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Discover the special occupational safety factors in the telecommunications industry, from risk management to health protection measures. Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is key to the efficiency and sustainable development of the industry.

Table of Contents

PART I: CURRENT STATE OF SAFETY IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR

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 the Telecommunications Sector

The telecommunications industry, with its rapid technological development, has become a crucial sector contributing to economic and social growth. However, with a diverse working environment and special risk factors, this industry also faces issues related to occupational safety. Here are some notable occupational accidents in the telecommunications industry:

Accidents from Working at Heights: Working at heights, such as installing and maintaining electrical poles, transmission antennas, or working on communication towers, poses a high risk to employees. Accidents from falling from heights, losing balance, or lacking safety equipment have caused many serious injuries and fatalities.
Accidents due to Electrical Incidents and Fires: The telecommunications industry is closely related to electrical systems and electronic devices. Incidents such as short circuits, electrical faults, or fires and explosions can occur due to unsafe landscapes, outdated equipment, or errors in risk management. Accidents due to electric shock, fires, and explosions often cause serious losses in terms of people and property.
Traffic Accidents: The deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure often require travel between many locations. Traffic accidents, including accidents involving motorcycles, cars, or accidents while working on the street, are common risks in this industry.
Health Risks for Cable Installation Workers: Cable installation work may require employees to work in harsh environments such as underground, on electrical poles, or in chemical environments. Long-term exposure to chemicals, radiation, or working in polluted air conditions all pose a health risk to workers.
Dangers from Electronic Devices and New Technologies: The advancement in electronic technology brings many new opportunities, but it also means facing new risks. Working with complex electronic devices and high technology also poses a challenge in ensuring employee safety.

Occupational accidents in the telecommunications industry not only cause human and property losses but also raise questions about risk management and occupational safety in such a dynamic and diverse working environment. To reduce risks and protect employees, companies in the industry need to focus on safety training, upgrading equipment and infrastructure, and promoting a culture of occupational safety.

PART II: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WHEN WORKING IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR

I. Occupational safety and health for Infrastructure Deployment Staff

1. Job characteristics of Infrastructure Deployment

The process of deploying infrastructure in the telecommunications industry is a task that requires a high degree of care and expertise. With the goal of installing and deploying telecommunications infrastructure, employees must perform many careful steps.

First, the selection of the installation location must be carried out carefully, ensuring that it meets technical and safety requirements. Next is the installation of equipment such as electrical poles, transmission antennas, transmission machines, and routers, in which each step must be performed with high precision and in compliance with technical standards.

Another important part of this job is connecting the devices to each other and to the communication network. This requires extensive knowledge of network protocols and connection techniques, as well as the ability to adjust and configure the devices to ensure the highest compatibility and performance.

Not only does it require high technical skill, the infrastructure deployment process also requires meticulousness and care. Every small detail can affect the performance and stability of the entire system. Therefore, performing these steps requires special attention and patience from the employees.

2. Types of occupational accidents during Infrastructure Deployment

Accidents at Heights: The installation and maintenance of equipment at heights, such as on electrical poles and transmission antennas, puts employees at risk of falling from heights, causing serious injury or even death.
Dangers from Materials and Equipment: Working with electronic devices, cables, and construction materials can cause accidents such as punctures, cuts, or burns from contact with electricity.
Traffic Accidents: During travel between deployment locations, employees may encounter traffic accidents, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, or accidents while working on the street.
Risks from the Work Environment: Working in a construction environment, at heights, or in an environment with many chemicals and dust can cause health problems such as lung disease and respiratory system damage.
Technical Incidents: Accidents can occur due to technical errors, design flaws, or negligence during the deployment process, leading to short circuits, fires, explosions, or other incidents.

3. Causes of occupational accidents during Infrastructure Deployment

Lack of Training and Skills: Employees who are not fully trained on safety procedures and the necessary skills for their job can lead to accidents due to a lack of understanding of occupational safety or not knowing how to handle dangerous situations.
Lack of Protective Equipment: Not using or not using the correct protective equipment such as a helmet, safety shoes, sun protection clothing, and safety glasses can increase the risk of injury in dangerous situations.
Time Pressure and Overwork: Time pressure in completing projects as well as overwork can cause employees to ignore safety measures and increase the risk of accidents.
Lack of Risk Control and Management: Management not establishing and implementing effective safety and risk control measures can lead to accidents due to a lack of risk management and not being able to control hazardous factors.
Lack of Maintenance and Regular Inspection: Equipment and infrastructure that are not properly maintained or regularly inspected can lead to malfunctions, technical errors, and incidents that cause accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents during Infrastructure Deployment

Occupational Safety Training: The company needs to provide full and regular occupational safety training for all employees involved in the infrastructure deployment process. This training includes training on safety procedures, the use of protective equipment, and handling dangerous situations.
Use of Protective Equipment: Ensure that every employee is fully equipped with protective equipment such as a helmet, safety shoes, sun protection clothing, safety glasses, and safety harnesses when working at heights.
Risk Control: Implement effective risk control by assessing potential hazards and taking measures to reduce them, including classifying hazardous areas, using warning signs, and establishing restricted areas.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance and safety inspections ensure that equipment and infrastructure are maintained in top working condition, reducing the risk of malfunctions and incidents that cause accidents.
Time Pressure Management: Create a flexible work environment and do not create excessive pressure to ensure that employees are not overworked and have enough time to perform their work safely.

5. Occupational safety regulations during Infrastructure Deployment

Personal Protection: Every employee must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety shoes, sun protection clothing, safety glasses, and safety harnesses when working at heights or in a hazardous environment.
Risk Control: The company needs to implement effective risk assessment and control, including classifying hazardous areas, providing warning signs, and establishing control measures such as barriers or restricted areas.
Safety Training: All employees involved in the infrastructure deployment process need to be trained on safety procedures, the use of protective equipment, and how to respond in case of a dangerous situation.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Equipment and infrastructure need to be regularly maintained and inspected for safety to ensure they are stable and do not pose a risk of accidents.
Time Pressure Management: Ensure that there is no excessive pressure on working hours to help reduce the risk of accidents due to overwork and to keep everyone working in a safe environment.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations during Infrastructure Deployment

Ensure Safety: Immediately, ensure the safety of yourself and others by moving out of the hazardous area and ensuring there is no further risk of accidents.
Call for an Ambulance: Contact the ambulance service or the emergency number to request professional help immediately.
Provide First Aid to the Injured: If you have the necessary knowledge and skills, provide first aid to the injured by performing basic first aid measures such as CPR, stopping the bleeding, or placing the victim in a safe position.
Report and Record the Event: Report the event to the manager and the company’s occupational safety department so they can investigate the incident and take safety improvement measures.
Provide Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to all affected employees, including the accident victim and witnesses, so they can overcome the situation with peace of mind and unity.

II. Occupational safety and health for inspection and maintenance staff

1. Job characteristics of inspection and maintenance

Signal Check: Employees must check the network signal to ensure that it is working correctly and that there are no problems that could affect the quality of service.
Check and Replace Faulty Equipment: When a device or component is found to be not working correctly, employees must inspect, diagnose, and replace the faulty equipment to fix the problem.
Regular Maintenance: In addition to troubleshooting, employees also often perform regular maintenance measures such as cleaning, inspecting, and adjusting equipment to ensure that it operates stably and effectively.
Use of Tools and Measuring Devices: Employees need to use tools and measuring devices such as a signal meter, a distortion meter, and a cable tester to perform inspection and maintenance tasks.
Record and Report: After each inspection and maintenance, employees need to record the results and report on the system’s status to provide information to the relevant departments and to support repair and upgrade decisions.

2. Types of occupational accidents during inspection and maintenance

Accidents from Electrical Equipment: Working with electrical equipment can cause accidents such as electric shock, short circuits, or burns from contact with power sources.
Dangers from Heights: Inspection and maintenance work at heights, such as on electrical poles or on transmission towers, can put employees at risk of falling from heights.
Risks from the Work Environment: Working in an environment with many chemicals, smoke, dust, or in bad weather conditions can also cause health problems such as lung disease, eye inflammation, or the risk of slipping and falling.
Traffic Accidents: During travel between inspection and maintenance locations, employees may encounter traffic accidents, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, or accidents while working on the street.
Technical Incidents: Accidents can occur due to technical errors, design flaws, or negligence during the inspection and maintenance process, leading to short circuits, fires, explosions, or other incidents.

3. Causes of occupational accidents during inspection and maintenance

Lack of Training and Safety Awareness: Employees who are not fully trained on safety procedures and are not aware of the potential risks in the inspection and maintenance process can lead to accidents.
Lack of Protective Equipment: Using incorrect or insufficient protective equipment such as a helmet, sun protection clothing, or a safety harness can increase the risk of accidents during work.
Time Pressure and Overwork: Time pressure in completing inspection and maintenance work as well as overwork can reduce vigilance and increase the risk of accidents.
Lack of Maintenance and Regular Inspection: Equipment and infrastructure that are not regularly maintained or inspected correctly can lead to unexpected incidents, increasing the risk of accidents for employees.
Lack of Risk Management: Management not establishing and implementing effective risk control measures as well as not providing the necessary support to employees can cause accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents during inspection and maintenance

Ensure Protective Equipment: Provide and ensure every employee uses full protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, sun protection clothing, and a safety harness. This helps protect them from the risk of accidents when working.
Occupational Safety Training: Conduct regular training on occupational safety and the use of protective equipment. This training needs to include work environment monitoring so that employees can recognize and deal with hazardous factors.
Risk Control: Implement risk assessment and establish corresponding control measures such as protecting the work area, minimizing exposure to toxic substances, and providing safety information about the risks that may be encountered.
Time Pressure Management: Ensure that employees are not overworked by assigning tasks reasonably and proposing measures to reduce time pressure.
Perform Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Perform regular inspection and maintenance for telecommunications equipment and systems to prevent incidents before they occur and to ensure the safety of employees.

5. Occupational safety regulations during inspection and maintenance

Safety Training: Every employee performing inspection and maintenance work must be trained on occupational safety procedures and the use of full protective equipment before participating in the work.
Use of Protective Equipment: Every employee must comply with the full and correct use of protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and a safety harness when working in a hazardous environment.
Risk Control: Risk control measures must be implemented such as protecting the work area, minimizing exposure to toxic substances, and providing safety information about the risks that may be encountered.
Reasonable Task Assignment: Management needs to assign tasks reasonably to ensure that employees are not overworked and have enough time to perform their work safely.
Report and Record: Any incidents or unsafe situations must be reported and recorded so that they can be investigated and safety improvement measures can be taken.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations during inspection and maintenance

Protect Yourself and Others: Prioritize protecting yourself and others by wearing protective equipment and moving out of the hazardous area if possible.
Call for an Ambulance Immediately: As soon as an accident is discovered, call the local ambulance number or the emergency response system and provide detailed information about the situation and the location of the accident.
Provide Initial First Aid: If you have the knowledge and skills for first aid, provide initial first aid to the victim within your ability and until the rescue team arrives.
Preserve the Scene: Keep the accident scene preserved to ensure a subsequent investigation. Limit the movement of objects and record relevant information.
Report and Record: Record details about the accident, including the time, location, first aid measures taken, and information about the victim to support the subsequent investigation.

III. Occupational safety and health for staff handling incidents and troubleshooting

1. Job characteristics of handling incidents and troubleshooting

Identify the Cause: Employees need to quickly identify the cause of the incident or breakdown to be able to come up with an effective remedy.
In-depth Technical Knowledge: To fix complex technical incidents, employees need to have in-depth technical knowledge of the telecommunications system and electronic devices.
Repair and Replacement Skills: The ability to repair technical faults and replace faulty equipment quickly and accurately is very important.
Work Under Pressure: In urgent situations, employees must work under high pressure to fix the incident and restore the system’s operation in the shortest possible time.
Communication Skills: Communicate and work with colleagues, other departments, and customers to ensure that information and work progress are communicated accurately and in a timely manner.
Patience and Flexibility: Sometimes, troubleshooting can face many challenges and requires patience and flexibility in finding a solution.

2. Types of occupational accidents during incident handling and troubleshooting

Electrical Accidents: When working with electronic and power devices, accidents from electric shock can occur if safety rules are not followed or if there is an incident with the electrical system.
Risk of Neck Cuts: During the repair or replacement of equipment, the use of sharp tools can create a risk of neck cuts if safety and care are not ensured.
Dangers from High-Pressure Equipment: Equipment operating at high pressure can cause accidents if an incident occurs when working with them, for example, a pipe explosion or a pressure fluid leak.
Risk of Mechanical Failure: During the replacement or repair of equipment, employees may encounter accidents due to falling heavy objects, impacts, or unexpected machine mechanism operation.
Dangers from Heat Conductors: In some cases, working with equipment operating at high temperatures can cause accidents due to contact with heat conductors.

3. Causes of occupational accidents during incident handling and troubleshooting

Lack of Safety Training: Employees who are not fully trained on occupational safety procedures and do not know how to use protective equipment correctly, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Lack of Technical Knowledge: A lack of knowledge about the operation of telecommunications equipment and how to handle incidents can lead to unwanted technical errors during work.
Time Pressure: The pressure to complete work in a short time can cause employees to work quickly without following safety procedures, leading to a risk of accidents.
Lack of Risk Control: The lack of risk control measures such as protecting the work area and minimizing exposure to toxic substances can create conditions for incidents to occur.
Non-compliance with Safety Procedures: The failure to follow occupational safety procedures and not using protective equipment correctly is also a significant cause of accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents during incident handling and troubleshooting

Safety Training: Ensure that all employees are fully trained on occupational safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.
Adherence to Safety Procedures: Always follow the established occupational safety procedures to reduce the risk of accidents.
Risk Control: Apply risk control measures such as protecting the work area, minimizing exposure to toxic substances, and using personal protective equipment.
Regular Equipment Inspection: Perform regular inspection, maintenance, and upkeep for equipment and systems to ensure they are stable and safe.
Use of Correct Tools: Use the correct tools and equipment for each specific job, and follow their user manuals.
Communication and Cooperation: Communicate and work with colleagues and other departments to ensure safety and efficiency during incident handling and troubleshooting.

5. Occupational safety regulations for incident handling and troubleshooting

Safety Training: All employees must be trained on occupational safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.
Adherence to Safety Procedures: It is necessary to follow the procedures and safety instructions when working with equipment and in a high-risk work environment.
Use of Protective Equipment: Ensure the full and correct use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, masks, gloves, and impact-resistant shoes.
Regular Equipment Inspection: Perform regular inspection and maintenance for equipment and systems to ensure they are stable and safe.
Communication and Reporting: Communicate and report promptly on any safety issues or incidents that occur during work.
Risk Assessment: Perform a risk assessment and identify appropriate risk control measures to reduce the risk of accidents.
Complete tests at occupational safety centers to obtain an occupational safety certificate. This will ensure that workers understand safety knowledge and have valid certification for employment.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations during incident handling and troubleshooting

Protect Workers: Ensuring the safety of workers is a top priority. As soon as an accident occurs, it is necessary to provide first aid and first aid to the victim immediately.
Stop Work: Stop all related activities and ensure that no one approaches the hazardous area until the situation is under control.
Call for an Ambulance: Immediately contact the emergency and medical services for the necessary assistance.
Report the Incident: Report the incident and accident to the higher management levels and to the relevant authorities for investigation and handling.
Provide Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to the employees and witnesses of the accident to help them overcome the incident.
Assess and Learn: After the accident is handled, conduct an assessment to understand the cause and learn from the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

IV. Occupational safety and health for technical support staff

1. Job characteristics of technical support

Professional Knowledge: Technical support staff need to have in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications products and services they are supporting. This includes understanding how to install, operate, and repair telecommunications equipment and systems.
Communication Skills: Effective communication skills are an important factor in conveying technical information in an easy-to-understand way to customers and end-users. Employees need to be able to explain technical issues clearly and meticulously.
Problem Solving: Problem-solving skills are extremely important when encountering complex situations or unusual technical problems. Employees need to be able to analyze and find effective solutions in a short time.
Participate in Training: In addition to providing technical support to customers, employees may also be required to participate in the training of end-users on how to use telecommunications products and services.
Track and Respond: After providing support, employees need to track and collect feedback from customers to improve the service and product in the future.

2. Types of occupational accidents during technical support

Physical Accidents: Employees may encounter physical accidents when working at heights or near electrical equipment and machinery. Failure to follow safety rules when handling electrical equipment or not using the correct protective equipment can lead to accidents.
Health Accidents: Working in the telecommunications environment can cause health problems such as stress and fatigue due to work pressure. If not managed and regulated correctly, these problems can lead to occupational accidents.
Equipment-Related Accidents: Accidents can occur when using, maintaining, or repairing telecommunications equipment. Failure to follow safety instructions or a lack of sufficient professional skill can lead to a risk of accidents.
Traffic Accidents: Technical support staff may have to travel to many different locations to provide support. During travel, there is a risk of traffic accidents if traffic laws and safety rules are not followed when driving.

3. Causes of occupational accidents during technical support

Lack of Safety Training: Employees are not fully trained on safety measures when working with telecommunications equipment. A lack of understanding of how to use the equipment and a failure to follow safety rules can lead to accidents.
Unsafe Work Environment: Some work environments in the telecommunications industry may not be safe, including working at heights, in an environment with many electrical wires, or in a narrow space. This increases the risk of accidents for employees.
Lack of Protective Equipment: The failure to use the correct protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes when working near telecommunications equipment can increase the risk of accidents.
Work Pressure: Technical support staff often have to face time pressure and customer demands. This pressure can reduce vigilance and increase the risk of accidents.
Lack of Supervision and Control: A lack of supervision and control during work can lead to employees not following the correct safety procedures or not recognizing the risk of accidents.

4. Measures to prevent occupational accidents during technical support

Complete the occupational safety training course to be issued an occupational safety card by the occupational safety training center to complete your work file in accordance with regulations.
Safety Training: Ensure that all employees are fully trained on occupational safety rules and how to use protective equipment. This training should be provided regularly and updated to ensure employees always receive the latest information on occupational safety.
Use of Protective Equipment: Require employees to always use the correct protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes. At the same time, ensure that this equipment is always checked and maintained regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
Work Environment Inspection: Conduct regular inspections of the work environment to detect and reduce risks from environmental factors such as height, voltage, and hazardous materials.
Risk Analysis: Conduct regular risk analysis to identify potential hazards and apply appropriate preventive measures to reduce the risk of occupational accidents.
Implementation of Safety Procedures: Ensure that all work procedures are strictly and fully followed, including emergency procedures in case of an incident or occupational accident.

5. Occupational safety regulations during technical support

Risk Assessment: Before performing any activity, employees need to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and apply appropriate preventive measures.
Use of Protective Equipment: Employees must always use full and correct personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes.
Safety Training: All employees are required to participate in training courses on occupational safety and the use of protective equipment. At the same time, they also need to be trained on how to handle emergency situations when necessary.
Equipment and Work Environment Inspection: It is necessary to conduct regular inspections of the work equipment and the work environment to ensure they meet safety standards.
Adherence to Safety Procedures: Employees must follow all regulations and safety procedures set by the organization, including emergency procedures in case of an incident.

6. Handling emergency occupational accident situations during technical support

Protect Yourself and Others: First and foremost, employees need to ensure their own safety and that of others around. They need to move quickly to get out of the accident location and call for an ambulance if necessary.
Perform First Aid Measures: Employees need to be trained to handle basic emergency situations such as CPR, stopping the bleeding, and using first aid equipment.
Report and Record the Incident: After ensuring their own safety and that of others, employees need to report the incident to the management and record the details of the situation to ensure that the subsequent handling is carried out accurately.
Provide Emotional Support and Supervision: After the incident, employees need to be provided with emotional support and supervision to ensure their health and morale.