Workers dying from silicosis
Labourers who work in stone crushing in different parts of our country are dying due to silicosis caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. These workers, deprived of any alternate source of income to support their families, have no choice but to work in these hazardous environments. While a few of them may wear protective masks, a large number of people are nevertheless getting infected with this incurable disease. Particular cases have been seen in the Burimari land port area where labourers have been doing the work for years.
Greater awareness measures must be carried out so that the labourers wear protective masks at all times while working. Other safety measures also need to be implemented. The responsibility to help and protect these people from the threat of silicosis lies with the government.
Sumon Kumar Paul
Patuakhali
