Home > Occupational safety training > Study and get certified > Occupational safety knowledge > Occupational safety documents > Safety Document Group 3 > Occupational Safety Document for Bird’s Nest Processing

Category Map

DOWNLOAD THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY DOCUMENT KIT (6 GROUPS, MORE THAN 300 PROFESSIONS)

Learn about measures to ensure occupational safety during the production of bird’s nests, from the swiftlet care process to the harvesting process, providing detailed information to help protect both employees and products, while ensuring high quality for this precious natural product.

Table of Contents

PART I: CURRENT STATE OF SAFETY IN THE BIRD’S NEST PROCESSING INDUSTRY

I. General Situation

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs informs sectors and localities of the occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 and outlines key solutions to proactively prevent incidents and accidents in the last 6 months of 2024. According to reports from 61 out of 63 centrally governed provinces and cities, in the first 6 months of 2024, there were a total of 3,201 occupational accidents nationwide (a decrease of 227 cases, equivalent to 7.09% compared to the same period in 2023), resulting in 3,065 victims (a decrease of 197 people, equivalent to 6.04% compared to the first 6 months of 2023), including both employees under labor contracts and those working without labor contracts. Specifically:

Number of fatal occupational accidents: 320 cases, a decrease of 25 cases (7.25%) compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 245 cases in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 28 cases or 10.3%; and 75 cases in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 3 cases or 4.2% compared to the first 6 months of 2023);
Number of deaths due to occupational accidents: 346 people, a decrease of 7 people or 1.98% compared to the same period in 2023 (including 268 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 13 people or 4.63%; and 78 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 6 people or 8.33%).
Number of people seriously injured: 810 people, an increase of 26 people or 3.32% compared to the first 6 months of 2023 (including 710 in areas with labor relations, a decrease of 5 people or 0.7%; and 100 in areas without labor contracts, an increase of 31 people or 44.92%).

Download the PDF file Occupational Accident Report – First 6 Months of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The occupational accident situation in the first 6 months of 2024 in both sectors with and without labor relations saw a decrease in the number of deaths and fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2023.

II. Some Occupational Accidents in Bird’s Nest Processing Plants

The bird’s nest processing industry is becoming an important sector in the economy of many countries. However, the rapid development of this industry also comes with risks regarding occupational safety. Below are some notable occupational accidents that bird’s nest processing plants have faced.

High Risk During Bird’s Nest Collection: Some accidents occur during the collection of bird’s nests from hard-to-reach areas. Workers face the risk of falling from heights when climbing rock caves or water supplies to reach high-value bird’s nests.
Risks in Bird’s Nest Processing: During processing, many factories use complex equipment and machinery. Accidents can occur due to technical failures, incidents in the production process, or a lack of solid understanding of occupational safety on the part of the workers.
Chemical Issues: Some bird’s nest processing plants use chemicals to clean and treat the nests. Incidents during the use of chemicals can cause accidents and affect the health of workers.
Lack of Protective Equipment: In a harsh working environment, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. However, some accidents occur due to shortcomings in providing and ensuring the correct use of PPE.

These occupational accidents in the bird’s nest processing industry are a testament to the need to strengthen occupational safety and ensure that production processes are carried out safely and sustainably.

PART II: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN BIRD’S NEST PROCESSING

I. Occupational safety and health for employees washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

1. Job characteristics of washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

When performing the task of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests, the process must adhere to several important characteristics to ensure high quality and food safety.

First of all, the washing process needs to be done with care. Use clean water and a gentle washing method to avoid damaging the structure of the bird’s nest. This helps to retain all the nutrients in the bird’s nest while removing dirt and impurities on the outside.

Then, the process of removing impurities needs to be carried out accurately. Use modern technology and appropriate equipment to remove impurities most effectively. This includes filtering out small dust particles, unwanted impurities, and other materials remaining from the production process.

In addition, it is important to maintain good sanitary conditions during processing, keeping the work environment and equipment always clean. This ensures that the bird’s nest is not contaminated during processing and meets food safety standards.

2. Types of accidents during the process of washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

During the process of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests, there are several accident risks that manufacturers need to pay attention to. One of the common problems is the risk of damaging the structure of the bird’s nest during the washing process. Using high water pressure or an incorrect washing method can lead to the destruction of the bird’s nest, losing its nutritional value.

In addition, the risk of contamination is also an important aspect. The process of removing impurities must be carried out in a hygienic and clean environment to avoid bacterial and microbial contamination that can affect the quality of the bird’s nest. This principle places high demands on hygiene management and food safety during the production process.

Furthermore, special attention needs to be paid to avoiding occupational accidents. Employees involved in the washing and impurity removal process must be trained in occupational safety and the correct use of personal protective equipment. This helps reduce the risk of injury and ensures a safe working environment.

3. Causes of accidents when washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

There are several main causes of accidents during the process of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests. One of the most important causes is the lack of knowledge or experience of the employees performing the work. Workers on the production line need to be fully trained on the techniques of washing and removing impurities safely and effectively.

In addition, the use of incorrect equipment can also be a cause of accidents. If too much water pressure is applied or unsafe chemicals are used, it can damage the structure of the bird’s nest and reduce the value of the product.

Other factors include poor hygiene management, leading to the risk of contamination and bacterial pollution. Processing in an unclean environment can affect the quality of the bird’s nest and create conditions for the growth of harmful bacteria.

4. Measures to prevent accidents when washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

To ensure occupational safety during the process of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests, applying preventive measures is extremely important. First and foremost is providing full occupational safety training for all employees involved in this process.

Training should focus on the proper use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, safety glasses, and gloves, to protect against the effects of water and chemicals. Employees also need to be trained on the most effective and safe techniques for washing and removing impurities.

At the same time, establishing rules on occupational safety in the work environment is important. This includes keeping the workspace clean, organizing safe work areas, and ensuring the use of safety equipment is an indispensable part of the process.

In addition, regular inspection and maintenance of work equipment also play an important role. Ensuring that machinery and equipment are properly maintained helps reduce the risk of accidents and maintain work efficiency.

5. Occupational safety regulations when washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

Occupational safety regulations play an important role in the process of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests. According to these regulations, all employees involved in the process must be trained on the proper use of personal protective equipment, including masks, safety glasses, and gloves, to protect against the effects of water and chemicals.

The safety procedure also sets requirements for maintaining a clean work environment. Work areas need to be organized neatly to avoid dangerous situations and reduce the risk of accidents. In addition, occupational safety regulations also specify the correct techniques for washing and removing impurities to ensure high work efficiency while maintaining safety.

Another important part of the regulation is the periodic inspection and maintenance of equipment. This helps ensure that the machinery is operating correctly and reduces the risk of incidents. Employees are also required to report immediately any safety issues they detect.

6. Handling emergency accident situations when washing and removing any impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests

Handling emergency accident situations during the process of washing and removing impurities from newly harvested bird’s nests requires preparation and a quick response from employees. In the event of an accident, the occupational safety procedure must guide employees on how to respond immediately.

First, ensuring personal safety is the top priority. Employees should use personal protective equipment and leave the hazardous area if necessary. They should also report the situation to the manager immediately for support and emergency measures.

In the event of a fire, explosion, or chemical leak, activating the alarm system and using fire-fighting equipment is important. Employees should be trained to know how to use these devices effectively and safely.

Furthermore, a safe evacuation plan should also be established and trained for all employees. Identifying escape routes and emergency assembly points will help ensure that everyone can evacuate safely in an emergency situation.

II. Occupational safety and health for employees operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

1. Job characteristics of operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

During the operation of a bird’s nest dryer, the process of removing impurities plays a crucial role in ensuring the high quality of the product. This job requires professionalism and care from the operating staff. The prominent features of this process include important steps such as:

Preparing the dryer: Before starting the impurity removal process, staff need to ensure that the bird’s nest dryer has been checked and prepared correctly. This includes checking the filter system and other components to ensure they are working effectively.
Checking input materials: Before putting the bird’s nests into the dryer, the raw materials need to be thoroughly checked to remove any impurities that could affect the final quality. This process requires a good sense of perception from the staff to identify and eliminate any potential risks.
Adjusting time and temperature: The bird’s nest drying process needs to be adjusted with the appropriate time and temperature. This helps to remove impurities without losing the nutritional value of the product.
Checking the results: After the impurity removal process is complete, the final product needs to be thoroughly checked to ensure it meets quality standards. Staff regularly perform tests to ensure that no impurities remain in the product.

2. Types of accidents during the operation of a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

During the operation of a bird’s nest dryer, removing impurities not only ensures product quality but also minimizes the risk of accidents. Measures have been implemented to prevent these undesirable situations, including:

The impurity removal process is designed with safety as the top priority. Employees are regularly trained on the risks that may arise during operation and how to prevent them.

Advance warning of accident risks is integrated into the daily work process. An automatic warning system can detect dangerous problems and temporarily stop the dryer to prevent accidents before they occur.

In addition, the regular inspection and maintenance process of the dryer also plays an important role in preventing accidents. By maintaining the dryer in good working condition, the risk of incidents due to damage or technical failure is significantly reduced.

3. Causes of accidents when operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

Accidents during the operation of a bird’s nest dryer, after impurities have been removed, often stem from many causes. One of the main causes is subjectivity in the work process of employees. Failure to comply with safety rules and work procedures can lead to unwanted situations.

Another cause is technical failures that can occur due to dryer malfunctions. Improper maintenance or old equipment can create an unsafe environment, posing a risk of accidents.

A lack of solid understanding of the work process and machinery on the part of employees can also lead to errors, causing the dryer to operate inefficiently or potentially malfunction. This poses a high risk to safety and stability during operation.

Finally, an unsafe work environment is also an important cause. Poor working conditions, such as high humidity and unstable temperatures, can create accident risks.

4. Measures to prevent accidents when operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

This process often includes placing occupational environment monitoring sensors for factors like temperature, humidity, and dust levels in the air around the dryer. This monitoring helps identify risks from the work environment and implement preventive measures as follows:

Adjusting environmental conditions: Based on data from monitoring, temperature and humidity can be adjusted to optimize working conditions, reducing the risk of incidents and increasing dryer efficiency.
Automatic alerts: An integrated automatic alert system provides immediate notification if there are any unusual fluctuations in the work environment. This helps staff and management react quickly to prevent dangerous situations.
Safety guidelines: Safety measures are established based on environmental monitoring data. If any risks are identified, staff will be instructed to avoid accidents and perform their work safely.
Periodic maintenance: Environmental monitoring data also supports the proposal of a periodic maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance ensures that the dryer is always in good working condition and minimizes the risk of failure.

5. Occupational safety regulations when operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

Occupational safety regulations during the operation of a bird’s nest dryer after impurity removal play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and effective work environment. These regulations are regularly implemented to protect employees and maintain product quality.

Safety training: Employees are regularly trained on safety rules and work procedures. This includes a solid understanding of how to operate the dryer, accident prevention measures, and how to handle emergency situations.
Use of protective equipment: Employees are required to use personal protective equipment fully and correctly, including safety glasses, masks, and ear protection. This helps protect them from harmful elements during the work process.
Periodic dryer inspection: Regulations require periodic inspection of the dryer to ensure it is operating correctly and there are no failures that could cause danger. Regular maintenance helps maintain the performance and safety of the machine.
First aid and emergency response procedures: Employees are trained on first aid procedures and response measures in case of an incident. This includes knowing how to use first aid equipment and contacting a manager immediately when a problem arises.
Waste management: Safety regulations also include the management of production waste, ensuring its safe disposal and protecting the environment.

6. Handling emergency accident situations when operating a dryer for bird’s nests (Bird’s nest) from which impurities have been removed

As soon as an incident occurs, employees are trained to stop work immediately and notify their manager. This process ensures that everyone on the team is informed and can participate in resolving the situation.

In addition, employees are instructed on the use of safety and first aid equipment. If necessary, they need to know how to use personal protective equipment and provide first aid to themselves and their colleagues.

Establishing an emergency communication system is important, helping managers to communicate and provide immediate support. At the same time, specific response measures are available depending on the type of accident, including shutting down the dryer and moving employees out of the hazardous area.

III. Occupational safety and health for employees processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

1. Job characteristics of processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Processing finished bird’s nests is a complex process that requires sophistication and high technical skill. The first important stage in this process is selecting high-quality bird’s nests. Processing workers must carefully inspect, ensuring that the selected bird’s nests meet standards for quality, cleanliness, and origin.

Afterward, the bird’s nests are cleaned and the matrix cells are carefully separated to ensure the final product is a perfect combination of delicacy and integrity. The next step is to soak the bird’s nests in a special solution, which often contains natural preservatives and essential nutrients to increase their nutritional value.

The process of drying the bird’s nests is also an important step to preserve the natural flavor and at the same time maintain the ideal moisture content. This requires the skill and experience of skilled craftsmen to ensure that the final product is a perfect combination of crispiness, delicious aroma, and retains all the precious nutritional values from the bird’s nest.

2. Types of accidents during the process of processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Other accidents often occur during the process of separating the matrix cells. If not done correctly, this process can result in a significant loss of bird’s nests, reducing processing efficiency and increasing production costs.

Chemical risks must be considered when soaking bird’s nests in a special solution. The use of unsafe preservatives can be harmful to health and reduce the nutritional value of the bird’s nests.

Finally, the process of drying bird’s nests also carries the risk of accidents if the temperature and drying time are not controlled. If the temperature is too high or the drying time is incorrect, the product may lose its crispiness and flavor, reducing the quality of the processed bird’s nest.

Therefore, managing and controlling these risks is important to ensure that the bird’s nest processing process is carried out safely and effectively.

3. Causes of accidents when processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Failure to ensure occupational safety is also a potential cause. The lack of personal protective equipment, lack of safety rules, and non-compliance with safe work procedures can lead to accidents during the processing.

Subjectivity and lack of control during the processing are also important causes. If temperature, time, and quality are not strictly controlled, it can lead to the production of poor-quality products and the risk of significant losses during processing.

In addition, the lack of comprehensive quality management can also create problems related to food safety and product quality. Failure to ensure quality raw materials and not implementing adequate quality control can lead to a final product that does not meet standards and poses a health risk.

In summary, to minimize accidents in the bird’s nest processing, it is necessary to focus on improving technical knowledge, ensuring occupational safety, implementing process control, and comprehensive quality management.

4. Measures to prevent accidents when processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

To prevent accidents during the processing of finished bird’s nests, preventive measures are extremely important. First and foremost is training employees on processing techniques, from selecting bird’s nests to the production process. This helps to improve the knowledge and skills of employees, reducing the risk of incorrect selection and handling of bird’s nests.

Occupational safety also plays an important role. Ensuring that employees are fully equipped with personal protective equipment and adhere to safety rules can minimize the risk of accidents.

Strict control of the processing is another effective preventive measure. This includes ensuring that temperature, time, and quality are tightly controlled to ensure the final product is standard and safe.

Quality management from raw materials to the final product is also an important measure. Ensuring that raw materials are of high quality and comply with food safety standards helps reduce the risk of product quality problems.

5. Occupational safety regulations when processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

The regulations should also include specific accident prevention measures during the work process, such as guidance on how to deal with the risk of selecting unsafe bird’s nests, as well as safety measures when performing steps like separating matrix cells, soaking in solution, and the drying process.

In addition, the regulations need to address the control of the work environment, including temperature management and ensuring ventilation, to reduce the risk of accidents due to unsafe working conditions.

Compliance with occupational safety regulations is not only the responsibility of the manager but also the responsibility of each employee. Consistency and focus on occupational safety not only protect the health of workers but also ensure the quality and safety of the processed bird’s nest product.

6. Handling emergency accident situations when processing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Handling emergency accident situations during the processing of bird’s nests requires quickness and thorough preparation. In the event of an accident, the first priority is to ensure the safety of all employees. Immediately notify the entire work team about the situation and instruct them to leave the hazardous area.

Next, call the emergency number immediately and provide detailed information about the accident. This helps ensure that medical assistance will be deployed quickly and effectively. While waiting for medical help, the management team should organize safety measures to prevent the spread of the accident and keep the situation from worsening.

At the same time, management needs to plan to determine the cause of the accident and implement preventive measures to ensure that a similar situation will not happen in the future. This involves reviewing work processes, training employees on safety, and updating new preventive measures.

IV. Occupational safety and health for employees packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

1. Job characteristics of packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

First and foremost, this job requires a high level of cleanliness and hygiene, from cleaning the workbench to wearing personal protective equipment. This ensures that the final product is not contaminated and is safe for consumers. The work team is often intensively trained on this process to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Next, the packing process is usually done by hand to avoid strong impacts on the bird’s nests. Workers need to have high manual skills to handle the product gently, preserving the form and quality of the bird’s nest.

In addition, packaging materials are often carefully selected to protect the bird’s nests from direct sunlight, moisture, and other external factors that can affect quality. This helps to preserve the bird’s nests for a long time while retaining their precious nutritional values.

2. Types of accidents during the packing process of finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

During the packing process of finished bird’s nests, some specific types of accidents can occur that need to be managed to ensure the quality and safety of the product. One of the common risks is damaging the bird’s nests due to careless handling. This can include deforming the bird’s nests, dropping, or crushing the product.

In addition, hygiene-related accidents are also a major concern. Any contamination from the surrounding environment or from workers can affect the quality of the bird’s nests. Maintaining a clean work environment and ensuring personal hygiene are important to prevent this contamination.

Furthermore, the use of substandard packaging materials can also lead to problems during storage. If the packaging bags are not strong enough or are not light-resistant, the bird’s nests can be damaged by external environmental factors.

3. Causes of accidents when packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

The causes of accidents during the packing of finished bird’s nests can stem from many different aspects. One of the important factors is the lack of skills and in-depth training of the employees involved in this process. Not understanding how to handle and pack bird’s nests can lead to product damage or unwanted contamination.

In addition, an unsafe work environment is also a potential factor. Carelessness or non-compliance with safety rules can lead to accidents and harm both employees and products. Subjectivity in wearing personal protective equipment is another cause that can create risky situations.

Other causes can stem from a production process that has not been optimized. If there is no synchronization between the technological and packaging steps, unwanted incidents can occur. Failures in packaging equipment and technology also sometimes contribute to causing accidents.

4. Measures to prevent accidents when packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

To prevent accidents when packing finished bird’s nests, implementing preventive measures is crucial. First of all, training employees on safe packing techniques is key. Providing them with extensive knowledge of the packing process and how to handle bird’s nests gently helps reduce the risk of accidents.

A clean and safe work environment also plays an important role. Ensuring that there are no objects that could pose a danger and maintaining work hygiene helps minimize the risk of contamination and food safety accidents.

Good management of packing tools and equipment is also an important measure. Regular maintenance and quality checks ensure that all equipment operates correctly, minimizing the risk of unforeseen incidents.

Furthermore, establishing a quality control process and periodic evaluations helps to promptly identify any problems that may arise. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of performance help improve the packing process and minimize the risk of accidents.

5. Occupational safety regulations when packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Occupational safety regulations when packing finished bird’s nests play an important role in protecting the health and safety of employees. Employees involved in this process must be fully trained on the necessary safety measures. This includes guidance on the correct use of personal protective equipment, protecting eyes, ears, and the respiratory system.

The regulations must also ensure a safe work environment, from controlling contamination risks to maintaining order and cleanliness in the work area. This not only helps prevent accidents but also ensures that the bird’s nest product is produced under safe and hygienic conditions.

Employees need to be instructed on how to perform their work safely, avoiding actions that could cause injury. In addition, organizing periodic training sessions and safety assessments helps ensure that everyone involved understands and complies with safety rules.

6. Handling emergency accident situations when packing finished bird’s nests (Bird’s nest)

Handling emergency accident situations during the packing of bird’s nests is an important part of the production chain. When an accident occurs, managing the situation quickly and effectively is crucial to keeping employees and products safe.

In the case of an employee injury, the emergency medical system should be activated immediately. Employees should be trained on how to perform basic first aid, and medical facilities should be available in the work area.

If there is a food safety issue, the process of isolating and handling the contaminated product should also be activated immediately. Notifying management and the quality control agency is important to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.

In addition, organizing periodic training sessions on handling emergency situations helps raise employee awareness and prepare for any possible situation. Close coordination between the safety and production departments is also important to ensure that everyone knows how to act when necessary.