UNB, Dhaka :
At least 202 workers were killed in their workplaces in 147 separate accidents in the country during the last
six months, according to a survey.
The survey carried out by a local NGO – Safety and Rights Society – says about 158 workers were killed in 129 workplace accidents during the same period in 2014.
The survey was conducted based on monitoring 26 daily newspapers (15 national and 11 regional newspapers) during January 1 and June 30 last, which did not include the deaths of workers outside workplaces or road accidents on the way to or return from workplaces.
The survey revealed that majority of the workers — 76 — was killed on construction sites while 61 in factories and 47 in service organisations like hotels, workshops, power supply organisations. Besides, five workers of agriculture and 13 of transport sector were killed during this period.
Similar to the previous years, the highest number of deaths involved electrocutions, with 49 deaths. Fire killed 29 people where 23 people died after being crushed under falling machinery or heavy load or hard objects.
Executive Director of Safety and Rights Sekender Ali Mina said the actual number of the workplace deaths is almost certainly to
be more than the numbers set out in the report as many workplace deaths are not reported in newspapers.
He stressed the need for significantly greater efforts on the parts of employers and owners to take measures to reduce the level of risks that workers suffer.
Sekender also urged the government to initiate similar measures for all other sectors that Accord and Alliance have taken to garment sector. The survey found that most of the electrocutions occurred when iron rods carried by construction workers came into contact with live electric lines passing near the under-construction buildings or when the workers were involved in construction work or worked as an electrician.
The workers fall victim to electrocution as they are not provided protective gear like helmet, gloves and shoes at workplace. The survey suggested proper enforcement of the laws by regulatory bodies like Rajuk, and the Department of Inspection for Factories & Establishment. According to Sekender, employers should establish health and safety policies for their respective organisations, put in place a safety plan before undertaking construction work, provide proper personal protective equipment free of cost and ensure holding of a regular fire drill and health and safety training.
At least 202 workers were killed in their workplaces in 147 separate accidents in the country during the last
six months, according to a survey.
The survey carried out by a local NGO – Safety and Rights Society – says about 158 workers were killed in 129 workplace accidents during the same period in 2014.
The survey was conducted based on monitoring 26 daily newspapers (15 national and 11 regional newspapers) during January 1 and June 30 last, which did not include the deaths of workers outside workplaces or road accidents on the way to or return from workplaces.
The survey revealed that majority of the workers — 76 — was killed on construction sites while 61 in factories and 47 in service organisations like hotels, workshops, power supply organisations. Besides, five workers of agriculture and 13 of transport sector were killed during this period.
Similar to the previous years, the highest number of deaths involved electrocutions, with 49 deaths. Fire killed 29 people where 23 people died after being crushed under falling machinery or heavy load or hard objects.
Executive Director of Safety and Rights Sekender Ali Mina said the actual number of the workplace deaths is almost certainly to
be more than the numbers set out in the report as many workplace deaths are not reported in newspapers.
He stressed the need for significantly greater efforts on the parts of employers and owners to take measures to reduce the level of risks that workers suffer.
Sekender also urged the government to initiate similar measures for all other sectors that Accord and Alliance have taken to garment sector. The survey found that most of the electrocutions occurred when iron rods carried by construction workers came into contact with live electric lines passing near the under-construction buildings or when the workers were involved in construction work or worked as an electrician.
The workers fall victim to electrocution as they are not provided protective gear like helmet, gloves and shoes at workplace. The survey suggested proper enforcement of the laws by regulatory bodies like Rajuk, and the Department of Inspection for Factories & Establishment. According to Sekender, employers should establish health and safety policies for their respective organisations, put in place a safety plan before undertaking construction work, provide proper personal protective equipment free of cost and ensure holding of a regular fire drill and health and safety training.
