Workplace fatalities in Bangladesh a matter of serious concern

An alarming increase of deaths in workplace-related accidents by 48 per cent in 2023 than the previous year is sheer negligence on the part of the authorities concerned.

This year, the total number of such deaths as of December 28 is 1,432, which was 967 last year, reveals a survey by the Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Foundation.

According to the survey, of the victims, 1,103 worked in the informal economy, while 329 were in the formal sector.

The highest number of deaths, 637, was reported in the transport sector, while the day labourers’ sector witnessed 220 deaths, construction sector 149, agricultural sector 146, and the manufacturing sector 94, according to the report.

Moreover, 502 others were seriously injured in workplace accidents this year, compared to 228 last year, added the report.

The data from OSHE Foundation also shows that at least 9,263 people have been killed at workplaces from 2013 to December 28 this year.

Additionally, work-related injuries also rose from 228 in 2022 to 502 in 2023. The data showed the vicious situation of healthcare safety in the country.

It is unfortunate that when workplace accidents and labour rights violations have continued unabated for years, taking a heavy toll on the lives of workers, the authorities come up only with mere promises. In fact, occupational safety has always been a neglected area, with little efforts to workers rights and safety.

There is hardly any step taken by the authorities to avert occupational accidents, nor proper sensitization to take preemptive measures. In terms of workplace accidents, the country’s status is dire and no one is ready to change the scenario.

We ask the government that it must investigate all workplace incidents, compensate the victims and their families, and bring the negligent authorities and employees to justice. It is also our call to industrialists and businesses to ensure workers safety at workplaces and for that investment in workers safety should get priorities.