CHATTOGRAM, Sept 23: Industries ministry recently ordered the cessation of all operations of the SN Corporation Shipbreaking Yard for three months from today (Monday) following a tank blast on September 07.
It also fined the yard, located at Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram, Tk 2.6 million as part of a disciplinary measure in line with the report of an investigation committee.
The fines include Tk 1.0 million under section 45.4 for safety violations, Tk 0.1 million under section 46.3 for failure to ensure safe working conditions, Tk 1.0 million under section 46.9 for operational misconduct and Tk 0.5 million under section 46.1, which ordered the three-month closure.
Sources said 12 workers sustained critical burn injuries following a gas tank explosion at the green ship-breaking yard of the SN Corporation. They all were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
Of them, six already dead while the rest are undergoing treatment.
The ministry also ordered to compensate the family of each victim Tk 0.7 million for the loss of lives.
This compensation includes Tk 0.5 million under section 45.3 of the Shipbreaking and Recycling Rules 2011 and an additional Tk 0.2 million as per the provisions of the labour law.
On the other hand, each injured worker will be compensated with 12 months' salary and all medical expenses related to their treatment be fully borne by the yard authorities, the directives of the ministry mentioned.
However, following the report of the investigation committee, the ministry issued a 20-point recommendation to prevent future accidents.
The ship-breaking industry in Chattogram, which was branded as 'Red' by the Department Environment on 26 April 2023 is yet to be categorised as 'Orange'.
There are 4/5 green shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda, including PHP Ship Recycling, Kabir Ship Recycling Facilities and SN Corporation.
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