Occupational environment monitoring at a watch manufacturing factory

1. Overview of the Watch Manufacturing Factory

a. What is a watch manufacturing factory?

Factory producing watches is a production facility specializing in creating watch products. In this factory, the watch production process is carried out from designing and developing watch models to mass production. The production steps may include processing basic watch components, assembly, quality control, and final finishing.

During production, watch factories often use advanced equipment and technology to ensure high precision and quality of the products. The main components of a watch include the watch case, movement, dial, hands, and strap. These components may be manufactured in the factory or imported from other suppliers.

Famous watch brands often have their own factories to control the production process and ensure product quality. However, there are also independent watch factories that specialize in supplying components and production services to multiple brands.

Watch production is a meticulous process that requires high expertise to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the final product.

b. Production stages in the watch manufacturing factory

Production stages in a watch manufacturing factory may vary depending on the specific process of each factory and the type of watch produced. Below is a common sequence of production stages in watch manufacturing:

• Design and development: This stage includes designing watch models, selecting materials, and developing detailed technical drawings. These steps are usually carried out by watch designers and engineers.
• Component processing: Basic watch components such as watch cases, dials, hands, movements (e.g., springs and wheels), and other parts are processed. The processing may involve lathes, milling machines, and grinding machines to create precise and high-quality components.
• Assembly: Components are assembled into a complete watch. This process includes attaching parts to the watch case, assembling the movement, and setting adjustment mechanisms (such as oscillators or waterproof systems). Watchmakers typically perform this step.
• Quality control: Watches are inspected to ensure they operate accurately and comply with quality standards. Inspections may include movement accuracy, water resistance, and other watch features.
• Final finishing: Watches are finalized with engraving, plating, and coloring on the watch case and other parts. This step enhances aesthetics and personalizes the product.
• Packaging and shipping: Finally, watches are packaged in watch boxes and prepared for shipping and distribution to retail stores.

c. Machinery used in the watch manufacturing factory

In a watch manufacturing factory, various machinery and equipment are used to perform production and processing steps. Below are some common machines found in a watch manufacturing factory:

• Lathes: Lathes are used to process small watch parts, such as hands shafts, movement shafts, bearings, and other components. Lathes can cut, drill, and grind details according to required sizes and shapes.
• Milling machines: Milling machines are used to process flat surfaces and complex shapes on watch components. They can create slots, grooves, and precise curves on parts such as watch cases or mechanical components.
• Grinders: Grinders are used to process precise surfaces and perform final finishing on small watch components. They can polish and smooth metal surfaces to achieve high accuracy and finish.
• CNC machines: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are used to automate the processing steps in watch production. Designs are programmed into the computer, and the machine performs precise operations on the watch components automatically.
• Inspection and measurement machines: These machines are used in the production process to ensure product quality and accuracy. They can check movement precision, measure component accuracy, and test water and shock resistance.

d. Occupational diseases that may occur for workers in the watch manufacturing factory

occupational diseases

Workers in a watch manufacturing factory may be exposed to several occupational diseases related to their work. Here are some common examples:

• Hand strain from assembly work: Assembling small and intricate watch components for extended periods can cause hand strain, a condition reducing precise hand control. This may result in pain, numbness, and limited hand function.
• Knee muscle strain: Workers may need to sit or stand for long periods, leading to muscle strain and knee inflammation. This can cause pain and difficulty in movement and work.
• Diseases related to materials and chemicals: During production, materials such as metals, copper wires, plastics, adhesives, and chemicals may be used. Prolonged unsafe exposure to these materials can cause respiratory, skin, eye, and stomach problems.
• Vision problems: Detailed assembly and processing work may require high focus and weak lighting. This can cause eye fatigue, inflammation, and blurred vision.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: Workers may work in uncomfortable positions and frequently move body parts, causing fatigue and strain in muscles and joints, leading to back pain, shoulder pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.

e. Popular types of watches on the market

Today, there are many popular types of watches with different styles and functions. Below are some examples:

• Mechanical watches: These watches use mechanical mechanisms and springs to move the hands. They can be divided into two types: automatic watches, which self-wind through wrist movement, and manual-winding watches, which require regular hand winding.
• Digital watches: Digital watches display time on a numeric screen and often include features such as alarms, timers, and backlighting. They are battery-powered and operated by buttons.
• Smartwatches: Smartwatches combine a watch and a mobile device. They feature touch screens, connectivity with smartphones, and functions like message notifications, calls, activity tracking, and health monitoring.
• Sports watches: Sports watches often measure physical activity, heart rate, track movements, distance, altitude, and calculate calorie consumption.
• Fashion watches: Fashion watches are designed for aesthetics and personal style. They come in various designs, colors, and materials to match fashion trends.
• Classic watches: Classic watches exude elegance and sophistication, often featuring metal cases and traditional dials.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in a watch manufacturing factory?

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

Occupational environment monitoring plays a crucial role in caring for, protecting, and enhancing workers’ health because employees are the main resource of a business and directly generate profits. Workers exposed to risk factors exceeding permitted limits may suffer health impacts and develop occupational diseases.

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b. Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program

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

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

c. Standardization in workplace environment measurement procedures

Standardization in Nam Viet’s workplace environment measurement procedures is crucial to ensure measurement quality. To guarantee accuracy and reliability, the program follows recognized standards and procedures from Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data is highly reliable for evaluating workplace conditions and making decisions to improve the environment and protect workers’ health.

These standardized procedures also ensure that measurements are performed by qualified monitoring specialists with years of experience, allowing managers and experts to trust Nam Viet’s results and make accurate decisions that safeguard health and the environment.

By applying standardization in measurement procedures, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to a safe working environment, protecting workers’ health, and contributing to improving occupational safety and environmental management quality in Vietnam.

d. Reporting occupational environment monitoring results in watch factories

Occupational environment monitoring results are prepared according to Form No. 04, Appendix III issued with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and are made in two copies: one for the contracting workplace and one for the monitoring organization.

The retention period of monitoring results follows legal regulations: indefinite archival.

e. Frequency of workplace environment monitoring as required by law

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

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

The deadline is before December 31 each year. Enterprises at production facilities are required to submit monitoring reports to the Department of Health at the locality where the facility’s headquarters and workplaces are located.

When there are changes in technology, production processes, or when upgrading facilities that may generate new hazards, enterprises must update occupational hygiene records concerning harmful factors that require environmental monitoring.

g. Penalties for violations regarding workplace environment monitoring for 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 contract:

• Clause 2: Fine from 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who fail to publicly notify employees at the monitoring site and evaluation sites immediately after receiving monitoring and evaluation results.
• Clause 3: Fine from 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who do not conduct occupational environment monitoring to control health hazards as required by law.
• Clause 4: Fine from 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who cooperate with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in monitoring activities but not reaching criminal liability.

3. Environmental Factors Harmful to Workers in Watch Manufacturing Factories

Workers in watch manufacturing factories may be exposed to several harmful environmental factors. Below are some potential factors that could affect their health:

• Dust and particles: The process of machining and polishing watch components may generate dust and fine particles in the air. Inhaling these dust and particles can cause respiratory problems and difficulty breathing.
• Chemicals: During production, chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, cleaning agents, and plating solutions may be used. Prolonged or improper exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory, skin, eye, and stomach issues.
• Noise: Certain production processes in watch factories may produce high noise levels, such as when using lathes, milling machines, or grinders. Continuous exposure to noise can cause hearing problems and psychological stress.
• Lighting: Detailed and precise work in watch production requires high concentration and adequate lighting. However, excessively bright or improperly adjusted lighting can cause eye fatigue and stress.
• Temperature and humidity: Some watch manufacturing processes may require specific temperature and humidity conditions. Extreme temperatures or inappropriate humidity can create discomfort and challenges for workers.
• Posture and repetitive work: Assembling and machining watch components may require awkward postures and repetitive motions. This can lead to musculoskeletal fatigue and strain.

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4. Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Watch Manufacturing Factories

To improve working conditions in watch manufacturing factories and protect workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Ensure safe working procedures: Implement safety measures such as using personal protective equipment (safety glasses, masks, gloves), ensuring machinery and equipment are safe, and training workers on occupational safety rules.
• Dust and particle management: Provide effective dust extraction systems to reduce airborne dust and particles. Ensure the use of dust control measures such as dust barriers, air filtration systems, and working in spaces with proper ventilation.
• Chemical management: Use safe chemicals and ensure proper storage, handling, and exposure according to safety regulations. Train workers on safe chemical usage and provide information on health impacts.
• Noise control: Implement noise control measures such as isolating noisy machinery or using noise barriers, provide hearing protection, and train workers on noise hazards and effects.
• Ensure appropriate lighting: Provide adequate and suitable lighting during work. Utilize natural light when possible, supplemented with proper artificial lighting to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
• Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and adjust to reduce risks to prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of Periodic Monitoring in Watch Manufacturing Factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with excellent benefits when using workplace environment monitoring services according to Decree 44/2016/ND – CP on managing and controlling harmful factors in the working environment affecting employees.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factories.
• Receive recommendations for measures to minimize harmful factors and improve working environment quality.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in business development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on health, thereby minimizing future treatment costs.
• Enhancing workers’ health ensures product quality and production output.
• Comply with occupational safety laws and avoid legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism, enhancing the company’s brand reputation.

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

6. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center

Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction, meets all client needs, and commits to delivering the best solutions for businesses.

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With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:

• We always value brand reputation and service quality.
• 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.
• At Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies receive professional service from experts and the best cost advantages.

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

• Before conducting monitoring, all machinery and equipment are calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Strictly follow the committed monitoring procedures with the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If monitoring results indicate unsafe conditions for workers, Nam Viet supports remediation, and the enterprise shall:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize harmful factor impacts and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health check-ups to detect occupational and work-related diseases early for workers in unsafe positions.
  • Provide in-kind compensation to workers according to labor law regulations.

7. Workplace Environment Monitoring Price List

To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environment monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a price list of workplace environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.

• Our price list provides detailed information about the costs of monitoring services, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can be confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We commit to competitive and reasonable pricing and are always ready to answer any questions about monitoring services professionally and promptly.
• With Nam Viet’s price list, clients can easily select service packages suitable for their needs. We guarantee maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.