572 workers died in workplace accidents across country in ’19

At least 572 workers reportedly died in 423 workplace accidents across the country in 2019, according to a latest survey report.
In 2018, some 484 accidents were recorded that killed some 592 workers, it revealed.
Safety and Rights Society (SRS), a non-profit labour rights organisation, prepared the report by monitoring 26 daily newspapers (15 national and 11 local newspapers) from January 01 to December 31 of 2019, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
The report did not include deaths of workers outside the workplace or in road accidents on the way to or return from workplaces, it added.
The highest number of deaths occurred in transport sector as 212 transport workers were killed in road crashes, according to the report.
Some 129 workers were also killed in construction sector while 102 workers died at workplaces like hotels, workshops and power supply organisations.
Besides, 100 workers were killed in manufacturing sectors that included garment, plastic factory, ship breaking, steel/ re-rolling mill while 29 workers in agriculture sector died in 2019.
Causes
The report found road accidents as top among the causes of workplace accidents that killed a total of 218 workers including the 212 transport workers while they were on duty.
Some 67 workers died from electrocution and fire incidents.
A total of 54 workers died after falling from heights, 45 died after being crushed through falling machinery or heavy load or hard objects while 28 were killed in building/wall/roof collapses.
25 workers were suffocated to death by inhaling poisonous gas at septic or water tanks and 25 agriculture workers died in lightning strikes.
20 workers died after drowning while 17 killed in boiler/cylinder/chemical explosions.
The rest of the workers died due to other causes, the report said.
SRS Executive Director Sekender Ali Mina said every year many workers die in workplace accidents due to lack of awareness about safety measures.
"We always draw attention of the authorities concerned to take proper measures to reduce the number of accidents but it is not reflected in practice," he alleged.
The employer is the main responsible party for ensuring workplace safety while the government authorities will strictly enforce the laws and monitor the safety measures taken by the employer, he added.
The survey found that most of the workplaces accidents occurred due to poor safety and preventive measures.
Suggestions
The report suggested having a code enforcement authority to implement the Bangladesh National Building Code 2006.
Its other recommendations include proper enforcement of the laws by concerned regulatory bodies, establishment of health and safety policies for workers by employers, putting in place a safety plan before undertaking construction work, providing proper personal protective equipment free of cost and ensure holding of a regular fire drill as well as health and safety training by employers.

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