We are shocked at the recent deaths of two
workers at the shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda. According to our report, one
worker was killed at Premium Trade Corporation Shipbreaking Yard after being
hit by an iron plate and the other one, a worker of RA Shipbreaking Yard, was
killed after inhaling poisonous gas. But as usual, the owners of the yards
claimed that these deaths were due to other reasons, which is outrageous.
Deaths and injuries at shipbreaking yards are
a regular phenomenon in Bangladesh. According to Shipbreaking Platform, an
international organisation working for safety at shipbreaking yards, at least
16 workers were killed and more than a hundred others were injured in accidents
at different shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda last year and a staggering number
of 181 workers died between 2005 and 2016.
Needless to say, shipbreaking is a hazardous
job and workers at the yards are exposed to all kinds of toxins which can cause
serious damage to their health. Toxic materials such as asbestos, mercury and
lead have serious health hazards and regular exposure to such toxins can lead
to severe illnesses and even death.
While the shipbreaking industry is booming in
our country, the safety of the workers has not been given a priority by the
owners of the scrap yards. We believe that these two deaths could have been
avoided, if the workers had protective gear which their employers should have
ensured. Thus we demand that the authorities take proper precautionary measures
for the workers' safety. Also, the relevant laws must be implemented by the
government so that workers' rights are protected in the industry
Source:
the
daily star. 31 January 2018
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