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Health and Safety - Worker Protection

  • Updated

Each question below includes its SLCP/FSLM key and the related recommendation. In some cases, the same guidance applies to multiple IDs.

Table of Contents

Are workers subject to negative consequences if they remove themselves from work situations that they believe present an imminent and serious danger to life or health?

hs-29--1

Recommendations

  • Establish a written, legally compliant policy stating that workers can stop work without retaliation if they believe a task is unsafe.
  • Communicate this policy in worker handbooks, posters, and training sessions.
  • Conduct mandatory training on workplace safety, ensuring all workers know they have the right to refuse hazardous work.
  • Train supervisors and managers to respect worker decisions and immediately assess the reported risk.
  • Establish anonymity-protected channels for workers to report unsafe conditions (e.g., hotlines, suggestion boxes).
  • Maintain records of all reported incidents and follow up with corrective actions.
  • If a worker removes themselves from a dangerous task, immediately assess and mitigate the hazard before requiring them to return.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections to identify and eliminate risks proactively.
  • Any retaliation against workers for reporting unsafe conditions should be strictly prohibited.
  • Disciplinary actions should be taken against supervisors or managers who violate this policy.

 

Are pregnant and nursing workers protected against safety and health risks in line with legal requirements?

hs-30

Recommendations

  • Identify all potential workplace hazards that could affect maternal and child health.
  • Adjust job roles and work conditions as needed to eliminate risks.
  • If a pregnant or nursing worker’s role involves hazardous conditions, provide safer alternatives without reducing wages.
  • Provide adequate rest breaks, seating, and temperature-controlled environments.
  • Allow flexible work arrangements, especially for nursing mothers.
  • Clearly communicate maternity protection policies to workers.
  • Ensure paid maternity leave and job security post-maternity leave.
  • Educate all employees on legal rights and protections for pregnant and nursing workers.
  • Enforce strict anti-discrimination policies to prevent bias against expectant and new mothers.

 

Does the facility provide workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in line with legal requirements?

hs-31

Recommendations

  • Identify all hazards requiring PPE (e.g., chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic risks).
  • Regularly update risk assessments based on new hazards or changing processes.
  • Ensure all workers receive PPE suited to their job tasks at no charge.
  • Verify that PPE is properly fitted for individual workers to maximize protection.
  • Train workers on correct PPE usage, maintenance, and limitations.
  • Emphasize the importance of consistent PPE use and reinforce safety protocols.
  • Regularly inspect PPE for wear, tear, or contamination and replace when necessary.
  • Establish a clear system for PPE storage, cleaning, and disposal.
  • Implement a strict PPE compliance policy and ensure supervisors enforce proper usage.
  • Use visual reminders (posters, signage) in areas where PPE is required.
  • Collect worker feedback on PPE comfort, usability, and effectiveness.
  • Continuously evaluate PPE to adapt to emerging workplace risks.

 

Are workers trained and required to use personal protective equipment in line with legal requirements?

hs-31--1-5x

Recommendations

  • Conduct regular PPE training (upon hiring, annually, and when new equipment is introduced).
  • Training should cover proper usage, maintenance, storage, and disposal of PPE.
  • Supervisors should monitor and ensure compliance with PPE requirements.
  • Implement a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance with clear disciplinary measures.
  • Employers must provide PPE free of charge, ensuring it fits properly and is suited to the hazards present.
  • Workers should be involved in PPE selection to enhance comfort and compliance.
  • Conduct routine checks to ensure PPE is not damaged or expired.
  • Maintain records of PPE distribution, training, and inspections.
  • Establish a PPE feedback system to ensure workers report issues or discomfort.
  • Conduct random audits and safety drills to assess PPE compliance.

 

Is laser and radiation producing equipment in line with legal requirements?

hs-32--3

Recommendations

  • Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure all radiation-producing equipment meets legal standards.
  • Keep records of calibrations, inspections, and regulatory compliance for all laser and radiation devices.
  • Monitor exposure levels using dosimeters for workers who may be exposed to radiation.
  • Ensure workplace radiation exposure does not exceed the legal threshold (e.g., 3 rems/year as per ILO standards).
  • Establish clear signage and restricted areas around radiation-emitting equipment.
  • Equip workers with radiation shielding materials, protective eyewear, gloves, and appropriate clothing.
  • Conduct mandatory radiation safety training for all personnel handling radiation equipment.
  • Ensure workers understand emergency procedures for accidental exposure.

 

Are legally required guards properly installed and maintained on all machinery and equipment?

hs-32-2x

Recommendations

  • Inspect all machinery and equipment to ensure safety guards are properly installed and functional.
  • Verify guarding mechanisms on moving parts, cutting areas, and pinch points.
  • Schedule routine machine safety checks to detect wear, damage, or missing guards.
  • Maintain detailed records of inspections, repairs, and replacements.
  • Provide training on proper use of machine guards and hazard awareness.
  • Ensure workers understand lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before performing maintenance or repairs.

 

Are ergonomic measures in line with legal requirements?

hs-33--2

Recommendations

  • Conduct regular ergonomic assessments to identify, evaluate, and minimize risks from physically demanding work. 
  • Evaluate workstations, tools, and job roles to determine ergonomic improvements needed. 
  • Implement worker rotation programs to prevent repetitive motion strain. 
  • Allow workers to take short ergonomic breaks throughout the day to stretch and reduce fatigue. 
  • Ensure workstations are adjustable to accommodate different body types and heights.
  • Provide adjustable chairs, standing desks, and ergonomic tools to reduce strain on workers. 
  • Train workers on good ergonomic practices, including proper posture, lifting techniques, and stretching exercises. 
  • Educate workers on recognizing early signs of strain to prevent serious injuries.

 

Are workers who handle Potassium Permanganate (PP) provided with required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)?

hs-wor-26

Recommendations

  • Provide chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory masks as needed. Follow manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements when selecting PPE materials for chemical resistance.

 

Is the PPE related to Potassium Permanganate (PP) in good condition and regularly replaced as per their defined duration of use?

hs-wor-27

Recommendations

  • Implement scheduled PPE replacement cycles based on defined usage duration and wear-and-tear inspections. 
  • Maintain PPE inventory logs to track distribution, condition, and replacement schedules. 
  • Conduct monthly PPE condition checks to prevent workers from using damaged or expired protective gear.

 

Are workers who handle N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) provided with required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)?

hs-wor-28

Recommendations

  • Conduct regular safety training on:
    • Proper PPE usage for handling PP and DMF.
    • Recognizing signs of PPE degradation. 
    • Importance of timely PPE replacement. 
    • Ensure workers understand hazard labels and SDS instructions for these chemicals.

 

Is the PPE related to N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) in good condition and regularly replaced as per their defined duration of use?

hs-wor-29

Recommendations

  • Provide chemical-resistant gloves, respirators, protective clothing, and eye protection for workers handling DMF and PERC. 
  • Ensure correct PPE selection based on chemical hazard assessments. 
  • Perform chemical exposure assessments to ensure airborne concentrations of DMF and PERC are below permissible exposure limits (PELs). 
  • Ensure all PPE and machine safety measures align with legal requirements. 
  • Set up a reporting system for PPE issues, equipment hazards, and non-compliance concerns. 
  • By proactively addressing PPE maintenance and machine safety in accordance with ILO conventions and Better Work standards, facilities can reduce chemical exposure risks, improve workplace safety, and prevent machinery-related injuries.

 

Are workers who handle Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) provided with required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)?

hs-wor-30

Recommendations

  • Conduct routine PPE inspections to check for wear, degradation, or contamination. 
  • Maintain PPE logs to track distribution, use, and replacement cycles. 
  • Workers should be trained to recognize signs of PPE failure and request replacements as needed. 
  • Perform chemical exposure assessments to ensure airborne concentrations of DMF and PERC are below permissible exposure limits (PELs). 
  • Ensure all PPE and machine safety measures align with legal requirements. 
  • Set up a reporting system for PPE issues, equipment hazards, and non-compliance concerns. 
  • By proactively addressing PPE maintenance and machine safety in accordance with ILO conventions and Better Work standards, facilities can reduce chemical exposure risks, improve workplace safety, and prevent machinery-related injuries.

 

Is the PPE related to Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) in good condition and regularly replaced as per their defined duration of use?

hs-wor-31

Recommendations

  • Ensure all moving parts, pinch points, and hazardous areas are fitted with proper safety guards. Implement regular machine safety inspections and document findings. 
  • Train workers on safe machinery operation and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. 
  • Perform chemical exposure assessments to ensure airborne concentrations of DMF and PERC are below permissible exposure limits (PELs). 
  • Ensure all PPE and machine safety measures align with legal requirements. 
  • Set up a reporting system for PPE issues, equipment hazards, and non-compliance concerns. 
  • By proactively addressing PPE maintenance and machine safety in accordance with ILO conventions and Better Work standards, facilities can reduce chemical exposure risks, improve workplace safety, and prevent machinery-related injuries.

 

No functioning lockout/tagout program for machinery and equipment (if applicable)

Hs-wor-33x

No maintenance of worker machinery and equipment training records for at least the last 12 months

Hs-wor-34x

No display or posting of machinery and equipment safety instructions in workers' language(s) in the facility

Hs-wor-35x

None of the above - the facility is meeting all measures listed above regarding machinery and equipment safety

hs-wor-36x

Recommendations

  • Establish a Lockout/Tagout system for all hazardous machinery and equipment. Train maintenance teams and operators on proper LLockout/Tagout procedures. 
  • Provide Lockout/Tagout kits and lockout devices where required. Ensure all machinery operators receive safety training at least once a year. 
  • Keep training records for at least 12 months to comply with regulatory requirements. 
  • Conduct regular refresher courses for machine operators. 
  • Post clear, multilingual safety instructions on each machine. 
  • Use visual safety signs (pictograms) for illiterate workers. 
  • Verify that workers understand safety protocols through periodic assessments. 
  • By addressing these gaps, the facility can reduce machinery-related accidents, ensure compliance

 

Is hot work performed in line with legal requirements?

hs-wor-5

Recommendations

  • Establish a permit-to-work process that requires formal approval before conducting hot work. 
  • Assign safety supervisors to review work conditions before issuing permits. 
  • Ensure hot work is conducted only in designated areas with appropriate safety controls. 
  • Inspect surrounding areas for flammable materials and remove or shield them. 
  • Assign a fire watch person during and after hot work activities. 
  • Ensure fire extinguishers and suppression systems are readily available. 
  • Install local exhaust ventilation systems in hot work areas to remove hazardous fumes. 
  • Provide PPE (such as welding helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing) for workers conducting hot work. 
  • Ensure gas cylinders are stored safely and at a proper distance from ignition sources. 
  • Conduct regular training sessions on fire prevention, equipment use, and emergency response. 
  • Educate workers on safe handling of flammable materials and best practices for hot work safety.

 

Vietnam: Has the facility trained workers on general occupational health and safety, as legally required?

hs-wor-7

Recommendations

  • Provide mandatory training sessions for all workers, including new hires and contract employees. 
  • Ensure training covers workplace hazards, PPE use, emergency response, first aid, and chemical safety. 
  • Use Vietnamese-language materials or translations for workers who do not speak Vietnamese fluently. 
  • Keep attendance records of all OHS training sessions. 
  • Document training schedules, materials used, and worker assessment results. 
  • Ensure records are updated and readily available for audits by authorities. 
  • Conduct OHS refresher courses at least once a year or as required by Vietnam’s labor laws. 
  • Organize practical emergency drills to reinforce training on fire safety, first aid, and hazardous material handling. 
  • Designate occupational safety representatives within the facility. 
  • Provide specialized training for supervisors and managers to enforce safety protocols. 
  • Review Vietnamese labor laws and Better Work Vietnam guidelines to ensure training content aligns with legal standards. 
  • Engage external OHS consultants or government safety inspectors for compliance verification.

 

Is required Health and Safety training for workers offered free of charge and does it take place during working hours?

hs-wor-8

Recommendations

  • Provide mandatory training at no cost to workers. 
  • Conduct training sessions during scheduled working hours to ensure full participation. 
  • Align training schedules and policies with Vietnam’s labor laws and Better Work guidelines. 
  • If training has been conducted outside working hours, revise policies to compensate workers for their time Ensure workers are aware that health and safety training is a paid obligation. 
  • Display posters, notices, or digital messages emphasizing training schedules and participation requirements 
  • Conduct periodic follow-up safety training at least once a year. Ensure all new hires receive immediate H&S training as part of their onboarding process.

 

Do any occupational safety and health measures, including collective measures or personal protective equipment, involve any cost to workers?

hs-wor-9

Recommendations

  • The cost of PPE, training, and collective safety measures must be covered by the facility. 
  • Conduct a review of payroll and procurement to confirm no deductions from worker wages for OSH-related expenses. 
  • Maintain records of PPE issuance to ensure every worker receives free, appropriate PPE. 
  • Regularly audit PPE availability, ensuring workers never have to purchase their own protective equipment. 
  • Train workers on safe work practices, emergency response, and correct PPE usage without deducting from their wages. 
  • Conduct regular refresher training and ensure all new employees receive safety training on their first day. 
  • Align safety policies with ILO Convention No. 155, national labor laws, and Better Work standards. 
  • Work with OSH committees or worker representatives to improve compliance and worker protection.

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