05 Measures to Prevent Occupational Diseases in Manufacturing | Wellbeing

1. The Progression of Occupational Diseases

Occupational diseases typically develop through three main stages, reflecting the gradual impact of harmful factors on the worker's body:

• Stage 1: Overexposure This occurs when workers are exposed to hazardous factors exceeding the permissible limits set by national technical regulations on the occupational environment. At this stage:

  • No clinical manifestations are present.

  • No obvious biological alterations occur.

  • It is extremely difficult to detect without workplace environmental monitoring and medical surveillance.

• Stage 2: Biological Damage Hazardous factors begin to infiltrate the body, causing biological alterations such as metabolic disorders, cellular damage, and organ dysfunction. However:

  • Employees usually do not exhibit clear symptoms.

  • Detection is only possible through specialized testing or periodic health examinations.

• Stage 3: Clinical Manifestations At this stage, the occupational disease has clearly developed:

  • Clinical symptoms emerge.

  • Tissue damage and functional disorders occur.

  • Treatment becomes highly challenging, and some conditions are irreversible.

Because this progression is silent and prolonged, prevention is always vastly more effective and economical than treatment.

2. 05 Key Measures to Prevent Occupational Diseases

While occupational diseases are generally difficult to treat and can leave long-lasting sequelae, the risk of infection can be entirely controlled and minimized if appropriate measures are implemented synchronously. Below are 05 critical preventive measures that must be deployed in the manufacturing environment:

2.1. Engineering Controls (Biện pháp kỹ thuật)

Engineering controls play a decisive role in preventing occupational diseases by focusing on improving production processes to minimize or eliminate hazards at the source. Enterprises must innovate technologies towards clean, eco-friendly production, such as designing machinery that limits noise, vibration, and dust generation.

Specific solutions include utilizing closed automated assembly lines, general and local exhaust ventilation, dust extraction systems, and wet methods to suppress airborne dust. Furthermore, substituting hazardous substances with less toxic alternatives (e.g., using benzene homologues instead of benzene) or banning extremely dangerous chemicals (like benzene as an organic solvent or organochlorine pesticides) makes the work environment significantly safer. Pursuant to the 2015 OSH Law, periodic occupational environmental monitoring is a mandatory requirement for disease prevention.

2.2. Medical Surveillance (Biện pháp y tế)

For effective prevention, medical measures emphasize the monitoring and protection of workers' health. Enterprises must conduct periodic monitoring of hazardous factors in the workplace to assess risks. Pre-employment health screenings help assign jobs suitable for an individual's health status, screening out those who are highly susceptible to certain hazards.

Simultaneously, organizing periodic health check-ups facilitates the early detection of occupational diseases, enabling timely treatment, rehabilitation, working capacity assessment, and, if necessary, the removal of the employee from the toxic environment. According to Article 21 of the 2015 OSH Law, periodic health check-ups must be conducted at least once a year, or every six months for those in heavy and hazardous jobs. This aligns with Circular 28/2016/TT-BYT, which regulates occupational disease screenings for conditions like silicosis, lead poisoning, and noise-induced hearing loss.

2.3. Personal Protective Equipment & Care (Biện pháp cá nhân)

Personal measures are pivotal and require active participation from both employers and employees. Employers must provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as specialized clothing, hard hats, safety goggles, footwear, gloves, and respirators complying with the standards of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and the MoH. Workers must be trained on the proper usage and maintenance of this equipment.

Additionally, personal health care maintaining a balanced diet, taking appropriate rest breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive phone use to reduce stress contributes significantly to disease prevention. Under Articles 23 and 24 of the 2015 OSH Law, PPE must meet quality standards and be provided free of charge, accompanied by in-kind allowances for detoxification purposes.

2.4. Administrative & Organizational Controls (Biện pháp hành chính - tổ chức)

Administrative controls support disease prevention by establishing a regulatory framework and a safe work environment. Enterprises must establish OSH rules, organize logical work-rest schedules, and integrate therapeutic gymnastics to maintain employee health. Applying Ergonomics in labor organization—such as scientifically arranging workstations and appropriately assigning tasks helps mitigate risks stemming from poor posture or unsafe distances.

Strict compliance with administrative regulations not only prevents diseases but also boosts labor productivity and quality. As per Articles 15, 72, 75, 76, and 80 of the 2015 OSH Law, this includes developing annual safety plans, conducting self-inspections, and establishing an OSH department and grassroots OSH council.

2.5. Information, Education & Training 

Communication and education are vital for raising awareness and changing behaviors regarding occupational disease prevention. Enterprises should collaborate with regulatory bodies to educate workers on hazardous factors and OSH measures through various channels, including flyers, posters, broadcasting systems, or mass media.

Organizing periodic OSH training sessions (pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the 2015 OSH Law) helps employees fully grasp their personal responsibilities in disease prevention, thereby fostering a sustainable corporate safety culture.