A total of 8,00,000 readymade garment workers from 585 RMG factories across Bangladesh are set to get training on occupational safety and health covering priority areas like fire safety, electrical safety, trips, slips, falls and good housekeeping, dangerous substances, ergonomics, personal protective equipment and first aid, the announcement of which was made recently at the launch of a third phase of Essentials of Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) designed by the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) International Training Centre in Turin.
“Safety in the workplace is a major priority of the Government of Bangladesh. This training will contribute greatly to that goal as both workers and employers will benefit from improved safety practices,” underlined Bangladesh State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque Chunnu while inaugurating the third phase of EOSH in Dhaka.
In the latest phase, a core group of 114 master trainers from Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), BGMEA, BKMEA and RMG factories that trained 8,038 RMG managers and supervisors in occupational safety and health, will reportedly try to build awareness of key OSH issues amongst 8,00,000 workers in the 585 factories by June 2017.
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Speaking on the occasion, ILO Country Director Srinivas Reddy said that it has been a considerable effort and success to train over 8,000 mid-level managers and supervisors in a number of priority OSH areas in 585 factories. “This third phase as it seeks to cascade this knowledge to some 8, 00,000 workers will make a major contribution to safety in the sector,” Reddy underlined.
Taking part in the event, Vice-President of Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Golam Mainuddin said, “A safe work environment is a priority issue for the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation,” adding, “All parties should work together to implement occupational safety and health measures at the workplace in accordance with the related laws and provisions of the country.”
