According to the ILO, it is estimated that 11.7 thousand workers suffer fatal accidents and a further 24.5 thousand die from work related diseases across all sectors each year in Bangladesh. It is also estimated that a further 8 million workers suffer injuries at work – many of which will result in permanent disability. Although little research has taken place in Bangladesh, it is internationally recognized that most occupational deaths and injuries are entirely preventable, and could be avoided if employers and workers took simple initiatives to reduce hazards and risks at the workplace.
The ILO Office in Bangladesh in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), National Coordination Committee for Workers Education (NCCWE), and social partners such as the Occupational Safety and Health and Environment (OSHE) Foundation and the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), work to foster a preventative safety and health culture by strengthening national occupational safety and health (OSH) systems. This includes support in the following areas:
- Development of a National OSH policy;
- National OSH profile (2002) update;
- Promotion on ratification of the ILO Convention 187 as well as Convention 155 and Convention 161;
- Capacity building of the key OSH stakeholders;
- Promotion of safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling; and
- Promotion of better working conditions in the garment industry.
For further information please contact:
Mr Saidul Islam
ILO Office in Bangladesh
Road 12, House 12
Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
Tel: +8114705, 9112876
Email