Occupational environment monitoring at a shopping mall

1. Overview of Shopping Mall

a. What is a Shopping Mall?

A shopping mall is a large commercial facility designed and constructed to provide space for multiple shops, stores, restaurants, services, and other shopping activities. It is usually organized and managed by an organization or company to create a convenient environment for consumers to search for, purchase, and consume products and services.

A shopping mall can be built in urban areas or densely populated regions. It often has one or more floors, with shops and stores arranged along corridors and different areas. In addition to providing shopping space, a shopping mall may also have other amenities such as cinemas, restaurants, supermarkets, entertainment centers, and supporting services.

Shopping malls are typically designed to create a convenient, safe, and attractive environment for shoppers. They provide a centralized location for multiple brands and products, allowing customers to easily compare and choose. Shopping malls may also organize promotional activities, discounts, events, and campaigns to attract customers and generate excitement in the shopping experience.

b. Jobs of Employees in a Shopping Mall

Jobs of employees in a shopping mall may include:

• Sales staff: The main role in a shopping mall, interacting directly with customers, introducing products, providing advice, and assisting customers during shopping.
• Cashiers: Responsible for handling customer payments and ensuring transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Security staff: Ensure security and safety within the mall, monitor public areas, control access, handle emergencies, and maintain a safe environment for staff and customers.
• Store managers: Oversee daily store operations, ensure proper product display, manage staff, handle customer issues, and achieve sales targets.
• Customer service staff: Provide advice and assistance to shoppers, answer questions, handle exchanges or returns, provide product and service information, and ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Marketing staff: Responsible for advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns within the mall. They develop marketing strategies, manage campaigns, attract customers, and increase sales.
• Operations staff: Manage the movement of goods, inventory, and ensure timely supply of products to stores in the mall.
• Event management staff: Organize events such as exhibitions within the mall.

c. Types of Machinery Used in a Shopping Mall

Shopping malls use various types of machinery to support operations and services. Common machinery includes:

• Barcode scanners: Used to read information from product barcodes and provide related price, product, and payment information.
• Cash registers: Devices used to calculate and print receipts for customers when purchasing goods or services.
• Automated money changers: Used to exchange currency, such as changing large bills into smaller bills or converting local currency to foreign currency.
• ATMs: Some malls provide ATMs for customers to withdraw cash or conduct other banking transactions.
• Vending machines: Provide products and services automatically, such as beverages, snacks, newspapers, books, movie tickets, and other items.
• Projectors and sound systems: Used for presentations, events, performances, or advertisements.
• Air conditioning systems: Maintain a comfortable environment for shoppers within the mall.
• Floor cleaning and polishing machines: Maintain hygiene and aesthetic appeal in the mall.

d. Occupational Diseases for Employees in a Shopping Mall

Employees working in a shopping mall may face certain occupational diseases. Common occupational diseases include:

• Nervous system disorders: Fatigue, stress, and sleep disorders due to work pressure, continuous work in noisy environments, and strong lighting.
• Spinal and musculoskeletal problems: Long hours of standing or sitting, lifting heavy objects, or high-intensity physical activity may cause back pain, arthritis, spinal degeneration, and other musculoskeletal issues.
• Respiratory problems: Pollution from smoke, dust, and chemicals from construction, cleaning, and store management may cause nasal inflammation, sinusitis, pneumonia, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Eye problems: Bright lighting and constant exposure to lights may cause eye strain, dry eyes, eye pain, and other vision issues.
• Skin conditions: Contact with cleaning chemicals, maintenance agents, or goods handling may cause skin irritation, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin issues.
• Hearing problems: Noise from music, announcements, or construction may damage hearing, causing tinnitus or hearing loss.
• Mental health issues: Work pressure, difficult customer interactions, or stressful situations may cause anxiety, stress, or depression.

2. Overview of Workplace Environmental Monitoring Services

a. What is Workplace Environmental Monitoring in a Shopping Mall?

Workplace environmental monitoring in a shopping mall is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing indicators of occupational environmental factors within the mall, in order to take timely measures, reduce environmental harm to workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Workplace environmental monitoring is mandatory for shopping malls.

Monitoring plays a vital role in protecting and improving workers’ health because employees are the primary resource and directly generate profit for businesses. Workers who are regularly exposed to hazardous factors above permissible limits may suffer health impacts and occupational diseases.

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b. Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Program

Nam Viet’s workplace environmental monitoring program is designed by monitoring engineers in occupational safety and environmental protection. To ensure the health and safety of employees, the program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air quality, water, microclimate factors, physical conditions, dust, and more in the workplace. This program is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment and protecting employees’ health.

Additionally, Nam Viet’s program plays an important role in researching and developing new solutions to improve workplace environmental quality. With a dedicated and professional team of monitoring experts, Nam Viet’s exclusive monitoring program represents a breakthrough in occupational safety and environmental protection management in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in Workplace Environmental Measurement Procedures

Standardization in Nam Viet’s workplace environmental measurement procedures is critical for ensuring the quality and reliability of results. The program follows recognized standards and procedures from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data can be trusted for evaluating workplace environments and making decisions to improve worker safety and health.

These standardized procedures also guarantee that measurements are conducted by highly qualified monitoring experts with years of experience, allowing managers and specialists to rely on Nam Viet’s results for accurate, valuable decisions in occupational health and environmental protection.

By applying standardization in monitoring procedures, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to providing a safe working environment, protecting employees’ health, and contributing to the development and improvement of occupational safety and environmental management in Vietnam.

d. Reporting Results of Shopping Mall Environmental Monitoring

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

The legal retention period for monitoring results is indefinite.

e. Frequency of Workplace Environmental Monitoring According to the Law

According to Clause 2 of Article 18 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 84/2015/QH13, employers must conduct workplace environmental monitoring to assess harmful factors at least once a year.

f. Deadline for Submitting Workplace Environmental Monitoring Reports According to the Law

The deadline for submission is before December 31 each year. Businesses at production facilities must submit monitoring reports to the Department of Health where the facility’s headquarters is located and where employees work.

When there are changes in technology or production processes, or when renovating or upgrading the facility that may introduce new hazards, businesses must update occupational hygiene records regarding harmful factors that require workplace environmental monitoring.

g. Penalties for Violations of Workplace Environmental Monitoring Regulations for Employers

According to Article 27 of Decree 12/2022/ND-CP dated 17/01/2022 on administrative penalties in labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contract:

• Clause 2: Fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who fail to publicly announce monitoring results and hazard management information at the monitored workplace and inspection sites.
• Clause 3: Fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct workplace environmental monitoring to control health hazards as required by law.
• Clause 4: Fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with monitoring organizations to falsify monitoring activities without reaching criminal liability.

3. Harmful Environmental Factors for Employees Working in Shopping Malls

There are several environmental factors that may be harmful to employees working in shopping malls. The following are the main factors:

• Workspace: Shopping malls often have large and complex spaces, with many stores, corridors, and public areas. This can create pressure and stress for employees.
• Noise: Shopping malls often have high noise levels due to customer crowds, speaker sounds, equipment noise such as fans, air conditioners, elevators, and sounds from construction or maintenance activities.
• Lighting: Some areas in shopping malls have dim or weak lighting, while others have glaring bright lights. This can cause eye strain, stress, and affect employees’ health and work performance.
• Temperature and humidity: The environment in shopping malls may have fluctuating temperature and humidity, especially in areas with many people and operating equipment. Too hot or too cold environments, or inappropriate humidity, can cause discomfort and affect employees’ health and comfort.
• Chemicals and pollutants: In some cases, shopping malls may use chemicals and pollutants such as insecticides, cleaning agents, and floor treatment chemicals. Long-term exposure to these substances can be harmful to employees’ health.
• Accidents and hazards: Shopping malls may present accident risks such as slips, collisions, electrical incidents, or other hazards related to equipment or facilities.

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4. Measures to Improve Working Environment in Shopping Malls

To improve the working environment in shopping malls and ensure employees’ health and safety, the following measures can be applied:

• Noise management: Provide ear protection for employees, use soundproof materials, and establish regulations for safe noise levels.
• Lighting improvement: Ensure good natural lighting in workspaces, use appropriate artificial lighting, and avoid glare.
• Temperature and humidity control: Provide an effective air conditioning system to maintain comfortable temperature and humidity levels. Also, ensure proper ventilation to supply fresh air to work areas.
• Training and guidance: Provide training for employees on occupational safety, proper use of equipment and machinery, and accident prevention.
• Chemical and pollutant management: Ensure safe storage, use, and handling of chemicals and pollutants. Apply control measures to minimize exposure to hazardous substances.
• Periodic monitoring and inspection: Conduct regular inspections, measurements, and monitoring of the working environment to detect issues early and implement corrective measures.
• Work process improvement: Adjust tasks and workflows to minimize harmful environmental factors and enhance safety.
• Encourage participation and feedback: Create an open working environment, encourage employees to contribute opinions and suggest measures to improve the working environment.
• Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in offices or facilities, collect and analyze harmful factors affecting employees, and implement adjustments to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of Periodic Shopping Mall Environment Monitoring

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 working environments affecting employees.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors in offices or factories.
• Receive recommendations on measures to reduce harmful factors and improve working environment quality.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key factor in business development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby minimizing future treatment costs.
• Improved employee health leads to better product quality and consistent productivity.
• Comply with labor safety regulations and avoid legal risks.
• Enhance credibility and professionalism, elevating the business’s brand.

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

6. Nationwide Workplace Environment Monitoring Center

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

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

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With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with objectives including:

• We always prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
• We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
• Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers committed to environmental protection and business benefits.
• By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies receive professional service from experts and the best cost advantages.

The workplace environment monitoring process at Nam Viet includes:

• Before monitoring, all machinery and equipment are calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Implement the complete monitoring process as committed to the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If results indicate unsafe conditions, Nam Viet will provide solutions, and the enterprise will implement:
  • Measures to improve working conditions, minimize harmful factor impacts, and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Health check-ups to detect occupational and work-related diseases early for employees in unsafe environments.
  • Provide in-kind benefits to employees according to labor laws.

7. Workplace Environment Monitoring Service Price List

To help businesses perform workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides clients with a quality and reasonably priced service price list.

• Our price list provides detailed information on the costs of monitoring services we offer, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market and are always ready to answer questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s price list, clients can easily choose service packages that meet their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.