1,240 workers killed at workplaces in 2016: OSHE
At least 1,240 workers were killed and 544 others injured at workplaces across the country in 2016 due to lack of occupational safety, according to a study revealed today.
Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation (OSHE) disclosed findings of its report at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in Dhaka.
The deaths of workers at workplaces increased in 2016 compared to the previous two years as 951 workers were killed in 2015 while 465 workers in 2014, the report mentioned.
In the outgoing year, the foundation found that 486 workers were killed in transport sector, 147 in construction, 88 in garment factories, 87 in farming, 69 day-labourers, and 47 workers were killed in Tampaco factory disaster.
Moreover, 34 domestic helps, 23 shipbreaking workers, 44 fishermen, two waste-pickers, and 213 of other sectors were killed in 2016. Three workers of Tampaco disaster also remained untraced.
“It is unfortunate and bitter truth that a large number of workers are being killed in workplaces every year in Bangladesh because of poor safety standards and lax enforcement of existing regulations,” said OSHE Foundation Chairperson Saki Rezwana.
“The laws are not implemented duly while the government lacked of proper monitoring, although there are Bangladesh Labour Act and International Labour Organisation’s Occupational Safety and Health Convention for the workplace safety,” she added.
The foundation Vice-chairperson SM Morshed said many employers are not energetic to follow the National Occupational and Heath Policy 2013.
“Many big employers even know nothing about the national policy,” he said.
Programme Officer Arifa Alam and Communication Officer Abdur Rashid, among others, were present at the press conference.
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