Small and medium-sized chemical industry has become the focus of occupational hazard prevention
The "Occupational Disease Prevention Law Awareness Week," which concluded on May 1st, highlights a growing commitment from the Chinese Ministry of Health to safeguard workers' health and their fundamental rights. This year, efforts have intensified in preventing and treating occupational diseases, especially in high-risk sectors such as the chemical industry, which has become a major focus for monitoring and intervention.
On the eve of May Day, the Ministry of Health held a press conference discussing the progress made in occupational disease prevention and treatment. According to official Chen Rui, significant strides have been made in China's occupational health landscape, with work moving toward greater standardization and legal compliance. Despite this, the country still reports some of the highest numbers globally in terms of affected workers, diagnosed cases, and new occurrences.
China has established an initial framework of occupational health regulations, standards, and technical guidelines aligned with the Occupational Diseases Prevention and Control Law. The legal system surrounding occupational disease prevention is now more robust, with enhanced enforcement in critical industries like chemicals and coal mining. Additionally, the Ministry has improved oversight of occupational health service agencies, including the approval of 25 chemical toxicity identification centers.
Chen Rui emphasized that industries such as chemicals, metallurgy, and coal remain highly susceptible to occupational diseases. In recent years, the Ministry has collaborated with other government bodies to conduct special campaigns targeting the production, sale, and use of toxic substances. Last year, inspections were carried out in pharmaceutical companies, pesticide manufacturers, and coal mines. These initiatives have led to the resolution of numerous cases that posed serious risks to worker health, significantly improving safety conditions.
Currently, China's occupational disease reporting reveals three key trends: pneumoconiosis remains the most common type, accounting for 76.69% of new cases, indicating ongoing challenges in dust control; acute and chronic occupational poisoning is increasing; and there is a clear concentration of cases within specific industries.
To further strengthen efforts, the Ministry is developing the "Occupational Disease Prevention Plan (2008–2015)" to integrate occupational health into broader economic and social development strategies. This year, the focus will be on small and medium-sized enterprises dealing with dust and organic solvents, as well as on key industries and vulnerable groups.
Nationwide, special campaigns are being implemented to address occupational hazards. For example, in Shandong Province, targeted rehabilitation activities have begun, focusing on hazardous chemicals in small and medium-sized businesses and individual enterprises. These efforts reflect a sustained commitment to protecting workers and ensuring safer working environments across the country.
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