The People’s Committee of Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam recently imposed a fine of VND116 million (US$4,755) on a stone powder manufacturing company where four workers have died of lung diseases and several others are currently being hospitalized for similar conditions. 

Chau Tien Co. Ltd. was fined VND60 million ($2,460) for failing to monitor the workplace environment to mitigate health risks for employees, a leader of Dong Nam Economic Zone in Nghe An’s Nghi Loc District, where the enterprise is located, said on Wednesday.

It also received a VND56-million ($2,295) fine for neglecting to conduct health examinations to detect occupational diseases among 14 workers engaged in strenuous and hazardous occupations. 

In total, the fine amounts to VND116 million.

Chau Tien Company, which received its investment registration certificate in 2005 with a total investment capital of VND280 billion ($11.5 million), is situated in the Nam Cam Industrial Park within the economic zone.

The firm specializes in the production of CaCO3 superfine white limestone powder and quartz stone powder. 

It is also engaged in product display and commercial leasing.

The company was determined to have been involved in multiple violations from 2017 to 2022.

A provincial inspection team identified several violations at the enterprise in terms of environmental conservation and ensuring a safe working environment. 

They identified issues such as dust, noise, vibrations, and exposure to chemicals. 

Workers at the company faced the risk of occupational silicosis and their rights and work conditions were not adequately safeguarded.

Upon receiving the inspection team’s report, the People’s Committee of Nghe An Province asked relevant departments and local authorities to address the shortcomings and violations at the company.

A report from the People’s Committee of Nghi Loc District revealed that nine employees working at Chau Tien had developed lung diseases, resulting in four fatalities and five individuals currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Based on the findings of the Nghe An Social Insurance , three of the four workers who passed away while employed at the company had their families receive a death benefit and funeral expenses, totaling over VND117 million ($4,796) per victim. 

In the case of T.T.T., who passed away on November 13, 2022, his family was not eligible for the death benefit as he had previously received a one-time social insurance benefit.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!