The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Some 933 workers were killed and 1,637 others injured in various work-related incidents across the country over the last six months.

Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation (OSHE) revealed the statistics today after monitoring 16 newspapers from January 1 to June 30 this year.

Of the total, the highest number of causalties with 788 deaths took place in the garment sector, followed by transport sector with 566 deaths and the construction sector with 123 deaths, an OSHE press release said.

It also said that 166 workers were killed and 240 others injured in accidents like falling from height, electrocution, explosion and fire at their workplaces while 191 of them were killed and 1,016 injured in work-related violence.

Some 214 workers were killed and 199 others injured while they were traveling, the press release said adding, 310 transport workers were killed and 163 others injured in road accidents.

Besides, 72 workers were killed and 19 others injured in other incidents like by lightning and animal attacks in their workplaces.

According to the statistics, lack of proper implementation of law, hazardous and aged-old installations, ineffective machinery and inadequate safety tolls in workplaces are the key factors behind the occupational accidents.