Health & Safety

Occupational Safety and Health in Bangladesh

Introduction
The occupational health and safety service in Bangladesh is still in the developmental stage.
Here the occupational health & safety refers mainly to needs of workers of industries or some manufacturing processes but does not completely cover all occupations of the country. The main laws related to occupational health & safety in this country is the Factory Act 1965 and the Factory Rule of 1979.

There are a number of other laws and regulations that are also

have some provisions related to occupational health and safety. These laws have provisions on occupational hygiene, occupational diseases, industrial accidents, protection of women and young persons in dangerous occupations and also cover conditions of work, working hours, welfare facilities, holidays, leave etc. But most of the laws are lacking in standard values and not specific rather general in nature.

For certain work environment factors, manufacturing process, machineries and toxic substances, certain levels or concentrations of substances in the air have been recommended by various international organization and agencies, which are considered to be safe, are implemented in the respective countries. In USA Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) are referred for the permissible levels or various standard limits for working environment. In Bangladesh no such organization or agencies have been developed which could be a referral center for different standard or occupational permissible limits. As such the prevalent rules and regulations in Bangladesh are insufficient or inadequate in terms of standards and permissible limits. Moreover, the enforcement department, the department of inspection, which is poor in quantity as well quality could not effectively enforce to improve the occupational safety and health in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, as in most countries in the west the responsibility for health and safety at work is placed on the employer, although the government has some kind of occupational health care services and safety standards. Occupational health services are provided as benefits by employers and generally are separate from other community health services. In the developing countries, many of which are undergoing rapid industrialization, the importance of occupational health is increasingly realized. It is of concern that in Bangladesh

1

like other developing countries pre-existing malnutrition and a high incidence of infectious disease, however, frequently compound the problems of exposure to occupational hazards.

The labour laws in Bangladesh have been framed which requires employers to undertake corrective measures on occupational safety and health. Lack of awareness, training, noncompliances of the OSH standards by the employers, the negative involvement of the workers could not achieve the goal of providing safety and health to the workers as intended by the laws.

In Bangladesh, as in other developing nations the major considerations in industries are higher production and greater economic returns. The main economics centered on the employer’s benefit. Little importance is focused on the social costs in terms of impacts on workers, society, and the environment. The impacts are compounded by inappropriate value of life considerations, pain and suffering, opportunity costs and questions of equity. The estimates of direct economic costs and benefits are usually made keeping aside the ethical liabilities to the society as a whole. Entrepreneurs often consider the regulatory compliances and related administrative costs deterrent to productivity. As such occupational health & safety considerations remains ignored.

Time has come to consider the Occupational Health in its true spirit in a holistic way. The policy makers, legislators, employers, and all other members of the society require to understand the relationship of true social development with economic development through a system of good practices of occupational safety and health in work places so that the fruit of industrial development actuates the social goals. There should be awareness about consequences of not addressing and non-implementations of occupational safety and health standards. Background of the study
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a
Regional Technical Assistance Agreement (RETA) during November 2000.The program included 4 Developing Member Countries (DMCs) namely Philippines, Thailand, Nepal and
Bangladesh of Asia pacific region. The objectives of the RETA project are as follows:

2

(i)

Increase awareness of the key policy makers in the DMCs, NGOs, and the private sector regarding the economic and social implications of the non-implementation of labour standards.

(ii)

Improve the capacity of policy makers in the DMCs and ADB staff to prepare and implement projects that would (a) move children from the worst forms of employment and to school; (b) improve employment for women; and (c) reduce occupational safety and health hazards.

(iii)

Enable ADB staff at headquarters and country levels to address the issues of poverty reduction, child labour, gender discrimination in employment, and occupational safety and health issues by strengthening the implementation of relevant labour standards in ADB-assisted development interventions.

For the purpose of attainment of the above mentioned objectives the project focused its work mainly on collection and analysis of information in the DMCs on the three areas namely Child Labour, Gender Equity in employment, and Occupational Health
& Safety.

It is expected that 4 sets of reports concerning three areas of interest will be generated for each of the member countries in the region. The information obtained from the reports hopefully will provide basis for required intervention to be undertaken in the member countries.

The present report was prepared concerning the issue of Occupational Safety &
Health in Bangladesh. The component tried to identify the most pressing needs and issues; analyze the impact of lack of occupational safety and health; identify means to address this issues including national policy recommendations and action plans for implementation in the identified sectors; prepare reports for national policy makers and staff of executing agencies to address such concerns. This report would also provide basis for strategies and recommendations for the Regional Framework and
Action Plan for use by the DMCs and ADB staffs.

3

Methodology
To address the issue of occupational safety & health, the national consultant with discussion with the international consultant determined the methodology of the study.

It was decided to collect and analyze information on existing state of occupational safety & health in Bangladesh from secondary data sources as available from different reports, studies and other published documents. The information is placed in the Macro session of the report.

To understand the impact of non-implementation of labour standard, in this case the
OSH standards, cross sectional study was undertaken in two sectors. As per discussion with the international consultant, tannery and bidi industries were selected for the purpose. The study report is placed in the Micro session.

Few case studies were also discussed as collected from secondary sources to present examples of good and bad practices of occupational safety and health.

4

MACRO SESSION

5

MACRO SESSION
A. National Policy Framework
The constitution of Bangladesh adapted on the November 4th 1972 recognizes productivity as a basic need for economic development and covers the right to work and reasonable wages, medicare and, disease and disablement. And thus it is assumed the health and safety of industrial workers has been taken care of.

The Occupational Health and Safety Services in Bangladesh, is still in the developmental stage. In Bangladesh Occupational Health and Safety generally refers mainly to needs of workers of industries or some manufacturing process but does not completely cover all recognized occupations of the country.
In the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) for the labour and manpower sector the objectives relatable to OSH are:
a. "To ensure fair wages, welfare and social protection of workers under the structural adjustment programmes adopted by the government."
b. "To initiate steps to protect children from economic exploitation. "
To achieve the objectives of the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) for the labour and manpower sector the strategies relatable to OSH that were to be pursued are:
a. "Review of existing labour related laws, rules, regulations and directives and adoption of necessary modifications."
b. "Stress on gradual elimination of child labour and protection of children from economic exploitation and hazardous work."
In the labour sector the OSH relatable programmes that were to be undertaken under the
Fifth Five Year Plan included- Strengthening of Inspectorate of Factories and Establishments in terms of manpower and resources so as to enable them to "enforce various labour laws/rules concerning working hours, working condition, safety, and maternity benefits in different mills, shops and factories, etc. "

In the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) for the health population and family welfare sector some scope for further development in the sector against the background that 'with increased urbanization and industrialization, the number of burn and trauma cases due to traffic and industrial accidents, unsafe use of chemicals, fire, etc., has been increasing every year'. The following needs has been identified:

6

a. Need to establish hospitals near major highways, traffic blackspots and industrial areas with trauma and burn units to treat burn and trauma cases in time.
b. Promote industrial and occupational health through IEC activities so as to raise awareness of industrial workers and protect them from industrial hazards.
Labour Policy:
-

Undertake effective new labour policy on the basis of tripartite negotiation

-

Link wages with productivity

-

Quick disposal of Industrial dispute

-

Stop child labour and provide workers with education, healthcare, and better working facilities B:

LEGISLATIONS RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments under the Ministry of Labour and Employment administers and enforces 42 labour laws. The following legislations have provisions relating to occupational health, hygiene of workers, occupational diseases, industrial accidents, protection of women and young persons in dangerous occupations, and also cover conditions of work, working hours, welfare facilities, holidays, leave, etc.

Legislation
The Factories Act, 1965
Factories Rules 1979
Dock Labourers Act 1934

Enforcing agency

the Department of Inspection for Factories and
Establishment
Department of Inspection for Factories and
2
Establishment
Dock Labourers Regulations 1948,
Department of Inspection for Factories and
3
Establishment
Tea Plantation Labourers Ordinance Department of Inspection for Factories and
4
1962 and the rules thereunder
Establishment
The Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 Department of Inspection for Factories and
5
as amended in 1980 and 1983
Establishment
The Shops and Establishments Act 1965, Department of Inspection for Factories and
6
Establishment
Employment of Children Act 1938
Department of Inspection for Factories and
7
Establishment
The Maternity Benefit Tea Estates Act Department of Inspection for Factories and
8
1950
Establishment
The Maternity Benefit Act 1939
Department of Inspection for Factories and
9
Establishment
10 The Maternity Benefit Rules 1953.
Department of Inspection for Factories and
Establishment
11 The Boilers Act 1923
Chief Inspector of Boilers under Ministry of
.
Industry
12 Nuclear Safety and Radiation control Act Atomic Energy Commission. Bangladesh
!993
1.

and

7

It is obvious from the above table that almost all the labour legislation are enforced by
Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments. Therefore, there is little scope of overlapping responsibilities.

B .1

REVIEW OF LEGISLATIONS, LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO
OSH.

The laws that regulate the health, safety & welfare provisions and working conditions of the workers includes:

1. The Factories Act, 1965 and the Factories Rules 1979:
This act is generally applicable to any `factory’. `Factory’ means any premises including the precincts thereof whereon 10 or more workers are working or were working on any day of the preceding twelve months and in any part of which a manufacturing process is being carried on with or without the aid of power, but does not include a mine.

This act defines worker as "a person employed in any manufacturing process or in cleaning any part of the machinery or premises used for a manufacturing process, or in any other kind of work incidental to or connected with, the manufacturing process, but does not include any person solely employed in clerical capacity in any room or place where no manufacturing process is carried on".
Manufacturing process as defined by the act stands for any process for –
i.

making, altering, repairing, ornamenting, painting and washing, finishing, or packing, or otherwise treating any articles or substances with a view to its use, sale, transport, delivery, display or disposal. Or

ii.

pumping oil, gas, water, sewerage or other fluids or slurries. Or

iii.

generating, transforming or transmitting power or gas. Or

iv.

constructing, reconstructing, repairing, refitting, finishing or breaking up of ships or vessels. Or

v.

printing by letter press, lithography, photogravure or other similar work or bookbinding which is carried on by way of trade or for purposes for gain or incidental to another business so carried on.

This act prescribes the requirements of safety and health to be maintained, and covers:
a) Maintenance of standards of cleanliness.
b) Adequate lighting, ventilation & temperature.

8

c) Control of elements hazardous to health like dusts, gases, fumes, etc. associated with particular operations.
d) Requirement of certificate of fitness for young persons from certifying surgeons.
e) Requirement of periodical medical examination for persons engaged in hazardous operations. f)

Requirement for making available adequate first-aid facilities.

g) Requirement of a dispensary manned by a medical practitioner for units employing
500 or more workers.
h) Length of working hours & night work for young persons and women, and prohibition of employment for operating dangerous machines
i)

Prohibition of employment of women and children near cotton openers

j)

Requirement of precaution against fire and explosions.

k) Requirement of fencing and guarding of machinery, casing of new machinery
l)

Requirement for work on or near machinery in motion, striking gear and devices for cutting off power, self-acting machine

m) Requirement for cranes and other lifting machinery, hoist and lift, revolving machinery, pressure plant
n) Requirement of safety measures for buildings.
o) Requirement of precautions against dangerous fumes.
p) Maximum weight to be lifted carried or moved by adult men, women and young persons. q) Requirement for floors, stairs and means of access; pits, sumps, opening in floors, etc. r) Requirement for protection of eyes
s) Requirement for explosive or inflammable dust, gas, etc.
t)

Reporting of accidents and occupational diseases.

u) Sanitary conveniences- requirement of latrine, urinals, spittoons, drinking water
v) Requirement of canteen, eating place, washing facilities, rest room, child room
w) Requirement for appointment of welfare officer for units employing 500 or more workers. Responsible authoritiesDepartment of Inspection for Factories and Establishment under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower is responsible for enforcement of the legislation. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide facilities to employees as

9

asked for by the law and it is the obligation of the workers to abide by the provisions of the Act.

CommentLack of work environment standards and exposure limits for different hazards and lack of requirement for periodic structured objective driven medical examination are the major deficiency of the legislations in terms of occupational health and safety. Moreover, there is no legal requirement for safety committees and employment of safety officers.

2.

The Dock Labourers Act 1934 and the Dock Labourers Regulations 1948
This legislation protects workers employed in loading and unloading ships against accidents. a) It outlines safety and protective measures to be taken against dangerous toxic fumes and other harmful agents, safe working loads, etc.
b) It requires that workers be consulted on measures to be taken for the control of risks to health, and that appropriate measures be taken to ensure adequate protection of their health and safety.
c) The law requires that any accident or dangerous occurrence, particularly as result of fire, and injuries causing death or 48 hours absence from work; and all cases of collapse or failure of lifting machinery be immediately reported.

Responsible authoritiesa. Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment through Inspectors designated as Dock Labour Safety Officers (DLSO) is responsible for enforcing this piece of legislation.
b. The general management of the dock is responsible for fencing of work places, proper lighting, life-saving appliances first aid, ambulance, washing facilities, etc.
c. The owner, master or agent of a ship is responsible for accesses between shore and ship, from the ship to another vessel, between deck and hold, lighting, handling of dangerous or noxious substances.
d. Workers and other persons are obliged to use the proper means of access and not to interfere with the removal of fencing or safety appliances.

10

3. Workmen’s compensation Act, 1923, and rules thereunder :
This act has been last amended in 1987 and applies to factories, docks, construction work, railways, transport workers, excavation, gas and electricity workers, etc.
It holds liable an employer to pay compensation for death and injury or disablement caused by accident arising out of and in the course of employment. And it considers contraction of occupational diseases peculiar to the nature of the work done as an injury like accident.
The act provides –


A list of injuries that is considered to result in permanent partial disablement.



A list of persons considered as workmen.



A list of occupational diseases, and includes a list of employments for the purpose of such diseases.



Means of calculating compensation payable for disablement or death.

Responsible authoritiesDepartment of Inspection for Factories and Establishment is responsible for enforcement of the legislation.
The Chairman of the Labour courts is also the Commissioner of Workers’
Compensation.

CommentThe act covers a wide range of workers spells that the employer is not liable for compensation if workers remove or disregard any safety guard or devices provided for securing safety.

4. The Tea Plantation Labourers Ordinance 1962 and the rules there under:
This Ordinance applies to all tea plantations.
It gives wide coverage to the safety and health of workers in plantations by way of medical treatment, annual medical check-up, hospital facilities, housing facilities, drinking water, etc. And provides for the welfare of labour and regulates their conditions of work.

Responsible authoritiesDepartment of Inspection for Factories and Establishment is responsible for enforcement of the legislation.

11

5. The Employment of Children Act 1938, and the rules thereunder:
This act prohibits the employment of children under the age of 15 years in occupations related to transport of passengers, goods or mail by railway and in occupations involving handling of goods within the limits of a port. It prohibits children aged 15-17 years in such occupations to work at night. And prohibits employment of children under the age of 12 in certain occupations.

Responsible authoritiesDepartment of Inspection for Factories and Establishment is responsible for enforcement of the legislation.

B.2

DEFINITIONS OF WORKPLACE IN LEGISLATION

The Factories Act, 1965 and the Factories Rules 1979:
These legislations, considers workplace as places where a manufacturing process is carried out.
Manufacturing process as defined by the act stands for any process for


making, altering, repairing, ornamenting, painting and washing, finishing, or packing, or otherwise treating any articles or substances with a view to its use, sale, transport, delivery, display or disposal. Or



pumping oil, gas, water, sewerage or other fluids or slurries. Or



generating, transforming or transmitting power or gas. Or



constructing, reconstructing, repairing, refitting, finishing or breaking up of ships or vessels. Or



printing by letter press, lithography, photogravure or other similar work or book binding which is carried on by way of trade or for purposes for gain or incidental to another business so carried on.

Workmen’s compensation Act, 1923, and rules thereunder:
Though this act do not provide a clear cut definition of workplace it is implied that the places where the workers as described in Schedule 11 of Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 can be considered as workplace.

12

B.3

COVERAGE OF WORKERS AND WORKPLACES

It is difficult to say that the issue of occupational health and safety of all workers or personnel of all occupations are covered by legislation.
The following legislations provide some degree of coverage to different sections of workers or persons employed in certain occupations.
The Workmen’s
Compensation Act 1923

The Factories Act, 1965

The Factories Rules 1979

The
Shops
and
Establishments Act 1965
The
Shops and Establishments
Rules
1965

The Maternity Benefit Act
1939
(Modified by Act LIII of
1974)

This legislation relates to workmen compensation by certain classes of employers for injuries by accident as well as for diseases listed in schedule III of the act.
Relates to factories
Factory refers to any premises where 10 or more workers are involved in a manufacturing process that is carried out with or without the aid of power.
Relates
to factories and workers/employees involved in the process in any way.

Schedule
11
of
Workmen’s
Compensation Act 1923 provides a list of persons covered by the act.

Have provisions for heath, hygiene and safety of factory workers.
Schedule referred to in section 90 and 91 of the act provides a list of notifiable diseases.

Has provisions for heath, hygiene and safety of factory workers
Has
special provisions that describes certain activities as dangerous operations
Requires accidents and injuries to be reported.
Requires
certain occupational diseases and cases of poisonings in workplaces to be reported.
Employees not involved in the manufacturing process in any way, are not covered by the rules.
Relates
to establishments Has provisions for hygiene employing five or more workers but not applicable for establishments specified in section 6 of the act.
Applies for workers as defined in section 2(p) of the act.
Relates to any woman worker Has provisions that allow women
/employee employed for a period workers/employees to refrain from not less than 9 months work for a specified period before immediately preceding the day of and after childbirth and to continue the delivery. receiving wages for the period, at the rate of average daily earnings from the employer.

Agricultural Workers, Fisheries, Poultry, Transport and Construction workers, are not dir ectly and specifically covered by legislation.

13

B4.

ILO Convention regarding OSH:

Until now 31 ILO conventions have been ratified by Bangladesh. The ILO convention C 155 and C161 are concerned with the Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational
Health Services respectively. The aim of the policy of the convention C155 is to prevent occupational accidents and injury to health, and illnesses by identification and minimising the causes of hazards in the working environment. The aim of the convention C161 is

to

establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work. Although these convention are not yet ratified in Bangladesh but many of the recommendations of these conventions have been practised to some extent through the implementations of existing various laws and regulations. In the
Factory Act 1965 and Factory Rules 1979 and in some other laws and regulations there are various chapters that are relatable to OSH. But by the existing laws and regulations qualitative inspections regarding safety and health in the working is possible but could not be monitored in terms of quantitative standard values and permissible limits.

For ratification of ILO convention No. C 155 and C161 the motivation of all the partiespolicymakers, employers and employees is required.

C.

FACTORY INSPECTORATE

Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for enforcement of the legislation is empowered by law to oversee the enforcement of almost all legislation relating to welfare safety and health of workers.

The Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments heads the department who is assisted by 7 Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments.
The setup of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment has 3 sectionsEngineering, Medical and General.
-

The Engineering section is responsible for occupational safety, accident investigations, workmen’s compensation etc.

-

The General section deals with general welfare measures, payment of wages, working hours, conditions of employment, etc.

14

-

The Medical section is responsible for occupational health and hygiene, maternal benefit, working environment, etc.

At the headquarters located in Dhaka Chief Inspector of Factories is assisted by 3 Deputy
Chief Inspector of Factories.

At the headquarters, a Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories is in charge of one of the 3 sections - Engineering, Medical and General.
-

Assistant Chief Inspector of Factories (General) and Inspector of Standing Orders assists
Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories of General section.

-

Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories of engineering section is assisted by an Inspector of
Factories (Eng).

-

An Inspector of Factories (medical) assists Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories of
Medical section.

The department operates through 4 Divisional Headquarters located at the administrative divisions of Dhaka (17 districts), Chittagong (15 districts), Khulna (16 districts) and Rajshahi
(16 districts); 4 Regional Offices located in the industrial zones of Narayanganj, Comilla,
Sreemangal and Rangpur; and 29 branch offices.

Each divisional setup is headed by a Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories (General), and also consists of 3 sections - Engineering, Medical and General.

-

The General section has Assistant Chief Inspector of Factories, and Labour Inspectors.

-

The Engineering section is headed by an Inspector of Factories and is assisted by
Assistant Inspectors of Factories.

-

The Medical section is headed by an Inspector of Factories and is assisted by Assistant
Inspector of Factories.

The Chittagong and Mongla (Khulna) sea-ports each has a Dock Labour Safety Officer responsible for the enforcement of the Dock Labour Act and Regulations.
In the district headquarters there are Inspectors exclusively for shops and establishments

15

Number of inspectors and types
Administrative

and Chief Inspector of Factories & Establishments

1

supervisory head
Top line inspection and Deputy Chief Inspectors of Factories & supervisory officers

7

Establishments.

Mid-level supervisory and Assistant Chief Inspectors of Factories & Establishments

10

inspection officers

17

Inspectors of Factories & Establishments.
Dock Labour Safety Officers

First line inspecting staff

2

Assistant Inspectors of Factories & Establishments

8

Labour Inspectors

17

Inspector of Standing Orders

1

Inspector of Shops and Establishments

48

Total

111

16

Organogram of Inspectorate of factories and Establishments.

Chief Inspector of Factories & Estts.

Dy. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (Medical)

Dy. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (Engg)

(Hq.)

(Hq.)

Inspector of Factories
& Estts (Medical)

Dy. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (General)

(Hq.)

Inspector of Factories
& Estts (Engg.)

Asst. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (General)

Dy. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (General)

Inspector of
Standing Orders

(Divisional) -4

Inspector of factories
& Estts (Medical)

Inspector of Factories
& Estts (Engg.)

Asst. Chief Inspector of
Factories & Estts (General)

Dock Labour Safety
Officer

Ctg & Khulna only
Labour Inspector
(General)
Asst. Inspector of factories
& Estts (Medical)

Asst. Inspector of factories
& Estts (Engg)

Inspector of Shops
& Estts

17

Policy of Inspectors Recruitment:
-The recruitment of Inspectors of Factories (medical) is made by direct recruitment through Public Service Commission (PSC) or by promotion from Assistant Inspector of
Factories (medical).
-The basic qualifications for recruitment of Inspectors (medical) are graduation in medical science.
-

For the post of Assistant Inspectors minimum qualification is higher secondary level of education with biology.

-

The minimum educational qualification for Inspectors of Factories (Engineering) is graduation in engineering and assistant inspectors (Engineering) requires minimum education of diploma in engineering.

-

The Inspectors of Factories (Medical) and Medical Officers of Labor Welfare Centers are promoted to the posts of deputy chief inspector of factories (medical).

-

The deputy chief inspector of factories (Engineering) is promoted from posts of inspector of factories (Engineering) and Dock labor Safety Officers.

-

Assistant Chief Inspector of factories (General) requires minimum qualification of master degree and is recruited directly by PSC and also by promotion from Labour Inspector
(general) and labour Officer

-

Labor inspector (General) and labor officers requires a qualification of minimum higher secondary level of education

-

The Deputy Chief Inspector of factories (General) gets promotion from posts of assistant chief inspectors of factories (General), assistant director of labor, or from Inspector of
Factories (Engineering)

Activities of a Factory Inspector:
a) Inspection of factories, shops, commercial establishment, tea plantations, ports, docs, railways, roads transport etc, under relevant labour laws for enforcement of the provisions relating to safety, health, labour welfare, payment, payment of wages, regulations of hours of work, conditions and terms of employment, social security etc. of workers.
b) Prosecution against the violations of labour laws in different courts,
c) Approval of construction and extension of factories.
d) Approval of layout plans of factories.

18

e) Issue of registrations and license of factories and realization of fees for the purpose
f)

Maintenance of liaison with different government departments, employers’ organisation and trade unions on enforcement of labour laws.

g) Collection of the data for preparation of annual and other periodical reports under labour laws.
h) Assistance to the government in formulation of policies about enforcement of labour laws and framing labour laws including amendment of various Acts and Rules
i)

Preparation of replies to the ILO questionnaire to ratification of IL conventions

j)

Assistance to other international agencies in preparing survey reports relating to labour inspection, wages, administration, productivity etc.

k) Representing the government in national and international seminars, meetings, forums etc. on labour inspection, labour administration productivity etc.
l)

Approval of service rules of the workers as and when applied for by the management of different establishments.

m) Examination and checking of the certificates issued by the competent authority relating to safe operations of gears, derricks, winches and other accessories of ports ensuring safety, and inspection of ships touching the port for enforcement of safety and welfare provisions of relevant laws.
During inspection, an Inspector usually perform following tasks:
-

Advices the management concerened on the spot to rectify the defects/infringements observed -

Subsequently he issues a notice to the management with an advice to rectify the defects/infringement within the specified time

-

During the follow up inspection if the action for defects/ infringement. if not taken, the inspector files a lawsuit in the competent court.

Training of Inspectors
After recruitment the inspectors do not get any formal pre-placement or in-service training.
However occasionally the training program organized by local or international agencies (e.g.
ILO, JICA, WHO etc.), the inspectors get the opportunity to participate in the training. Some of the inspectors also participated in academic courses on OSH in home or abroad through nomination. At home ‘The National Institute of Preventive & Social Medicine (NIPSOM)’ conducts a postgraduate degree course on occupational health for the medical graduates, the Medical Inspectors who are medical graduates have the opportunity to participate in the course through competitive admission examination. Four of the medical inspectors have

19

obtained the degree from NIPSOM. This training are not obligatory for promotion or other service benefits

D.

TRADE UNION (LABOUR UNION )

Trade Union (Labour union) is allowed in almost all sectors in accordance to Industrial
Relations Ordinance 1969, except in export processing zones. A trade union to be recognized has to be registered. To be registered a union has to have at list support of 30% of the workers or employees of the enterprise in the form of formal membership. No worker is allowed to be a member of two trade unions at the same time. The registered trade unions are allowed to form federation of trade unions, which again has to be registered.
The functions that can be carried out by trade unions, as laid down by legislations of the country includes

To promote mutual trust, understanding and cooperation between the employer and the workers.



To ensure application of labour laws.



To foster a sense of discipline and to improve and maintain safety, occupational health and working conditions.



To encourage vocational training, workers education and family welfare training.



To adopt measures for improvement of welfare services for the workers and their families. 

To fulfill production target, reduce production cost and wastage, and raise quality of products. In Bangladesh, there are 5450 trade unions and 25 federations of trade unions.
The trade unions have currently focused their activities on the sectors listed below.
1. Female workers.
2. Child workers.
3. Part-time, temporary and casual workers.
4. Informal sectors.
5. Migrant workers.
Trade unions mainly focuses on issues of workers rights and functions as collective bargaining agents and OSH activities in comparison do not get emphasis. This is true for biggest, medium and smallest unions.
In hazardous industries like tannery, metal, petroleum, jute and textile industry, the trade unions mainly concentrate their activities related to wages and other issues concerned with

20

monitory benefit. Thus effective OSH functions in respect to Health & Safety in labor unions are lacking, including the training programmes to its members.
Registered Trade unions By Divisions (1999)
Name of Office
Number of
Number of
Unions
Members
1.
Head Quarter
17
3250
2.
Dhaka Division
89
18835
3.
Chittagong Division
63
11101
4.
Rajshahi Division
97
10716
5.
Khulna Division
71
6287
Total
337
50144
(Department of Labour, Bangladesh Labour Journal: 19,1999)
Sl. No.

Registered Trade Union By Industrial Sector (1999)
Sectoral Industry
No of
Number of
Unions
Members
1.
Jute (Jetty)
2
575
2.
Jute Press& Baling (JPB)
1
101
3.
Tobacco (TO)
2
484
4.
Engineering Works (Eng)
7
757
5.
Transport (Tpt)
93
16187
6.
Shops & Commercial Installation (SCI)
68
13006
7.
Hotel Restaurant & Food Products (HRF)
9
959
8.
Printing Press (PP)
1
174
9.
Cotton Textile Hosiery & Yarn (CT)
4
803
10.
Dock & Port
7
1533
11.
Aluminum Enamel Ceramic & Glass (AECG)
1
51
12.
SB (Except Autonomous & Semi Govt.
9
604
13.
Workshop)
2
44
14.
Food
131
14866
Miscellaneous
337
50144
(Department of Labour, Bangladesh Labour Journal: 19,1999)
Sl.No

Classification of Trade Union By Number of Members
Sl. No.
Range
1.
1-50
2.
51-100
3.
101-200
4.
201-300
5.
301-400
6.
401-500
7.
501-600
8.
601-1000
9
1001-2000
10.
Above 2000

Number
112
84
68
31
08
11
05
06
09
03

Members
2749
6445
12301
7098
2609
4806
2731
4094
1198
6113

337

50144

(Department of Labour, Bangladesh Labour Journal: 19,1999)

21

Training courses conducted by Industrial Relations Institute (IRI) in the year1999.
Name of IRI

Industrial
Trade Union&
Relations
Labour Law
Course
Course
IRI, Tangi
4
202
9
277
IRI, Chittagong
3
96
9
265
IRI, Khulna
3
102
11
364
IRI, Rajshahi
1
22
6
212
Total
11
422
35
1118
(Department of Labour, Bangladesh Labour Journal: 19,1999)

E.

EMPLOYER'S ORGANIZATION

The employer’s organizations can be grouped as non sectorial and sectorial organizations. The non sectorial organizations Chamber of commerce and industries- there is such organization in Divisional as well as in district level.
a. Bangladesh Employers Federation. b Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
c.Chambers of Commerce and Industries
Sector based organizations- these organizations are sector specific, and are listed below.
a. Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers Association.
b. Bangladesh Textile Industries Owners Association.
c. Bangladesh Jute Mills Owners Association.
d. Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association.
e. Female Entrepreneurs Association
f.

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association.

g. Bangladesh Leather and Leather Goods Manufacturers Association.
h. Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Owners Association.
i.

Bangladesh Rickshaw Owners Association.

j.

Bangladesh Tea Association.

k. Bangladesh Fisheries Owners Association.
l.

Bangladesh Poultry Owners Association.

m. Bangladesh Dairy Owners Association.
n. Bangladesh Hotel Owners Association.
o. Bangladesh Truck Owners Association.

22

p. Bangladesh Transport Owners Association.
q. Bangladesh Water Transport Owners Association.
Some of the Employers organization provides OSH information to their members through organizing workshop/ seminars.

Bangladesh Employers Federation
-

Bangladesh Employers Federation organizes discussion meeting on laws, management taxation, compensation etc. in every month with the members in which
OSH is also discussed

-

They do not run any specific training program on OSH but time-to-time organizes seminar, workshops for members and management on industrial laws, compensation and includes OSH as a component.

Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)
Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association organizes and conducts training programs on health and safety for workers and managers of member garments factories with particular emphasis on fire safety.

F.

NGO ACTIVITIES ON OSH

Muktijodhya Kalyan Trust
Muktijodya Kalyan Trust a body under the Ministry of Defense runs short course on safety, health and labour laws for officers and employees of enterprises/industries under their management. Centre for Development Services (CDS)
Centre for Development Services a NGO has conducted activities related to health, family planning, and child labour among industrial workers. Recently they have undertaken awareness building activities related to occupational health and workplace safety.

Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS)
BILS working on OSH since its inception during 1995.They undertake awareness, training, research activities concerning OSH. They also provide institutional support to ‘International

23

Confederation of Free Trade Union-Bangladesh Council’.

The main activities of BILS

related to OSH are as follows:
-Strengthening the democratic functioning of the trade union
-Assists trade unions through education training, research, campaign and communication
-Improve occupational health and safety, and welfare of the workers.

G.

TRAINING –EDUCATION IN OSH

Industrial Relations Institute (IRI)
Industrial Relations Institute under the Department of Labour (under Ministry of Labour and
Manpower) conducts courses encompassing labour laws and safety and health issues as embodied in the labour laws. These courses are conducted for middle level officers of industries, workers & trade unions through four IRIs (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna &Rajshahi).

Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM)
Bangladesh Institute of Management, a semiautonomous organization under the Ministry of
Industries conducts a diploma course in Personnel Management and Industrial Management and short courses on labour laws. Health and Safety provisions as embodied in the labour laws are covered in these training courses.

Occupational Health Unit of Directorate General of Health Services
The Occupational Health Unit of Directorate General of Health Services organizes and conducts training courses on occupational health and safety for workers in liaison with different industries.

Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC)
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation organizes training programme on fire hazards, safety, safety devices and personal protective equipment for workers of industries under their management.

Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)
Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association organizes and conducts training programmes on health and safety for workers and managers of member garments factories with particular emphasis on fire safety.

24

Muktijodhya Kalyan Trust
Muktijodhya Kalyan Trust a body under the Ministry of Defense runs short course on safety, health and labour laws for officers and employees of enterprises/industries under their management. National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM)
National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine under the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare runs a regular Occupational and Environmental Health Masters course (MPH-OEH) for health personnel from both government and private sectors. Currently NIPSOM is conducting a series of formal 8-week training program on occupational health and safety course for managers, supervisors and personnel entrusted with workplace safety, and also physicians rendering services to industries.

Engineers Institute of Bangladesh
As a professional institute of engineers, the EIB since 1995 conducts regular ‘Safety
Management’ training course for its members who are employed in different public and private organizations. 10 (ten) such courses has been conducted so far

Centre for Development Services (CDS)
Centre for Development Services a NGO has conducted activities related to health, family planning, and child labour among industrial workers. Recently they have undertaken awareness building activities related to occupational health and workplace safety.

Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS)
BILS is an NGO working on OSH since 1997.In addition to other labor related activities they undertake, OSH related training for workers and employers.

Training programs by International agencies and international cooperation projects
The international organizations and cooperation projects like WHO, JICA, ILO, USDOL etc. provides funds to local institute and organizations for training programs on OSH but not regularly. They also occasionally provide funds for foreign training.

25

H. Occupational Health and Safety Services in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh the occupational health & safety services is not well organized. Different ministries such as railway, port and shipping, jute, textile etc. operate the occupational health care program through various departments and directorates. It is the legal obligation of the employers to provide medicare in case deterioration of health or injuries result in from exposure to agents related to work situation. Medical officers have been em ployed by various agencies in accordance with section 44 of Factories Act 1965, which is obligatory for those factories having 500 or more workers. Different Govt. and Non-Govt Occupational
Health Services are as follows

Department of Labour (Ministry of Labour & Employment)
Deals mainly with Industrial Relations Ordinance. In addition, at present it runs 22 dispensaries (Labour welfare centers) established in various industrial & tea plantation areas of the country for the benefit of workers and include f acilities for emergency treatment of casualties and family planning. A medical graduate operates each of the dispensaries
(Labour welfare centers).
7 (seven) new Labour Welfare Centers are now under construction and are situated in tea estates. Under this department there are 4 Industrial Relation Institutes (IRI).

Ministry of Textile/Jute/Agriculture/Energy and Mineral Resources
Industries under different sector/corporations have provisions of individual OSH services, which also include;
(1) Employment of full-time or part time Medical Officers;
(2) Labour Welfare Officers.
National Safety Committee was formed under Ministry of Industries on 1992 to look after issues on OSH.

Ministry of Transport & Communication/shipping/aviation
The services provided include;
(a) Railway-hospitals, health units, clinics and large stations health inspectors for sanitation; (b) Shipping- individual medical services, affiliated hospitals, dock labour welfare hospital;
(c) Aviation- individual medical services affiliated hospital.

26

Ministry of Home Affairs
Under which Directorate of Fire service & Civil Defense provide OSH services in case of emergency & also training programs for industrial workers against fire protection.

Ministry of Local Government
Every Deputy Commissioner is declared as Factory Inspector (General) for that district as per provision of Factory Act of 1965.

Private Sector
Services provided generally include medical services through clinics and medical centers , first aid , medical examination, determination of losses, medical benefits , appointing full time or part time Medical Officers in enterprises etc.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
a) Health care as part of national health services is provided through hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, etc., but does not have any special role in terms of occupational health services viz. in industries, factories and agriculture, etc.
b) Civil Surgeon acts as factory inspector (Medical) for the district.
c) One Assistant Director, Industrial Hygiene is posted in the office of the Director
General of Health Services,
d) Department of Occupational & Environmental Health (DOEH) of National Institute of
Preventive & Social Medicine (NIPSOM) conducts a course on Master of Public
Health in Industrial Health i.e. MPH (IH) where in each year about 15-20 doctors are enrolled for one year postgraduate study program on Occupational & Environmental
Health. This department also conducts workshops, seminars and short trainings.

27

I.

NATIONAL STATISTICS FOR
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

OCCUPATIONAL

INJURIES

AND

All accidents and occupational diseases are legally reportable as per provisions of The
Factory Act 1965 and Rules made there under and there are standardized national reporting form. But all accidents are not generally reported to the Department of Inspection so, under reporting is usual. On the other hand no occupational diseases and poisoning out of the processes of manufacturing has ever been reported which is thought to be due lack of knowledge and awareness on the part of the medical personnel and management.

I.1 Occupational Injuries : In the Factories Rules, 1979, the Fatal, Serious and
Minor accidents are described as follows:
Fatal and Serious accidents- W hen there occurs in any factory an accident to any person which results in death or such injury that there is no reasonable prospect that he will be able to resume his employment in the factory within 20 days, such accidents shall be called as
Fatal or Serious as the case may be.
Minor Accidents- W hen there occurs in any factory an accident to any person less serious than those described as above but which prevents or is likely to prevent him from resuming the employment in the factory within 48 hours after the accident occurred, such accidents shall be called as Minor Accidents.

If any Fatal or Serious accident occurs the manager of the factory shall give notice of the occurrence forthwith by telephone, telegram, or special messenger to a) the Chief Inspector
b) the Deputy Commissioner c) Inspector d) the Commissioner for Workmen’s
Compensation and e) and in the case of fatal accident only, the Officer-in-Charge of the police station. If any Minor accidents occurs the manager of the factory within 7 days of occurrence shall report to authorities mentioned in a), b) and c).

Following tables shows the report regarding occupational accidents and injuries as reported to the chief Inspector of Factories:.

28

Number of industrial accidents/injuries by severity in Bangladesh during the period 1990 to
1999.
Year

Minor

Serious

Fatal

Total

1990

6287(75%)

2052(24%)

36(0.43%)

8375

1991

6951(83%)

1306(16%)

30(0.36%)

8287

1992

6828(81%)

1501(18%)

20(0.23%)

8349

1993

5507(78%)

1476(21%)

11(0.15%)

6994

1994

3510(87%)

487(12%)

13(0.32%)

4010

1995

3703(90%)

352(8%)

32(0.78%)

4087

1996

2529(83%)

481(15%)

26(0.85%)

3036

1997

2581(83%)

472(15%)

15(1.64%)

3104

1999
1918 (85%)
329 (14.6%)
8 (0.4%)
2255
(Ref- Annual reports 1990-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and
Establishments.)
Though the total number of accidents/injuries has decreased over the years the number of fatalities have fluctuated over the years. The fatalities constituted 0.4% to 1.64% of the reported injuries. While serious injuries constituted 8% to 24% of the reported injury. The problem of under reporting cannot be ruled out.
Number of accidents/ injuries & their severity in major industry categories in the year 1999.
Class of Industries

Minor

Serious

Fatal

Total

1. Jute (Including Jute Press)

1600

201

-

1801

2. Textile (Cotton)

113

24

4

141

4. Steel and Engineering

52

21

0

73

5. Sugar & Food

16

2

1

19

6. Chemical, Fertilizer & Cement

120

78

0

198

7. Miscellaneous
17
3
3
23
(Ref- Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)

29

In the year 1999, a large proportion (79.9%) of the occupational accidents/injuries had occurred in Jute (including jute press) industries. 50% of the deaths had occurred in the textile (cotton) industries. Jute; steel & engineering and chemical & fer tilizer industries were the sectors in which most of the serious injuries had occurred.
Number of accidents in factories since 1995 to 1999(industry wise)
Class of Industries
1. Jute (Including Jute Press)

2. Textile (Cotton Garments)

3. Steel and Engineering

4. Sugar & Food

5. Chemical, Fertilizer & Cement

6. Miscellaneous

Year
1999
1997
1996
1995
1999
1997
1996
1995
1999
1997
1996
1995
1999
1997
1996
1995
1999
1997
1996
1995
1999
1997
1996
1995

Minor
Serious
Fatal
Total
1600
201
0
1801
1943
345
2288
1950
296
2246
2756
187
2
2945
113
24
4
141
218
42
43
303
213
61
3
277
320
42
12
374
52
21
0
73
144
23
6
173
47
45
2
94
205
30
11
246
16
2
1
19
26
2
1
29
56
22
78
72
12
3
87
120
78
0
198
166
44
1
211
234
42
2
278
315
62
3
380
17
3
3
23
84
16
100
29
15
19
63
35

19

1

55

Ref- Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)

30

Number of accidents in 1999 showing causes and nature:
Sl. No.

Causes

Minor

Serious

Fatal

Total

1.

Prime Movers

13

10

-

23

2.

Lifting machinery

10

6

-

16

3.

Working machinery

1556

147

-

1703

4.

Falling objects

125

53

1

179

5.

Persons falling

89

33

1

123

6.

Rolling stock

5

3

-

8

7.

Hand tools

9

38

-

47

8.

2

5

12

9.

Electricity
5
Poison, corrosive substances and 15 occupational diseases

-

1

16

10.

Explosive & Fires

6

16

0

22

11.

Miscellaneous

28

16

-

44

12.

Unclassified

57

5

0

62

Total
1918
329
8
2255
(Ref- Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)
In case of 75.5% of the accidents that had occurred it was the working machinery which was the cause of the accident. Electricity was the cause of death in 62.5% of the cases. Working machinery, hand tools and falling objects was responsible for 72.4% of the serious injuries.

31

Cases of injuries registered under Workmen's Compensation (1990-1999)
Year
Death
Permanent
Temporary
Total
disablement disablement 1990

43

594

4124

4761

1991

23

328

5755

6106

1992

17

645

7162

782

1993

28

688

7434

8150

1994

22

710

4465

5207

1995

13

286

3587

3886

1996

11

276

2600

2887

1997

13

639

3539

4191

1999

11

458

1761

2230

Ref- Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)
Over the year fatal injuries resulting in death was found to be reduced, the permanent disablement and temporary disablement though reduced but the trend, as a whole appears not to be significant

.
Maternity Benefit (1990-1999)
Maternity Benefit Act, 1939
(General)
Year
No. of Women
Amount paid claimed maternity in Taka benefit 1990
110
448174
1991
159
596442
1992
445
1018987
1993
290
825246
1994
229
715014
1995
205
674280
1996
380
1319610
1997
1666
559471
1999
194
657538

Maternity Benefit Act, 1950
(Tea Estate)
No. of Women
Amount paid claimed maternity in Taka benefit 7149
9026439
7238
9540213
3453
5421416
1216
1853069
668
1123887
427
803750
615
931315
805
907264
309
107554

Ref- (Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)

32

The number of claim for maternity benefit was higher among the tea estate workers whereas the claim among general workers was found to be lower. The amount of payment however received by general worker was found to be higher proportional to the tea estate workers.

Statistics of inspection under the factories act, 1965
(Upto December 1999)
Number of registered factories
Number of workers
Number of factories inspected
Number of factories not inspected due to shortage of inspector.
No. of violations detected during inspection.
No. of pending cases in the courts at the beginning of the year
No. of cases filed in the year 1999
Successful
Unsuccessful
Withdraw by the Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments
Fine realized by the courts (in taka)
No. of pending cases in the courts at the end of the year.
N.B. : CIF & E- Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments.

18455
1487271
2754
15701
20053
537
47
11
5200/573

Of the registered factories only 14.92% had been inspected in the year 1999.

Accident in the docks for the year 1999 (the Dock Labourers Act, 1934 )
Sl.
No.

Name of the Minor port Serious

Fatal

Total

Amount compensation in taka

of Man-days paid lost (Hours)

1.

Chittagong

78

38

-

112

5,38,282

1510

2.

Mongla

390

100

1

491

8,52,600

5175

Total (17,000

468

138

1

607

13,90,882

6685

Workers)
Ref- Annual report-1999 The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.)

Fatal accidents are negligible in ports. Though the

Mongla port is smaller in

comparison to the Chittagong port all types of accidents was found to be higher.

33

I.2 Occupational diseases
Over the years no occupational diseases has been reported to the Inspectorate of Factories
& Establishments, even those declared as to be notifiable by the Factories Act 1965 and
Factory Rules 1979. Lack of Knowledge and skill of Inspectors, Medical officers and management for identification of diseases could be the main cause of non-reporting.

On the contrary studies carried out from DOEH (NIPSOM) indicates the very existence of occupational diseases in several industries.
Case-1. A study carried out to assess the extent of chronic obstructive lung disease among workers of a jute mill revealed that a prevalence rate of 12.7%. Of the study sample 66.7% were categorized as having exposure to jute dust/fibers. The prevalence to exposed workers was found to be 19% and that for non-exposed was 6%. Moreover the prevalence tended to increase with the number of years on the job.

Case-2. A study to assess prevalence of occupational diseases among textile mill workers revealed that byssinosis, bronchitis, Monday fever, heat cramps and low back pain was prevalent among 12.2%, 4.2% 2.2%, 1.1% and 3.9% of the workers respectively. Amongst the respiratory symptoms cough, 30.5%, 16.1% and 18.6% of the workers complained chest tightness and breathlessness respectively.

Case-3. A study on bidi factory workers revealed that 19% of the workers had some form of respiratory problem. Amongst them 79% had bronchitis, 26.5% had asthma, and the remaining 10.5% had tuberculosis.

Case-4.

A study on tannery industry revealed a number of health problem among the workers, which includes occupational dermatosis (39.5%), accident/ injuries
(19.3%), heat cramps(11.5%), low back pain (14%), bronchitis( 3%),smell disorders (4.5%).Amongst those having dermatosis, callosities was highly prevalent (65%),followed by contact dermatitis (41.4%),fungal infection (37%), chrome ulcer (28.3%) and nail erosion with folliculitis (13%).

34

Case-5 One study among garments industry worker found that 51.9% had some form of health problem. Of those having health problem 37.3% had eyestrain. Low back pain was the second commonest health problem (24.1%), followed by shoulder pain (20.5%), impairment of hearing(10.8%) and numbness of finger ( 7.2%).

J.

Distribution of Industries
The information regarding the distribution of enterprises by size is not available. The following tables provide an idea of employment by major occupational groups and industrial sectors.

Distribution of employed persons by major occupations
Major Occupational Group
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery
Manufacturing
Construction
Trade, Hotels and Restaurant
Community and Personal service
Transport and Communication
Finance and Business
Electricity, water and gas
Mining and Quarrying
Household sector and not reported
Source: BBS 1999

Percent
63.2
7.5
1.9
11.1
9.3
4.2
0.4
0.2
0.1
2.1

Distribution of Industries by Number of Workers and Employee s
Name of Industries
Jute
Cotton
Paper
Steel
Cement
Fertilizer
Petroleum
Print and Varnish
Garment
Source: BBS 1999

Number
127364
48509
6101
2015
1850
7178
727
553
1500000

K. Socio-Economic Condition
Bangladesh is in the process of rapid industrialization. Most of the industrial workers come from rural areas but maintain contact with their villages. The workers themselves live and work in congested and unhealthy environments. The contact between them, their families

35

and relatives in rural areas tend to increase the spread of infectious diseases to the general population. According to the report of Bangladesh Bureau of statistics the number of active people in
Bangladesh was nearly 50 million in 1995-96. Of them 82% live in rural areas. As there is no formal industrial units in rural areas, most of the workers are informal and largely agricultural workers. The agricultural workers are not organized and do not have any trade union. They deprived of minimum wages and other legitimate facilities.

In the urban areas also most of the working people are engaged in the informal sector. Due to structural adjustment policy implementations, the number of people working in the informal sector has risen at a higher rate. At the same time the number of formal workers has decreased significantly. This resulted in the rise of jobless people. About 95% of the working people presently working in the informal sector. A major portion (35%) of this sector does not get work throughout the year.

Effects of Globalization:
Like all other country Bangladesh has also been in the grip of free market economy and structural adjustment in the name of economic globalization. Large or small industries are not getting Government support and incentives. Everybody has to compete in the profit making process and to survive with own capacity. Industries are facing uneven competition in the global market with old machines, traditional technology and less skill and efficiency.
The privatization of public industries is not bringing the expected results. The formal sector is squeezing and the informal sector is also having the pressure. Many of the industries are facing closure due to this intense competition.

36

MICRO SESSION

37

MICRO SESSION
1. SURVEY ON THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
1.1.


OBJECTIVES
To examine the overall situation of occupational health and safety (OSH) problems in medium sized enterprises in Bangladesh.



To examine the productivities and working environment indicators other than those covered in OSH survey.

1.2.

METHODOLOGY OF SURVEY
The survey was carried out in of two sectors- Tannery and Bidi. From the tannery sector a large, a medium sized factory and a best practices factory was surveyed.
Similarly, from the Bidi sector, a formal, an informal factory and a best practices factory was surveyed. Along with the survey case studies, related OSH was conducted. Initially a list of industries / factories in Tannery and Bidi sector was prepared and categorized into large, medium and small sized factories, and formal and an informal factories. Though it was planned that a small and a medium sized tannery would be included in the study, in the process of listing the mentioned industry in accordance to their size it was observed that there was no industry that would match the definition of small sized factory (