CHATTOGRAM, Dec 18: Three workers died and 38 others injured in 32 accidents in the shipbreaking yards of Sitakunda in Chattogram during the second half of this year, according to a report presented on Wednesday.
The half-yearly report, prepared under the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS)-DTDA project, was unveiled at the IPSA HRDC in Sitakunda. Its findings covered the accidents that took place between July and December, and provided a detailed snapshot of workplace safety conditions in one of Bangladesh's most hazardous industrial sectors.
According to the report, 41 workers were affected in 32 separate accidents during the six-month period. Three workers lost their lives, while 18 sustained serious injuries and 21 suffered minor injuries.
Injuries caused by heavy iron materials were the most common, accounting for 13 incidents. Fire, explosions and burn-related accidents followed with 10 cases. Another six accidents involved machinery such as cranes, magnets and trucks, while three workers were injured after falling from a height.
Eleven workers suffered amputations or crushing injuries to hands or fingers. Thirteen sustained leg injuries, including fractures and burns. Ten workers received head injuries, while four were injured in multiple parts of the body.
The time-based analysis showed that 75 per cent of the accidents occurred during the daytime due to heavier workloads, with the remaining 25 per cent at night. The report warned that weaker supervision and limited access to emergency medical care increased the risk of fatal outcomes.
The presentation meeting was chaired by Tapan Dutta, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum and a member of the Labour Reform Commission. The report and its key findings were presented by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, centre coordinator of the BILS-DTDA project. Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Fakhrul Islam attended it as the chief guest.
Speakers at the programme emphasised the need for stricter safety enforcement, effective monitoring mechanisms, and improved emergency medical and safety arrangements.
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