The current management of labor protection products by enterprises still needs to be improved

Business Use and Management of Labor Protection Products

Through the special supervision and inspection of labor protection products conducted by production enterprises, it has been found that most companies have established proper procedures for purchasing, accepting, storing, distributing, using, and replacing labor protection equipment in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards. These include systems for scrapping, personal equipment requirements, and setting up dedicated funds for labor protection items. Records of purchases and releases are maintained, and expired or defective products are replaced and disposed of as required. Most employees understand how to use and wear protective gear correctly, are aware of its functions, and actively protect their own rights. No cases were found where labor protection products were not purchased or used according to regulations. Enterprises that use labor protection products with approved safety certifications were also identified.

From the overall assessment, the qualification rate of labor protection products was 80%. For example, non-mining helmets and dust masks had an 80% pass rate, while chemical industry workers had a 75% pass rate for dust masks and protective masks. Construction companies had a 65% pass rate for safety helmets, seat belts, and safety nets. Meanwhile, labor protection products such as safety helmets, seat belts, safety nets, protective masks, dust masks, special workwear, and safety shoes (boots) used by power companies reached a 100% qualification rate. Other enterprises had an average qualification rate of 65%.

According to the survey, 76% of inspected companies provided high-quality labor protection supplies in a timely manner and in the correct quantity based on the number of employees. 67% of enterprises allocated special funds as required by the "Safety Production Law" and local regulations. Additionally, 95% of companies had established and implemented systems for the purchase, distribution, storage, and use of labor protection products.

Enterprises Face Various Challenges in Managing Labor Protection Products

First, some individual and private enterprises lack awareness among their managers regarding the importance of properly equipping and using labor protection items. Workers often do not receive enough attention in this area. Some business leaders believe that “labor protection products may not affect work performance.” For instance, some construction companies and small enterprises have issues with insufficient distribution of protective gear.

Second, some companies have not set up management systems for the funding, procurement, acceptance, storage, distribution, use, replacement, and retirement of labor protection products.

Third, some companies fail to provide workers with the required amount of protective equipment, leading to shortages.

Fourth, certain companies do not maintain complete records of their labor protection items, and some construction firms do not clearly define the terms related to protective gear in their contracts.

Fifth, some labor protection products lack complete documentation, such as three certificates, or they are outdated or do not meet national or industry standards. In some cases, banned or obsolete products are still being used.

Sixth, some workers lack self-protection awareness and do not wear or use protective gear properly during work. Employees in construction, metallurgy, and mechanical manufacturing sectors sometimes lack safety training, making them vulnerable in unsafe environments. Some even consider wearing protective equipment inconvenient and believe it hinders their work performance.

Enterprises Should Enhance the Management of Labor Protection Products

In response to these issues, all types of production enterprises should strictly follow the “Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Labor Protective Products” and comply with state and provincial requirements in managing protective gear.

First, more efforts should be made in promoting awareness, standardizing management systems, and setting clear criteria. Relevant information should be published online to increase transparency.

Second, enhanced supervision is needed. The role of oversight should be fully utilized to raise the awareness of enterprise leaders about the importance of labor protection items. More investment should be made in protective equipment, and management systems should be improved. Employees should be trained to properly wear and use protective gear.

Third, strict inspections of labor protection products must be carried out. Companies that fail to provide equipment as required or misuse it should be rectified and penalized according to the law.

Fourth, related departments and units should strengthen the management of labor protection products in various industries.

Fifth, joint inspections by safety, quality, and industrial departments should be conducted to ensure that substandard or banned products do not enter the market.

Sixth, special inspections should continue on businesses that produce or sell specialized labor protection products, expanding coverage to avoid any loopholes.