Workplace casualties on the rise: report

The number of casualties in workplaces increased in 2022 in comparison to the previous year, mainly due to lack of safety in the workplace, said a report.

The highest casualties were in the transport sector, it added.

Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation (OSHE) revealed the data at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital yesterday.

Md Alam Hossen, director of OSHE, read out the research paper at the event.

He said, overall 1,195 casualties took place in 2022 with 967 deaths and 228 injuries in various sectors across the country.

According to the data, the casualties were 1,089 last year.

Hossen said country's transport sector has seen most deaths this year surpassing other sectors.

The number of casualties in this sector is 476. Among them, 425 workers died in 2022.

He said the casualties in transport sector accounts to 40 percent of total occupational casualties.

The second highest casualties were in the service sector, which ranges from utility services to workshops, restaurants and hotels.

At least 221 people were killed and 59 injured in this sector this year, the data showed.

The agricultural sector was third in the list where 124 workers died followed by the construction sector, which ranked fourth, where 105 workers died.

The garment sector has seen 28 deaths in 2022, the lowest workers' death.

The report was based on news reports and information gathered from the spots of the incidents.

According to Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation, laxity in ensuring workers' safety, lack of safety equipment and proper training were the major reasons behind the rising deaths of workers this year.