The content of Monitoring and Inspection covers two fields: monitoring the implementation process of the Programme (done by VBLI's all stakeholders) and reviewing and evaluating the M&I activity on OHS in footwear industry (done by the Programme and its members).

For the former, the Programme is regularly reviewed and amended where necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the Industry. This framework is implemented with the regular reports to Management Committee (weekly reports and quarterly reports) and to Steering Committee (with annual SC meeting). Furthermore, each activity of the Programme is carried out under the supervision and consultancy of suitable Advisory Group, for example, MSS AG, Training AG, CGP AG, etc..

For the latter, it is actually one of the hottest issues for industries in general and for footwear in particular. It must be stated that M&I plays an important role in business' trade promotion, including both Government and business inspection. However, this work brings not as much effects as expected.

In April and May 2002, the Programme, in cooperation with Labour Protection Department - Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, implemented a "Survey on OHS monitoring and inspection activities in the footwear industry" with the participation of 18 State Administrative Offices and 17 footwear enterprises in the whole country. More than evaluating the effects of this work done, the results of the survey can be used as a foundation to make recommendations to the state administrative offices and the industry on the content and methodology of OHS inspection in the industry, also bring forward some suggestions for the checklist during the inspection process.

It should be affirmed that M&I activities has not been paid attention to in footwear industry over the past time, due to the Officers’ under evaluation on "hazardous elements" in footwear, thus the total amount of factories inspected is very few in previous 3 years (statistics shows that more or less 1.1 businesses have been inspected by M&I officers). Whereas, a recent report of Ministry of Health releases that occupational diseases will appear only after a long time (maybe in two months, maybe in two years). With “ such small” amount of inspection, its conclusions can not reflect the real context, regardless the imbalance of inspection among footwear facilities, for example, there are some which have to receive OHS officers several times in a year while others have to wait for them for … 3 years!?

Number of OHS officers as well as their knowledge and skills on OHS have not met the requirements of the industry yet, including at State and Business levels. It is not to compare with the Joint Circular No. 14/TLT/1998/BLDTBXH-BYT-TLDLDVN dated October 31, 1998 jointly issued by MOLISA, MOH and VGCL, which regulates that each 1,000 workers must be served by 1 safety officer at the facility. Nearly no footwear factories in Vietnam reach that standard, actually.

Another issue discovered is what seems interesting to OHS inspectors. While measuring the working condition, providing personal protective equipments, following health and hygiene regulations are what the State officers take care, the management of the facilities pay much attention to housekeeping, materials arrangement and fire extinguishers during the inspection. Besides, the percentage of implementing solutions given out by officers on OHS is not quite high, mainly because of limited financial resources (38%) and inappropriate ways of implement (54%). Officers while at the same cannot take good follow-ups, just to receive factories' engagement "to implement it". Adversely, this "contributes" to less effectiveness of M&I on OHS.

Next, the documentation of M&I activities at business' level is not up to expectation, thus not being able to clarify responsibilities of each OHS officer and then making the inspections difficult later on.

With above shortcomings, the current M&I system in Vietnam needs more and more improving. In fact, the decision of merging 3 kinds of inspectors, i.e. labour safety, labour policy and labour health, will open a new door for the State OHS inspectors to solve current barriers and shortcomings gradually. Regarding OHS inspectors at business level, it is necessary to continually promote their abilities with regular upgrading courses, team specialization, and above all, to persuade the management to lead the team, so as every member of the organization acknowledge of and work for a safer and healthier environment.

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Based on this survey, in the coming time, VBLI will establish a separate checklist for business M&I activities. Furthermore, several workshops shall be held for those in charge of OHS inspection in the year 2003.