Published: July 3, 2023.
As many as 389 workers lost their lives in 287 workplace accidents across Bangladesh from January to June, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Last year, 333 workers were killed in 241 workplace accidents nationwide in six months.
The Safety and Rights Society (SRS), a non-governmental organization, conducted a survey based on news published in 15 national and 11 local newspapers to gather this data.
The analysis of the survey data revealed that the transport sector accounted for the highest number of worker fatalities, with 128 individuals losing their lives.
The construction sector followed closely with 86 fatalities, while service establishments, including workshops, gas and electricity supply companies, reported 85 fatalities.
Additionally, 50 workers died in incidents related to coal and other productive establishments, and 62 lost their lives in the agricultural sector.
Further examination of the causes of death revealed that 173 workers died in road accidents, 50 in explosions, 40 due to lightning strikes, 32 from falls from floors or heights, 30 from electrocution, 22 from being hit or crushed by heavy objects, 12 from exposure to chemicals or poisonous gases in septic tanks or water tanks, 8 from burns in fires, 5 from drowning, 4 due to collapsing hills or ground, bridges, buildings, or roofs, walls, and 8 from other reasons.
Reasons behind accidents
The survey identified various reasons behind these accidents.
In the transport sector, the unregulated transport system, law enforcement obstructions, reckless driving, and incompetent drivers were identified as the main causes.
The recent increase in casualties from explosions was attributed to inefficiencies and negligence in chemical storage, lack of firefighting systems, absence of emergency exits in factory buildings, locked exits, lack of permission from relevant departments for factory construction, and insufficient safety training for workers.
Electrical accidents were found to be caused by factors such as not conducting regular fire drills, connecting electric lines without safety measures, handling motors with wet hands, working under overhead power lines, and lifting iron rods near electric cables alongside buildings.
Non-compliance with personal protective equipment usage also contributed to accidents.
During the release of the survey data, SRS Executive Director Sekender Ali Mina emphasized the urgent need for measures to control workplace accidents.
He specifically highlighted the increase in worker fatalities caused by lightning in the agricultural sector and the lack of safety in the construction sector.
The SRS executive director called on relevant authorities to take prompt action by formulating safety guidelines, conducting risk assessments at factories and institutions, and fostering a culture of safety.
