Occupational environment monitoring at the concrete products factory

1. Overview of the factory producing concrete products

a. What is a factory producing concrete products?

Factory producing concrete products is a production facility where the process of manufacturing products made from concrete is carried out. These products may include types of concrete panels, concrete bricks, concrete pipes, blocks, construction materials made from concrete, and many other products.

b. Production stages in a factory producing concrete products

In a factory producing concrete products, the typical production process includes the following stages:

• Preparation and mixing of materials: Main raw materials include cement, sand, gravel, water, and additives. The materials are prepared and put into a mixer to create a concrete mixture.
• Mixing and processing: The raw materials are mixed in a concrete mixer to form a homogeneous concrete mixture with the required viscosity and quality. This process can use a continuous mixer or a batch mixer.
• Pouring and casting products: After mixing, the concrete mixture is poured into molds or formworks to create the desired concrete products. This process can use automatic casting machines or be done manually.
• Curing and post-casting processing: After pouring and casting, the products need to go through the curing process to achieve the desired hardness and strength. Afterwards, products may undergo additional processing such as cutting, grinding, or coloring (depending on specific product requirements).
• Inspection and maintenance: Concrete products are inspected for quality to ensure they meet technical standards and requirements. At the same time, machinery and equipment in the factory are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure stable and safe operation.

c. Types of machinery used in a factory producing concrete products

In a factory producing concrete products, many types of machinery are used to carry out the production stages. Below are some common machines in the concrete industry:

• Concrete mixer: Used to mix raw materials such as cement, sand, gravel, and water to create a concrete mixture. Mixers can be batch mixers or continuous mixers, depending on the scale and production requirements.
• Concrete press machine: Used to compress and mold concrete into molds or formworks to create concrete products. These can be automatic or manual casting machines.
• Concrete cutting machine: Used to cut and process concrete products after they have dried and hardened. These may include road cutters, brick cutters, or multifunctional concrete cutting machines.
• Concrete mold casting machine: Used to cast concrete products with complex shapes or large sizes such as columns, beams, retaining walls, etc.
• Concrete brick molding machine: Used to mold and shape concrete bricks according to the required specifications and sizes.
• Vertical concrete press: Used to compress and process concrete during construction works such as building walls, floors, and foundations.
• Concrete mixing and pumping machine: A combined machine used for mixing and pumping concrete to the required location, saving time and effort during construction.

d. What occupational diseases may occur to workers in a factory producing concrete products?

Workers in a factory producing concrete products may face some occupational diseases related to the working environment and exposure to chemicals used during production. Below are some common occupational diseases in the concrete industry:

• Respiratory diseases: Exposure to dust and concrete fumes, as well as additives and other chemicals, can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
• Skin diseases: The use of detergents, additives, cement, and other chemicals can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin problems.
• Spinal and musculoskeletal disorders: Working in uncomfortable positions, lifting heavy objects, and contact with heavy tools and equipment can cause spinal issues, headaches, back pain, joint degeneration, and other musculoskeletal problems.
• Occupational diseases due to chemical exposure: Chemicals in the concrete production process such as silicate compounds, heavy metal compounds, solvents, and antifungal substances can cause occupational diseases such as hepatitis, kidney disease, and other health issues.
• Occupational accidents: During work, workers may face risks from machinery, heavy equipment, moving materials, and other physical impacts, leading to occupational accidents such as injuries, fractures, burns, and other damages.

e. Common types of concrete products on the market

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

• Portland cement concrete: Used for reinforced concrete construction in projects such as houses, buildings, bridges, roads, and infrastructure.
• Concrete bricks: Concrete products molded into high-strength bricks. Concrete bricks are often used in building walls, corridors, floors, sidewalks, and other construction projects.
• Concrete tiling: Concrete surface layers used for decoration and accenting in construction projects such as floors, walkways, gardens, and swimming pools. Concrete tiling can come in various colors and patterns.
• Concrete panels: Used for building structures such as retaining walls, fences, walls, and building facades.
• Special application concrete: Concrete used for special applications such as self-compacting concrete, lightweight concrete, heat-resistant concrete, fireproof concrete, hydraulic concrete, wear-resistant concrete, and soundproof concrete.
• Decorative concrete products: Including decorative items such as fountains, flower pots, tables and chairs, statues, and other decorative products made from concrete.
• Precast concrete products: Precast concrete products manufactured in concrete factories, including components such as columns, beams, traffic signs, drainage pipes, planting panels, etc.
• Construction concrete products: Including products used in construction projects such as culverts, concrete pavements, embankments, foundations, piles, and other concrete structures.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in a factory producing concrete products?

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

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in the care, protection, and improvement of workers’ health because the main resource of the enterprise and the direct creator of profits for the enterprise are the workers. Workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous occupational factors exceeding the permissible standards will have their health affected and may suffer from 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 the quality of air, water, and microclimate, physical, and dust factors in the working environment. 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 the quality of the working environment. With the dedication and professionalism of the monitoring experts, the exclusive monitoring program of Nam Viet is becoming a breakthrough in the field of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in the 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 measurement results, this program applies recognized standards and standardized processes of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that the collected data can be used with high reliability in evaluating the working environment and making decisions on improving the working environment to protect workers’ health.

These standardized processes also ensure that the measurement results are performed by a team of monitoring experts with high qualifications and many years of experience, helping managers and experts trust the results from An Toan Nam Viet and make accurate and 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 contributing positively to the development and improvement of occupational safety management and environmental protection quality in Vietnam.

d. Monitoring report results of the factory producing concrete products

The occupational environment monitoring results are made according to form number 04, Appendix III issued together with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and are made in 02 copies: 01 copy sent to the labor facility that signed a contract for occupational environment monitoring and 01 copy kept at the organization performing occupational environment monitoring.

The storage period for occupational environment monitoring results follows the provisions of law, which is indefinite record keeping.

e. Frequency of conducting occupational environment monitoring as prescribed by law

According to the provisions in Clause 2 of Article 18 of the Occupational Safety and Hygiene Law 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 as prescribed by law

The deadline for submission is before December 31 every year, businesses in production facilities are required to submit occupational environment monitoring results to the Department of Health at the locality where the production facility, business has its head office and where workers are working.

When there are changes in technology processes, production processes, or when renovating or upgrading labor facilities that may give rise to new harmful factors affecting workers’ health, businesses in production facilities must update the occupational hygiene records with the relevant harmful factors that require occupational environment monitoring.

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

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated January 17, 2022, Regulations on administrative penalties in the field 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 fail to publicly announce to workers at the occupational environment monitoring site and at the site being inspected, evaluated, and managed for hazardous factors immediately after having the occupational environment monitoring results and the results of inspection, evaluation, and management of hazardous factors at the workplace.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to carry out 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 occupational environment monitoring activities but not to the extent of criminal prosecution.

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in concrete product factories

Workers in concrete product factories may be exposed to several harmful environmental factors. Below are some potential environmental factors that can be harmful to workers in the concrete manufacturing industry:

• Concrete dust: The concrete production process generates dust from cement, sand, and gravel. Exposure to concrete dust can cause respiratory irritation, pneumonia, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and other respiratory problems.
• Concrete fumes and chemical vapors: During mixing, casting, and processing of concrete, fumes from concrete and additives or chemicals may be released. These fumes can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.
• Noise: Machinery and equipment in concrete factories generate high levels of noise. Prolonged and loud noise can lead to insomnia, stress, hearing loss, and other health problems.
• Vibration: Equipment used in the concrete manufacturing process such as mixers and compressors can generate vibration. Continuous exposure to vibration may cause spinal issues, back pain, and musculoskeletal problems.
• Temperature and humidity: The working environment in concrete factories may have high temperatures and humidity due to production processes and equipment usage. Uncomfortable temperature and humidity conditions may cause stress and affect workers’ health.
• Chemicals: Concrete production may involve additives and chemicals such as hardening agents, cleaning agents, anti-cracking agents, coloring agents, and waterproofing agents. Exposure to these chemicals may cause skin, eye, and nervous system irritation.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in concrete product factories

To improve the working environment in concrete product factories and protect workers’ health, the following measures may be applied:

• Ventilation system: Ensure an effective ventilation system in the factory to clean the air and remove harmful dust, fumes, and chemicals. Use dust collection systems, exhaust fans, and air filters to reduce exposure to dust and irritants.
• Dust management: Apply measures to control and reduce dust during the concrete production process. Use dust extraction systems and anti-dust equipment to prevent the spread of dust in the workplace.
• Ensure electrical safety: Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of the electrical system in the factory to ensure safety and prevent fire or explosion risks.
• Noise reduction: Use noise control equipment, soundproofing modules, and zoning to reduce noise in the factory. At the same time, provide ear protection equipment to protect workers’ hearing.
• Training and education: Provide training on occupational safety and the use of personal protective equipment for all workers. Ensure they fully understand harmful environmental factors and know how to protect themselves.
• Chemical management: Ensure the safe storage, use, and disposal of chemicals according to regulations. Use environmentally friendly additives and minimize exposure to harmful substances.
• Regular health checks: Conduct periodic health examinations for workers to detect early any health issues related to working in concrete production environments.
• Personal hygiene assurance: Provide showering and personal hygiene facilities along with adequate personal protective equipment for workers to ensure cleanliness and protection from direct exposure to harmful substances.
• Waste management: Ensure waste disposal processes comply with regulations and apply proper treatment methods to reduce noise and environmental pollution.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Carry out regular monitoring and assessment of the working environment to identify issues early and apply effective corrective and improvement measures.
• Regularly organize occupational environment monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, thereby adjusting to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases for them.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in concrete product factories

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

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factories.
• Receive advice and recommendations on measures to minimize harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main driving factor in the enterprise’s development process.
• Minimize the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future treatment costs.
• Improve workers’ health, leading to guaranteed and sustained product quality and output.
• Comply with occupational safety regulations, avoiding legal risks.
• Build credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the enterprise’s brand value.

The environmental monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to minimize the impact 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 the quality of occupational environments throughout all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of 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 tracking occupational environmental issues. With the motto “customers are the center,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all needs, and is committed to delivering the best solutions for enterprises.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, equipment, and human resources, the monitoring center of Nam Viet has become one of the prestigious 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 services.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions.
• Together with a team of Masters and Engineers with expertise and experience, we aim to protect the environment and benefit enterprises.
• By working with the Nam Viet Monitoring Team, enterprises will receive professional services from experts in the field of monitoring, along with 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 machinery and equipment used for monitoring are adjusted and calibrated in accordance with legal regulations.
• Strictly follow the occupational environment monitoring process committed to the Department of Health.
• Honestly report occupational environment monitoring results to employers.
• In case the monitoring results indicate unsafe conditions for workers, Nam Viet will support in proposing remedial solutions, and the workplace shall implement as follows:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize harmful impacts and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checks to detect occupational diseases and work-related illnesses early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide allowances in kind for workers in accordance with labor law regulations.

7. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation

To help enterprises perform occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a detailed quotation for occupational environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable cost.

• Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information on the pricing of the monitoring services we offer. It includes costs related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. 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, while also being ready to provide quick and professional consultation on any questions regarding monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest customer satisfaction with professional service quality.