Editorial
Death in workplace
More should be done to ensure workers' safety
The figure of deaths of workers in workplace is a horrendous commentary on the importance employers attach to the wellbeing of their employees, particularly those working in factories and construction sites. Last year, the death toll stood at 383 in as many as 270 places of work, quite an increase from 265 the year before. For the statistics we have to be thankful to Safety and Rights Society, an NGO working for the rights and safety of workers. And we would like to agree with the NGO that, given that many deaths of workers do not get reported at all, this perhaps is a very conservative figure.
Most of the deaths in 2010 took place in factories due to fire or electrocution, and those working in the construction sector came second in the list of fatality. It is evident that we care very little, if at all, for the workers; and this is what begs the question.
The findings only reinforce the reality that exists on ground, exhibiting an amoral attitude of some of the employers and industry owners. But the government has to also share the blame for the dismal state of workers' safety. Failing to exercise appropriate oversight makes one as responsible as the one committing the crime. And we feel it a crime for the employers to not provide working conditions that are free of hazards and pose no dangers to the workers. It is pathetic spectacle to see workers perched most precariously on makeshift scaffoldings atop high rise buildings, in constant risk of their lives and posing constant risk to the lives of those around them. It is outrageous to see power supply workers tending high voltage lines without appropriate safety measures. And this is happening all the time in broad daylight under the eyes of the oversight agencies.
In Bangladesh to see workers wearing proper clothing for work, like helmets or protective gloves, for example, is exception and not the rule. It is not as though relevant rules do not exist but they are honoured only in their violation rather than adherence. And regrettably, those that are responsible to ensure that rules and regulations are followed like the factory inspectors, RAJUK, REHAB and the like, seem least concerned in this regard.
It is for the government to ensure that more attention is paid to the safety of workers, particularly those vocations that are inherently risky; there is also need to train workers on safety procedures. We also feel strongly that workers should be insured against accidents in order to help them tide over pecuniary constraints should that be imposed on them by any unforeseen situation due to accident at work.
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