack of Control and Supervision:
- Lack of close supervision and control during the radioactive waste handling process can lead to unsafe behavior and unwanted accidents.

4. Measures to Prevent Occupational Accidents during Radioactive Waste Handling

Training and Education:
- Workers need to be fully trained on the risks and preventive measures for accidents when working with radioactive waste. At the same time, strengthening education on occupational safety is also important.
Use of Protective Equipment:
- Workers must use protective equipment such as masks, safety glasses, anti-radiation clothing, and insulating gloves fully and correctly to protect themselves from the risk of exposure to radioactive waste.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Adherence to safety procedures is extremely important. Workers must comply with the established procedures and regulations for the collection, transportation, handling, and storage of radioactive waste.
Periodic Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment:
- Equipment and tools used in the radioactive waste handling process need to be periodically inspected and maintained to ensure safe and effective operation.
Supervision and Risk Assessment:
- Periodic supervision and risk assessment will help identify and minimize the risks of occupational accidents during the radioactive waste handling process.

5. Occupational Safety Regulations for Radioactive Waste Handling

Training and Instruction:
- Workers involved in handling radioactive waste must be fully trained and instructed on the risks and preventive measures, as well as safe waste handling procedures.
Use of Protective Equipment:
- Workers must use protective equipment such as masks, safety glasses, anti-radiation clothing, and insulating gloves fully and correctly.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- It is necessary to comply with the established procedures and regulations for the collection, transportation, handling, and storage of radioactive waste, including the correct use of equipment and tools.
Periodic Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment:
- Equipment and tools used in the radioactive waste handling process need to be periodically inspected and maintained to ensure safe and effective operation.
Supervision and Risk Assessment:
- Periodic supervision and risk assessment should be conducted to identify and minimize the risks of occupational accidents.
Complete tests at occupational safety centers to obtain an occupational safety certificate. From there, workers will have a clear understanding of safety knowledge as well as valid certification for work.

6. Handling Emergency Occupational Accidents during Radioactive Waste Handling

Protect Yourself and Other Staff:
- Immediately put on a mask and other protective equipment, then move out of the hazardous area and warn other staff to stay away from the accident area.
Report and Call for Emergency Services:
- Contact the emergency medical center and report the accident, providing detailed information about the situation and location of the incident so they can dispatch a rescue team promptly.
Limit Exposure and Contamination:
- Prevent others from coming into contact with radioactive waste by isolating the accident area and restricting access.
Monitor Health Status:
- Monitor your own health status and that of those affected by the accident to provide necessary medical support and care.
Cooperate with the Rescue Team:
- Cooperate closely with the rescue team when they arrive to provide information and assist in resolving the emergency situation.
Report and Evaluate:
- After the situation has stabilized, make a detailed report about the accident and conduct an evaluation to determine the cause and propose improvement measures.

IV. Occupational Safety and Health for Recording and Reporting Staff

1. Characteristics of Recording and Reporting Work

Recording Parameters and Important Events:
- Workers must record parameters on pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other important events during the plant’s operation. This information is used to evaluate the performance and safety of the system.
Creating Reports and Records:
- Based on the records, workers create reports and records of the plant’s activities. These reports provide important information for management to evaluate and make decisions on improving performance and safety.
Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness:
- Recording and reporting must be done accurately and completely, ensuring that all important information is recorded correctly and without omissions.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- The reports are used to monitor and evaluate activities and events that could affect the safety and performance of the plant. This helps to identify problems and implement improvement measures when necessary.
Communication and Cooperation:
- The work of recording and reporting requires close communication and cooperation between departments in the plant to ensure that all information is transferred and processed effectively.

2. Types of Occupational Accidents during Recording and Reporting

Injury Accidents:
- Workers may suffer injuries when moving around the plant to collect information or record important events. For example, slips, falls from height, or collisions with obstacles.
Radiation Risk:
- Workers recording parameters in high-radiation risk areas may be overexposed. Failure to comply with safety measures when working with radioactive materials can lead to serious health problems.
Catastrophic Accidents:
- Accidents can occur when workers move through production areas, especially when they are focused on recording and reporting, which reduces their attention to the surrounding environment.
Machinery Accidents:
- Workers can have accidents when using equipment and machinery to collect information. For example, accidents can occur due to collisions with mechanical parts or being caught between machines.
Weather-Related Risks:
- In some cases, recording and reporting workers may face risks from adverse weather conditions, such as slipping on ice, slipping in the rain, or being affected by high temperatures.

3. Causes of Occupational Accidents during Recording and Reporting

Lack of Attention and Concentration:
- During recording and reporting, the task is focused on collecting and recording important information. A lack of attention and concentration can lead to negligence and accidents.
Time Pressure:
- Workers often have to complete many reports within a limited time frame. Time pressure can increase the risk of errors and reduce care when performing work.
Difficult Working Environment:
- The working environment in a nuclear power plant is often complex and full of risks, with conditions such as high pressure, different temperatures, and radiation hazards. This can cause accidents if safety procedures are not followed.
Use of Equipment and Machinery:
- The use of equipment and machinery to collect information can cause accidents if not done correctly or if the equipment is not regularly maintained.
Severe Weather:
- In some cases, severe weather conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures can increase the risk of accidents during recording and reporting.

4. Measures to Prevent Occupational Accidents during Recording and Reporting

Training and Instruction:
- Workers need to be fully trained on occupational safety procedures and how to perform their work safely. Periodic training on accident prevention measures is very important.
Use of Protective Equipment:
- Workers should be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize the risk of accidents during work.
Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment:
- Ensure that the equipment used for recording and reporting is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it operates correctly and safely.
Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Workers need to adhere to the recommended safety procedures when performing recording and reporting tasks, including the proper use of equipment and application of safety measures.
Risk Assessment:
- A risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards in the work process, and then apply effective prevention and risk control measures.
Communication and Information:
- Workers need to be fully and clearly informed about risk factors and preventive measures, and need to communicate effectively with colleagues and management about any safety issues that arise.

Complete the occupational safety training course to be issued an occupational safety card by the safety training center to complete the required documentation for work.

5. Occupational Safety Regulations for Recording and Reporting

Adherence to Safety Procedures:
- Workers must adhere to the recommended safety procedures and regulations when performing recording and reporting tasks. This includes the proper use of equipment and work means, as well as the application of safety measures during operations.
Use of Protective Equipment:
- Workers must ensure they use personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing fully and correctly to protect their own health and safety.
Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment:
- Periodic inspection and maintenance of the equipment used in the recording and reporting process must be carried out to ensure it operates safely and effectively.
Training and Instruction:
- Workers need to be fully trained and instructed on occupational safety procedures, as well as how to use and maintain equipment and work materials.
Communication and Incident Reporting:
- Workers need to immediately report any incident or safety issue that arises during the recording and reporting process, and must adhere to the plant’s incident reporting procedure.

6. Handling Emergency Occupational Accidents during Recording and Reporting

Protect the Worker:
- Prioritize ensuring the worker’s health and safety by moving them out of the hazardous area and providing essential medical care.
Call for Support:
- Upon discovering an accident, the operator or manager should immediately call the fire department and ambulance to ensure the incident is handled quickly and effectively.
Report the Incident:
- The worker or employee who witnessed the incident needs to immediately inform management or the safety department to report details of the accident situation and take necessary measures.
Preserve the Scene:
- The accident scene needs to be preserved to ensure the space is maintained for later investigation and analysis.
Evaluate and Learn Lessons:
- After handling the emergency, a detailed evaluation of the cause of the accident should be conducted to draw lessons to improve work processes and prevent similar accidents in the future.