Occupational Environment Monitoring at the Umbrella Manufacturing Factory

1. Overview of Umbrella Manufacturing Factory

a. What is an Umbrella Manufacturing Factory?

Umbrella Factory is a production facility specialized in manufacturing umbrellas, which are tools used for sun protection and rain shielding. Umbrellas are usually made from water-resistant fabric and have a frame made of metal or fiberglass. The umbrella factory carries out processes from material processing, frame and fabric assembly, to finishing and packaging the products. Umbrellas can vary in size, style, color, and function, serving purposes such as personal umbrellas, decorative umbrellas, advertising umbrellas, garden umbrellas, or industrial umbrellas.

b. Production processes in the umbrella manufacturing factory

The production processes in an umbrella manufacturing factory include the following steps:

• Material preparation: In this stage, the main materials are water-resistant fabric and umbrella frames. The fabric can be cut into pieces of required sizes and shapes. The umbrella frame, made of metal or fiberglass, is also prepared at this stage.
• Fabric processing: The water-resistant fabric pieces are processed to form umbrella parts such as the canopy, back panel, and connecting fabric pieces. Processing may include cutting, sewing, and surface treatments to enhance water resistance.
• Frame assembly: The umbrella frame is assembled by combining components such as metal tubes, locks, hinges, and opening/closing mechanisms. These components are installed precisely and securely to form a complete umbrella frame.
• Attaching fabric to the frame: After frame assembly, the water-resistant fabric is attached to the frame using clips, buttons, and fastening systems. This ensures the fabric is smooth and firmly secured on the frame.
• Inspection and finishing: The completed umbrella undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets standards and functional requirements. Excess material is trimmed, stability is verified, and final steps are completed to make the product ready for packaging and shipment.

c. Types of machinery used in the umbrella manufacturing factory

In an umbrella manufacturing factory, the following machinery and equipment may be used:

• Fabric cutting machine: Used to cut water-resistant fabric into pieces of required size and shape.
• Industrial sewing machine: Used to sew umbrella components such as the canopy, back panel, and connecting fabric pieces. Industrial sewing machines are often equipped with special functions for handling water-resistant fabrics.
• Heat press machine: Used to treat the fabric surface to create water resistance and durability.
• Umbrella frame molding machine: Used to create metal parts of the umbrella frame, including metal tubes, locks, hinges, and opening/closing mechanisms.
• Plastic molding machine: Used to produce plastic components of the umbrella frame, such as wipers and light frame parts.
• Metal cutting and processing machine: Used to cut, bend, and process metal parts of the umbrella frame.
• Weaving machine: If the umbrella uses woven fabric, this machine produces fabric from fibers.
• Quality inspection machine: Used to check technical specifications and quality of the produced umbrellas, including sturdiness, water resistance, and other requirements.

d. Occupational diseases that workers in the umbrella factory may encounter

Workers in an umbrella manufacturing factory may experience the following occupational diseases:

• Respiratory diseases: Due to exposure to dust from materials such as fabric, plastic, metal, or chemicals during umbrella production. Inhalation can cause pneumonia, asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory issues.
• Skin diseases: Contact with chemicals in the production process may cause skin irritation, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, watery eyes, and eye pain.
• Spinal and joint problems: Work steps involving cutting, bending, metal processing, or heavy material handling can strain and injure the spine and joints.
• Occupational accidents: Accidents during work, such as cuts, punctures, crushing, burns, or slips, can cause serious injury or even death.
• Nervous system disorders: Exposure to toxic chemicals may affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

To prevent these occupational diseases, the umbrella factory should apply labor protection measures, such as providing proper personal protective equipment, ensuring ventilation and exhaust fans in the factory, training workers on occupational safety, and complying with safe working procedures and regulations.

e. Common types of umbrellas on the market

There are many common types of umbrellas available, with different features and applications. Some of the popular types include:

• Folding umbrella: The standard umbrella type, foldable and easy to carry. Folding umbrellas usually have metal or fiberglass frames and water-resistant fabric.
• Windproof umbrella: Designed to withstand strong winds, with a rigid frame and durable water-resistant fabric.
• Sun umbrella: Provides protection against UV and harmful rays, usually with sun-blocking fabric, a sturdy frame, and a long handle.
• Automatic umbrella: Features a frame and mechanism for automatic opening and closing. Pressing a button or pulling the handle opens the umbrella without manual operation.
• Golf umbrella: Specially designed for golfers, larger in size with strong wind resistance to protect players and golf clubs from bad weather.
• Advertising umbrella: Used as a mobile advertising tool, capable of displaying logos, messages, or images for a brand or event.
• Double umbrella: Designed for use by two people simultaneously, larger in size to provide coverage from sun and rain for both.

2. Overview of Occupational Environment Monitoring Services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in umbrella manufacturing factories?

Occupational environment monitoring (or occupational environment measurement) in umbrella factories involves collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurable indicators of occupational environment factors to take timely measures, minimize environmental harm to workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Monitoring is mandatory for umbrella manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays a crucial role in safeguarding and enhancing workers’ health, as workers are the main human resource and directly generate profit for the business. Continuous exposure to risk factors beyond permissible limits can affect health and cause occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

b. Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program

Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program is developed by monitoring engineers specializing in occupational safety and environmental protection. 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 crucial for ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

Additionally, Nam Viet’s program plays a significant role in researching and developing solutions to improve occupational environmental quality. With the dedication and professionalism of monitoring experts, 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 Nam Viet’s occupational environment measurement procedures is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. 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 occupational health and safety.

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

By applying standardized procedures, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to a safe working environment and contributes to enhancing occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

d. Occupational environment monitoring report in umbrella factories

Monitoring results are prepared according to Form 04, Appendix III, issued with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP in two copies: one sent to the workplace that contracted the monitoring service and one retained by the monitoring organization.

The retention period for monitoring results follows legal regulations, requiring indefinite archival.

e. Frequency of occupational environment monitoring according to legal regulations

According to Clause 2 of Article 18 of Law on Occupational Safety and Health 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 according to legal regulations

The deadline is before December 31 every year. Enterprises at manufacturing facilities must submit occupational environment monitoring reports to the Department of Health at the locality where the business is headquartered and where workers are employed.

When there are changes in technology, production processes, or upgrades that may introduce new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises must update their occupational hygiene records regarding harmful factors requiring monitoring.

g. Penalties for violations of occupational environment monitoring by employers

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated 17/01/2022 on administrative penalties in labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers going abroad under contract:

• Clause 2: A fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly inform workers at the monitoring site and the place under supervision about monitoring results and hazard assessments immediately after receiving them.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct occupational environment monitoring to control harmful effects on workers’ health according to legal regulations.
• Clause 4: A fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in occupational environment monitoring activities but have not reached the level of criminal liability.

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in umbrella manufacturing factories

There are several environmental factors that can be harmful to workers in umbrella manufacturing factories, including:

• Chemicals: During umbrella production, chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, dyes, and coating agents may be used. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and pose health risks if proper protective measures are not followed.
• Dust and fine particles: Metalworking, cutting, and polishing the frame, as well as applying paint and coatings, can produce dust and fine particles in the air. Inhaling these particles may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, potentially leading to health issues such as pneumonia and respiratory diseases.
• Noise: Metalworking, industrial machinery, and umbrella-making equipment can generate high levels of noise. Continuous and excessive noise can damage hearing, cause stress, and negatively affect overall worker health.
• Temperature and humidity: Working conditions in umbrella factories may involve high or fluctuating temperature and humidity. Such conditions can cause discomfort, reduce worker efficiency, and impact health.
• Toxins from additives and materials: Umbrella production may involve additives and materials such as rubber, plastics, and coatings. Improper handling or use of these materials may expose workers to hazardous substances, such as phthalates and other plasticizers, posing health risks.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in umbrella manufacturing factories

To improve the working environment in umbrella factories and protect workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Ensure ventilation and exhaust systems: Install effective ventilation and exhaust fans in work areas to remove dust, chemical fumes, and smoke from production processes. This reduces the risk of exposure and inhalation of harmful substances.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure workers are equipped with adequate PPE such as masks, gloves, safety goggles, ear protection, and protective clothing to safeguard against harmful factors during work.
• Safety training and guidance: Train and instruct workers on safety measures, machine and equipment operation, PPE regulations, and safe handling of hazardous substances. Ensure workers understand and comply with safety rules.
• Noise control: Implement noise reduction measures in work areas, such as isolating noisy machinery, using noise dampening equipment, and providing ear protection to maintain noise at safe levels.
• Chemical management: Safely manage and store chemicals, ensure correct usage with proper protective equipment, and provide guidance on chemical handling to prevent exposure and environmental contamination.
• Periodically conduct occupational environmental monitoring in the factory to collect and analyze harmful factors affecting workers, and adjust conditions to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in umbrella manufacturing factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with outstanding benefits when using occupational environmental 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 advice and recommendations on measures to reduce 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 health, minimizing future medical treatment costs.
• Enhanced worker health leads to improved product quality and stable production output.
• Ensure compliance with labor safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Enhance credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby elevating the company’s brand.

Nam Viet’s environmental monitoring service is a solution to minimize the impact of occupational diseases, contributing to a clean and high-quality working environment.

6. National occupational environmental monitoring center

Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment throughout all provinces and cities 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 assists customers in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE

With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in the field of occupational environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:

• 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, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
• By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, companies receive professional services from experts and the best cost advantages.

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

• Before conducting monitoring, our company ensures all machinery and equipment are adjusted and calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Strictly implement the occupational environmental monitoring procedures as committed to the Department of Health.
• Accurately report occupational environmental monitoring results to employers.
• If monitoring results indicate unsafe conditions for workers, Nam Viet will provide remedial solutions, and the employer will implement the following:
  • Apply measures to improve working conditions to minimize harmful factors and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checks to detect early occupational and work-related illnesses for employees in unsafe environments.
  • Provide material compensation for employees according to labor laws.

7. Occupational environmental monitoring service quotation

To help businesses conduct occupational environmental monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced service quotation for occupational environmental monitoring.

• Our quotation provides detailed information on the costs of the monitoring services offered, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting fees. Customers can be fully assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market and are always ready to promptly answer all questions regarding monitoring services professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that meet their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.