Researsh & Study
Timeline: 2021
ILO set International Labour Standards on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) through adopting three key international instruments. Followingly, Bangladesh has been conducted comprehensive OSH assessment in in significant local readymade garments (RMG) factories located in Keraniganj. Local readymade garment enterprises in Keraniganj employ approximately 300,000 people, according to rough estimates from DIFE. Similar to other informal sectors, labour rights in these factories are significantly neglected, with inadequate attention to wages, benefits, working hours, and Occupational Safety & Health (OSH). Working conditions, including space per worker, ventilation, lighting, access to safe drinking water, sanitation, first-aid facilities, and personal protective equipment, are often insufficient or absent. The rights violations faced by female and girl child workers are particularly severe compared to other workers in this sector. Workers, regardless of gender or age, are largely unprotected in their work environments due to multiple factors. It has been observed that the OSH management in these factories is inadequate and not properly evaluated by
It emphasized the need for fire protection and detection systems, safe exits, first aid and medical assistance, and proper firefighting and evacuation procedures. It also identified significant potential for accidents and emergencies, addressing OSH risk prevention at the factory level. The assessment highlighted risks and hazards related to electrical, fire, structural, and physical issues from the perspective of emergency prevention, preparedness, and response.
Objectives: The prime objective of the Study is to access the existing occupational safety and health management and practices associated with workers in the RMG factories located in Keraniganj. It also provides recommendations for the improvement of occupational and health management together with reduction of hazardous forms of child labour.
Methodology: The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data from both primary and secondary sources conducted at Kenraniganj, Dhaka. FGD, stakeholder analysis KII and micro narrative-based case stories were conducted for getting perspective and viewpoints of relevant actors and stakeholders.
Findings: The study revealed that the highest number of respondents irrespective of their gender identity attained primary level education although far more male respondents attained this level of education in comparison with female respondents. Male dominance was evident in the survey. The wage structure in this sector is not uniform and is usually determined by gender and age. Male workers often earn based on piece rates, while female workers typically receive monthly wages. About half of the workers described their workplace as moderately crowded, with poor lighting, ventilation, temperature control, and noise conditions. Most toilets are extremely unhygienic, and water supply is inadequate. The poor working conditions disproportionately affect female workers, who face greater insecurities and uncertainties. They lack maternity benefits, leave, and separate hygienic toilet facilities. Nearly a quarter of the workers reported suffering from diseases like fever, skin disease, fatigue, heart disease, and jaundice. The surveyed workers had little knowledge of the OSH Committee. Additionally, freedom of association and union rights are mostly absent in these factories. Owners’ organizations play a dominant role in managing the entire system, including factory operations and labour rights issues.
Recommendation:
- DIFE under the Ministry of Labour and Employment should devise a more systemic and comprehensive monitoring strategy to standardize and improve the existing working conditions of the sector. The owners should establish Building based safety committee with the support of labour rights organizations and the government. DIFE should monitor both the establishment and effective operation of these safety committees.
- The better and decent working condition is indispensable for the sustainable growth of the sector. It needs to be developed better working culture in the sector with meaningful participation of owner/management and workers. The workers and owners both should be capacitated on gender issues and gender sensitivity.
- Gender-based violence and abuse is a challenge for the female workers although it is less reported and articulated. The standard grievance or complaint mechanism should be developed in the factory where the workers regardless of their age and gender identity may registerer their complaints fearlessly. A Helpline should be introduced for the workers in this
