RAJSHAHI – Occupational safety and health academy cum hostel is going to be set up in the city for disseminating ideas among the factory workers and labourers relating to their occupational accident, safety and diseases prevention.

Department of Labour will implement the project on five acres of land at Terakhadia area in the city. Mijanur Rahman, Assistant Director of Department of Labour disclosed the information here.

The academy will ensure a safe working atmosphere and occupational health of the factory workers together with contributing a lot towards boosting productivity.

Md Muniruzzaman, President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the workers play a vital role to the country’s economic development. But, they remained neglected in occupational health. They face accidents
during their duty causing a loss to the national economy.

The chamber leader termed occupational health and safety measures as an important component of workplace where workers would be from all kinds of hazards and risks.

Safe work environment ensures safety and health for everyone at work preventing hazards and risks. Risk comes in many forms including repetitive tasks, long hours of work, exposure to harmful substances like gas and fumes,
noise, insufficient lighting, damage to equipment and psychological and physical oppression.

Kamrul Hassan, Deputy Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, said Healthy workers, safe life-ensuring sustainable development should be our main focus.

He noted that a safe and healthy environment in the industrial sector has to be ensured to boost production. The government has formulated the National Occupational Health and Safety Policy in 2013.

He added the present government is committed to ensuring occupational health and safety of workers.