A decent and improved work environment is crucial in increasing the efficiency and productivity of workers, as well as advancing industrial output. Consequently, experts advocate for increased investment by manufacturers in cultivating a favourable work atmosphere.
Moreover, they highlight that a decrease in workplace accidents and the promotion of workers' well-being inevitably translate into reduced production costs. These insights were shared during discussions at an event commemorating the National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2024, organized by the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Directorate of Inspection of Factories and Institutions in the capital city on Sunday.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) designates April 28 as the "World Day for Safety and Health at Work," a tradition Bangladesh faithfully observes annually as its National Occupational Health and Safety Day, aligning with ILO guidelines.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Dr Shireen Sharmin Chowdhury emphasized the crucial role workers play in propelling the nation's economy forward, underscoring the imperative of fostering a workplace conducive to their well-being.
She also remarked on Bangladesh's transition to a Smart Bangladesh, from an agrarian economy to budding industrialization. She acknowledged the strides in export trade and the remarkable strides achieved in the garment, pharmaceutical, and ICT sectors.
“The safety and decent work environment of the workers has been ensured in the Bangladesh Labor Law and Labor Law Regulations and ensuring the safety of workers is a labour right,” she added.
She also said that the improved working environment increases the efficiency of workers and the production of the industry. So, they have to invest in creating a pleasant working environment.
“Workers spend long hours at work so the workers should ensure adequate light and air, fresh water system and use of comfortable clothes.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced allowances for lactating mothers and initiatives have been taken to establish daycare centers for children in every factory unit.
“Everyone should focus on improving the working environment of women workers,” she added.
Nazrul Islam Chaudhury, state minister, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said that green and eco-friendly factories are a must to combat climatic challenges, like the very recent heatwave.
“We are ready to hear any complaints of the workers and address them through the legal system. We will of course bring those under punishments who violate the workers’ rights,” he added.
He also said that the relations between the workers and the owners are complementary.
ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen said that it is important to implement a national action plan on occupational safety and health with that long-term vision, legislation, and regulation continuing and going forward.
“It is also a necessity to address the impact of climate change on the lives of the workers’ health and safety. We have been facing an unprecedented heatwave recently,” he added.
He also said that it must be addressed in sectors like the informal economy and such as construction, agriculture, and transport.
It is useful to monitor and strengthen the capacity also of the safety committees in the workplaces so that they are fully functional because these committees are the ones that provide a valuable forum for workers and employers to directly discuss safety and health issues and to take appropriate actions to get them.
Moreover, it is also very important to continue to educate on occupational safety and safety at work at the very beginning of the training network, he added.
Syed Nazrul Islam, acting president (first vice-president) of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said that the current status of the RMG sector is the result of the hard-work of the workers and strategy of the manufacturers of the last four decades.
“We have been addressing various challenges in the mentioned time through the unity of the workers and the owners. We are striving hard to ensure a decent workplace for our workers,” he added.
He also said that a decent workplace and workers safety are mandatory to become a factory compliant in global standards.
“We have set a target of exporting $100 billion worth of the RMG items from 2030, in this regard, we have to ensure workplace safety and keep our workers healthy and fit,” he added.
He also said that currently, Bangladesh has the highest number of green factories (215) in the world and more 550 are on the pipeline.
“We need continuous policy support from the government to address each and every challenge in our sector,” he added.
Mansur Ahmed, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said that the RMG sector is the frontline in removing unemployment, empowering women, and poverty reduction.
“We are working collaboratively with the ILO and several international NGOs to ensure workplace safety and workers’ health. We are running a number of projects and training centers at our major industry hubs in this regard,” he added.
HM Ibrahim MP and chairman of the standing committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said that the cost of production will be reduced if the accidents at the workplace come down and the good health of the workers is ensured.
“We, along with labour leaders and the owners, are working on this to establish a decent workplace for the workers,” he added.
Noor e Kutub Alam Mannan, president of the Jatiya Shrameek League, said that in the labour-intensive industries of the country, the government, the owner, and the labour–promarted efforts are mandatory to ensure occupational health and safety.
He also said that the health of the workers is very important, if the workers are healthy, then the productivity will increase and this will bring more investment.
29 factories were given the Green Factory Award 2023 and the speaker distributed the prizes to the winners.
Officials of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, DIFE, representatives and owners of the factories, labour leaders, along other guests were present at the event.
Abdur Rahim, IG of DIFE marked the welcome speech and Md Mahbub Hossain, secretary of the MoLE, presided over the event.
