A Preliminary Analysis of Technology Transfer and Occupational Safety and Health in Vietnam

Objectives：Vietnamese factories are now in the process of technology transfer. Their actual condition of occupational safety and health was studied cross-sectionally. Methods：Two hundred and forty-six workers in seven factories were investigated by a questionnaire as to their age, educational level, level of vocational skill, working conditions, and occupational hazards. The distribution of these conditions was compared in workers using old technologies and those who are employed in factories using new ones. Results ： Younger workers, female workers, and workers with a lower level of education and of lower vocational skills were generally engaged in workplaces with new technology. Working conditions were more labor intensive and more monotonous in workplaces using old technologies than those using new technologies. Traditional occupational hazards, such as noise, heat, and dust, have been significantly reduced in workplaces with new technologies, but chemical hazards have been increased in the workplaces with new technologies. Conclusion： Although general working conditions in Vietnam have been improved along with the introduction of new technologies from foreign countries, there are many problems to be solved. Further field studies are necessary to fully describe the actual situation.