Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals: ILO

International Labour Organisation (ILO) has emphasised on ensuring proper handling and storage of chemicals, and proper training for storage facility staff at awareness and operational levels to avoid disasters like BM Container Depot incident that claimed at least 49 lives in Sitakunda, Chattogram on 4 June.

Expressing condolences and solidarity for the tragic incident, the organisation said in a press release that the incident underscores the need for an effective industrial and enterprise safety framework.

It also called for a training system to ensure a structured approach to mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to all hazards.

"This will require improved collaboration and partnership between government departments, employers and workers representatives, and civil society," the press release reads.

The ILO mentioned a number of areas which are needed to be focused on to tackle this problem, including a review of regulations and enforcement in the transport and logistics sector, the payment of adequate compensation and income support to injured and disabled workers and families of workers who lost lives in work-related accidents.

It also marked the need to conduct safety campaigns that target transport/logistic service providers as well as emergency-service personnel.

"Recently the government, employer and worker representatives have agreed to roll out a modern, comprehensive Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) in Bangladesh starting from the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, with the possibility of extension to other sectors," said the press release.

"Such a system includes accident prevention, immediate and long-term compensation, and rehabilitation to return to work," it added.

The organisation expressed its hope for a renewed vigour in addressing the safety deficits in workplaces across the country.

The ILO has been working closely with the government of Bangladesh, employers' and workers' organisations and development partners to improve working conditions in all industries expanding learning from the ready-made garment RMG industry since the Rana Plaza tragedy in April 2013.