The number of workplace deaths in 2015 was at least 373 in 282 accidents, an increase by 53 from 2014's 271 accidents, says a report of Safety and Rights Society.

The highest number of deaths, 147, was on construction sites followed by 101 in service-oriented organisations like hotels and workshops and 93 in factories such as those of garment, plastic and ship breaking industries, it said.

Of the remaining deceased, six worked in the agriculture sector while 26 in the transport, says a press release issued yesterday from the non-government organisation working for promoting workplace safety and ensuring rights of workers and the public.

The report, based on 26 (15 national and 11 local) daily newspapers, does not include deaths outside workplaces or in road accidents on way to or from workplaces.

The report said, like previous years, the majority of the deaths, 110, were caused by electrocutions followed by 47 from being crushed under falling machinery or heavy load or hard objects, 44 from falls from scaffolds, 31 from fires, 23 from building, wall or roof collapses and 23 from poisonous gas inhalation.

The remaining deaths were from various causes including boiler, chemical and gas explosions, road accidents, lightning, drowning and earth collapse, it said.

The report said most electrocutions occurred when iron rods being carried by construction workers came in contact with electric lines and during construction and electrical work.

It also noted that workers fell victim for not being provided protective equipment like helmet, gloves, shoes and harnesses and for use of poorly made scaffolds.

Sekender Ali Mina, executive director of Safety and Rights, said the report does not reflect actual figures as many deaths were not reported.