ILO partners with FBCCI to improve workplace safety in Bangladesh

On August 17, 2022, an agreement was made between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) to improve worker safety and health in 10 key economic sectors.

According to the agreement, a number of capacity-building and marketing initiatives will be implemented to improve workplace safety and health at both the institutional and corporate levels. According to a joint press release from Canada and the Netherlands, the ILO’s RMG program will assist these initiatives.

In 10 industries, including domestic readymade clothing (RMG), leather, furniture, printing, and packaging, 15 safety units will be developed as part of the program. To increase knowledge of workplace safety and health among companies and employees, 2400 safety representatives and 100 safety committees will be established concurrently.

Tuomo Poutiainen, the country director of ILO Bangladesh, said that ILO is happy to collaborate with FBCCI to advance safety practices and culture in key industries. They believe that by working together, we can avoid a great number of occupational illnesses, injuries, and accidents and save countless lives.

All businesses in Bangladesh with 50 or more employees are required by law to form “safety committees” with an equal number of employee and employer representatives. Through the ILO-FBCCI program, 900 members of safety committees will get the knowledge and skills they need to effectively monitor, address, and communicate safety-related concerns at their specific workplaces.

Md. Jashim Uddin, president of FBCCI, said that their top objective is ensuring employee safety. Together with the ILO, they are making investments in effective safety representatives, committees, and units. Improving workplace safety and health at institutional and company levels would make their industries more safe and productive, which will help the national economy.