The frequent incidents of industrial accidents in the plastic sector indicate that the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards of plastic factories are below the minimum level of compliance. A total of 1,034 workers were killed in workplace accidents in 2022, according to a survey by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS). However, undertaking OSH-related remedial measures in the plastic sector is difficult. Unlike the RMG sector, which operates in the global value chain, most plastic sector enterprises operate within the domestic value chain.
In this backdrop, the study reviews the existing law, rules and regulations related to OSH in the plastic sector, apprehend the specific responsibilities assigned to the regulatory bodies and traces out the policy gaps. Based on the analysis, the study puts forward a set of recommendations for ensuring the monitoring, transparency, accountability, and efficiency of public actions.
Authors: Khondaker Golam Moazzem and Jebunnesa
Publication period: June 2023