Workplace accidents kill 294 in 3 months

Some 294 workers were killed and 101 others seriously injured in workplace accidents in the first three months this year, revealed a survey of a workers' rights body yesterday with recommendation that safety measures at workplaces should be strengthened.

It also suggested that a realistic compensation mechanism be formulated for victims and labour laws and policies be implemented properly to reduce deaths and injuries.

Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) Foundation, which conducted the survey, further recommended initiating effective safety committees at workplaces, and introducing schemes, and special allocations in the national budget for workplace survivors.

The data was disseminated at an event arranged by OSHE Foundation, and Debate for Democracy at The Daily Star Centre, marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

As per the survey, 68 of the dead were involved in “formal” while 226 were involved in “informal works”. Of the injured, 45 were engaged in “formal” and 56 in “informal works”. Two workers were killed and nine others were burnt seriously in boiler explosions at five factories between January and March this year, it added.

In 2016, 1,240 workers were killed at workplace accidents across the country while 544 others were injured. The number of workplace casualties between 2012 and 2016 is 4,616 and the number of injured persons is 4,373, said OSHE Executive Director AR Chowdhury Ripon.

After accidents, the factory authorities are often found to be reluctant to compensate the families of missing workers, said Ripon, adding that therefore, preserving proper data of workplace accidents is essential.

Speakers also stressed the need for enhancing inspection and holding more awareness building programmes at workplaces to ensure safety for workers.

Referring to the deaths of several thousand migrant workers occurring abroad each year, Debate for Democracy President Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said Bangladesh needs to strengthen its bargaining strategy on workers' safety issues.

Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque Chunnu said both employers and workers should obey the related laws to improve workplace safety.

He also stressed the need for creating awareness about health and safety issues.

OSHE Chairperson Saki Rezwana also spoke at the event which was moderated by its Vice Chairperson SM Morshed.