Occupational environment monitoring at the ice factory

1. Overview of ice factory

a. What is an ice factory?

Factory ice is an industrial facility where ice is produced and packaged. Ice is usually produced by freezing purified water or distilled water into ice blocks. This factory has equipment and processes to create high-quality ice, ensuring purity and meeting customer requirements.

b. Production stages in the ice factory

The ice production process in the factory usually includes the following stages:

• Preparation of raw materials: Purified water or distilled water is used as the main raw material to produce ice. This water usually undergoes filtration and cleaning processes to ensure quality.
• Ice block forming: Water is poured into trays or molds with the desired shape and size. These trays are then placed into a cooling machine or freezer to freeze the water into ice blocks.
• Cleaning and packaging: After the water has solidified into ice blocks, the ice blocks are removed from the trays and go through a cleaning process. Then, the ice is packaged in bags or containers for storage and transportation.
• Quality inspection: Before being released from the factory, ice usually undergoes quality inspection to ensure it meets standards of shape, size, purity, and safety.

c. Types of machinery used in the ice factory

In the ice factory, the following types of machinery may be used:

• Cooling machine: This machine is used to cool water, creating the conditions for water to freeze into ice.
• Ice cube machine: This machine produces ice cubes in specific shapes and sizes. The machine can operate by freezing water into molds or through natural freezing.
• Packaging machine: The packaging machine is used to pack ice into suitable bags or containers. This machine can perform automatic packaging processes, including counting and packing the ice cubes.
• Transport machine: The transport machine is used to move ice from the production process to storage or sales points. Lifting equipment, conveyors, or similar devices may be used to perform this task.
• Quality inspection equipment: To ensure ice quality, quality inspection devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, or chemical analysis equipment can be used to check the composition and properties of ice.

d. What occupational diseases may occur for workers in the ice factory?

Workers in the ice factory may be exposed to several harmful environmental factors that can cause health problems and occupational diseases. Below are some common occupational diseases that may occur in the ice production industry:

• Respiratory diseases: Inhaling dust and fine particles from the ice production process can irritate and damage the respiratory tract. This can lead to diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma.
• Skin diseases: Continuous exposure to cold ice and chemicals during production may cause skin irritation, dermatitis, or skin allergies.
• Hand and wrist diseases: Processes such as packaging and transporting ice may require continuous use of hands and wrists. This may lead to issues such as muscle inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or musculoskeletal injuries.
• Ear diseases: Machinery and equipment in the ice factory may generate loud noise, causing ear damage and problems such as hearing loss or tinnitus.
• Joint diseases: Tasks that require heavy labor, lifting heavy objects, and improper working postures can cause joint problems such as osteoarthritis or joint injuries.

e. Common types of ice on the market

There are many common types of ice on the market, including:

• Ice cubes: This is the type of ice created through rapid freezing. Ice cubes have uniform shapes and sizes, suitable for cooling drinks and food.
• Granular ice: Granular ice is formed by freezing water in grain-shaped molds. Granular ice is usually smaller than ice cubes and is often used in beverages with granular form.
• Nugget ice: Nugget ice is formed by freezing water in nugget molds. Nugget ice has elongated grain shapes and is often used in beverages such as cocktails.
• Industrial ice: Industrial ice is used in grinding processes or cooling industrial equipment, such as metal cutting machines or milling machines.
• Crushed ice: Crushed ice is ice ground into powder or small pieces. Crushed ice is often used for cooling, making ice cream, or shaved ice.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring service

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in the ice factory?

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

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in caring for, protecting, and improving workers’ health because the main resource of enterprises and the direct creators of profit are the workers. Workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous occupational factors exceeding permissible standards will have their health affected and may develop occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

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 health and safety for workers, this program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air quality, water, and microclimate, physical, and dust factors in the working environment. This is a very important program 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 the quality of the working environment. With the dedication and professionalism of the monitoring experts, Nam Viet’s exclusive monitoring program is becoming a breakthrough in the field of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in occupational environment measurement process

Standardization in the occupational environment measurement process of Nam Viet is a very important aspect in ensuring the quality of measurement results. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results, this program uses recognized standards and standardized procedures of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that the collected data will be highly reliable in the process of evaluating the working environment and making decisions on improving the working environment to protect workers’ health.

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

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

d. Monitoring report results for ice factory

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

The storage time for occupational environment monitoring results is in accordance with legal regulations, with records stored indefinitely.

e. Frequency of 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 conduct occupational environment monitoring to assess harmful factors at least once a year.

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

The deadline for submission is before December 31 every year, enterprises belonging to production facilities are required to submit occupational environment monitoring reports to the Department of Health in the locality where the production facility, business headquarters, and workers are located.

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

g. Penalty regulations 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 field of labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contracts.

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

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in the ice production factory

In the ice production factory, workers may be exposed to several harmful environmental factors, including:

• Dust and fine particles: The ice production process may generate dust and fine particles from crushing, transporting, and handling ice. Inhalation of dust and fine particles may cause respiratory irritation and other health problems.
• Noise: Machinery and equipment in the ice production factory produce high noise levels. Continuous and high-level noise may affect hearing and cause stress and tension for workers.
• Temperature: The cooling and freezing process of ice may create a cold working environment. Workers must work in cold conditions and be exposed to low temperatures, which may cause numbness and aggravate underlying body organ problems.
• Chemicals: Some chemicals may be used in the ice production process for cleaning and preservation. Improper handling or lack of protective measures may cause harm to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system of workers.
• Humidity and water: The working environment in the ice production factory may have high humidity, which may affect workers’ health and comfort.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in the ice production factory

To improve the working environment in the ice production factory and protect workers’ health, the following measures may be applied:

• Dust management: Install efficient dust extraction systems to reduce dust during crushing, transporting, and handling ice. Ensure regular industrial hygiene and provide personal protective equipment such as protective masks to prevent workers from inhaling dust.
• Noise adjustment: Apply soundproofing and insulation measures, as well as use noise-reducing equipment to minimize noise at its source. At the same time, ensure workers are provided with protective headphones to reduce noise to a safe level.
• Temperature management: Ensure a comfortable temperature and humidity in the working environment, avoiding excessively high or low temperatures. Provide suitable work clothing to keep workers warm and reduce risks of numbness and health deterioration due to temperature.
• Chemical management: Ensure chemicals are used safely and correctly in the production process. Provide guidance and training for workers on safe use and handling of chemicals. At the same time, provide protective measures such as gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant coats.
• Ventilation and air conditioning: Ensure good air circulation in the factory to reduce humidity and create a comfortable working environment. Use air conditioning systems and ventilation fans to improve workers’ comfort.
• Training and education: Provide training on occupational safety and protection for workers, including the use of protective equipment, safe working procedures, and preventive measures against occupational diseases. At the same time, strengthen education on safety awareness and encourage active participation of all employees.
• Water and waste management: Ensure wastewater treatment and waste management comply with environmental regulations and protect the surrounding environment. Apply wastewater treatment methods and waste recycling to reduce resource consumption and environmental pollution.
• Assessment and supervision: Conduct risk assessments and regular monitoring to detect and address environmental and health issues related to working in the ice production factory.
• Regularly organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in the ice production factory

An Toan Nam Viet provides enterprises with excellent benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services in accordance with Decree 44/2016/ND – CP on the management and control of harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors at workshops or factories
• Receive consulting and recommendations on measures to minimize harmful factors, improving the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in enterprise development
• Minimize the harmful effects of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future treatment costs.
• Workers’ health is improved, leading to ensured and maintained product quality and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with occupational safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create prestige and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the enterprise’s brand.

The occupational environment monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to minimize the harmful effects of occupational diseases, contributing to creating a healthy and high-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 to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and monitoring occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are the center,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for enterprises.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, techniques, and human resources, the monitoring center of Nam Viet has become one of the reputable units 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 service products.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
• Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise, we aim to protect the environment and benefit enterprises.
• With the Nam Viet Monitoring team, your company will receive professional services from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will receive the best cost benefits.

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 adjusted in accordance with legal regulations.
• Strictly implement the occupational environment monitoring process committed to the Department of Health.
• Honestly report occupational environment monitoring results to the employer.
• In cases where occupational environment monitoring results do not ensure worker safety, Nam Viet company will support providing remedial solutions, and the workplace shall implement as follows:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize the impact of harmful factors and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health examinations to detect occupational diseases and job-related illnesses early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide in-kind benefits for workers according to labor law regulations.

7. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation

To help enterprises conduct occupational environment monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring service quotation.

• Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information on the prices of monitoring services we are offering. This includes costs related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, and we are also ready to promptly and professionally consult and answer any questions about monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.