Awareness among owners, workers a must

To ensure workers' occupational health and safety at workplace, both factory owners and workers have to be aware of the issue, said State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque.

Mere legal provisions are not enough without the much-needed awareness, he said. 

For instance, following Rana Plaza tragedy, manpower at the department of inspection for factories and establishments has been increased three -folds.

Still, it is not possible for the department alone to effectively monitor 83 lakh financial establishments in the country, he added.  

The minister made the remarks at a roundtable titled "Occupational health and safety at workplace" organised by the Bangla daily Prothom Alo at its Karwan Bazar office on Sunday in collaboration with International Labour Organization.

The government is building two 300-bed hospitals in Tongi and Narayanganj under public-private partnership to provide healthcare to workers at a cheaper price, he said, adding that an initiative had been taken for building three dormitories for female workers.

Mohammad Nasir, vice president of BGMEA -- the apex body of the readymade garment manufacturers and exporters in the country, said a safety committee is being  formed at every factory for workers' health and safety.

Wajedul Islam, general secretary of Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra, said occupational health and safety situation would not improve unless the factory owners are committed.

Nazma Akter, president of Sammilito Garment Sramik Federation, spoke among others.

Prothom Alo Associate Editor Abdul Qayyum conducted the discussion attended by ILO representatives.