At least 758 workers were killed in 639 accidents across the country in 2024, according to a survey conducted by Safety and Rights Society (SRS) based on newspaper reports.
During the corresponding period in 2023, 875 workers were killed in 772 workplace accidents across the country.
In 2024, the number of workplace deaths decreased slightly.
Workers who died in road accidents on their way to work were also included in the survey.
Another survey conducted by Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) titled, 'Bangladesh Newspaper-Based BILS Survey on Labour and Workplace Situation-2024', shows at least 707 workers died in the workplace accidents in 2024, of whom 705 were males and two were female workers.
By sector, 273 transport sector workers died in 2024, the highest for a single sector.
The survey highlighted the issues related to accidents and violence in and outside workplaces from January 1 to December 15, 2024, based on reports published in 13 national dailies.
According to the survey report of SRS unveiled at a press conference at SRS conference room, its Executive Director Sekender Ali Mina presented the survey report 2024 of workers killed in workplace accidents.
Based on an analysis of workplace accident data obtained from the survey, the transport sector recorded the highest number of worker fatalities, totaling 379 individuals. Following closely are service establishments, including workshops, gas and electricity supply establishments with 129 reported fatalities.
Construction sector ranked third, with 92 workers killed followed by 70 fatalities in factories and other productive establishments.
The agriculture sector accounted for 86 worker fatalities.
A review of causes of deaths, shows that 464 persons perished in road accidents, 81 died of electrocution, 30 lost their lives in fires and explosions, 50 or more died falling from buildings, 69 died struck by lightning, 21died hit or crushed by hard or heavy objects, 7 perished due to the collapse of mountains, ground, bridges, buildings, roofs or walls, 11 were exposed to chemicals or toxic gases from septic tanks or water tanks, 17 drowned, 8 died due to other causes.
The survey found that damaged roads, unfit vehicles, incompetent drivers, faulty transport systems, obstruction to law enforcement and reckless driving were cited as causes of road accidents. Causes of accidents include, construction of factories without taking permission of the authorities, not training workers on safety issues, inefficiency in using chemical, taking electric connection by the construction sector without safety measures, working on scaffolding and water tanks without using safety belts.
SRS Executive Director Sekender Ali Mina said that the actual number of workers killed in accidents would be much more.
He said that the survey reports shows the deaths reported by newspapers.
Many workers, shot dead on their way to work during the July-August uprising has not been included in this survey report, he said.
In its report, BILS stated that 707 workers died in workplace accidents in 2024, of which 705 were males and 2 were female workers. By sector, the highest number of workers died in the transport sector, 273.
The second highest number of workers died in the agriculture sector, 102. The third highest number of workers died in the construction sector, 91.
