Ensure safety in shipbreaking industries

The shipbreaking industry has been the subject of much discussion due to its hazardous and environmentally damaging practices. Despite calls to end these operations, the industry continues to thrive in the Sitakunda area, largely due to the availability of cheap labor and the high profits it generates for owners. Accidents involving hazardous waste are a recurring issue.

According to media reports from Monday (September 16), 147 people have died in accidents at the Sitakunda shipbreaking yards since 2014. Even more alarmingly, at least 16 workers have lost their lives over the past 10 years in accidents at three factories owned by the same company—SN Corporation. The company is owned by businessman Shawkat Ali Chowdhury.

There are allegations against the company for failing to implement proper safety measures for its workers despite repeated accidents. Even after receiving a "green certificate," which should ensure safety and environmental compliance, the company allegedly continued to neglect worker safety at its yards. According to available information, another tragic accident occurred at SN Corporation on September 7 while workers were cutting an oil tanker. Six people have died as a result, while six others are being treated in Dhaka and Chittagong for severe burns. Those involved in the incident claim that inadequate safety measures were in place at the time of the accident.

The question arises: how can the factory continue operations despite numerous complaints and repeated accidents? Is the owner more powerful than the administration?

The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act of 2018 was enacted to ensure the safety of workers in the shipbreaking industry, with clear guidelines on worker protection. Among these provisions are the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, protective clothing, and gumboots. Additionally, the law requires that ships be completely cleared of gas and explosives before cutting begins.

However, Mohammad Ali, the coordinator of YPSA, a non-governmental organization working on shipbreaking yard safety, believes that the accident occurred because the engine room of the SN Corporation’s ship was not fully gas-free. No statement has been received from anyone at SN Corporation regarding the incident. According to media reports, the company’s chief executive could not be reached by phone.

A separate investigation committee formed by the Ministry of Industries has already visited the factory. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, informed the media that action will be taken once the report is received. She stated, "If such casualties keep happening repeatedly in the same yard, it cannot be considered an accident."

Currently, operations at the factory are on hold. The public expects that appropriate action will be taken based on a thorough investigation. The current approach to shipbreaking operations is unsafe for both workers and the environment. Deaths due to negligence in shipbreaking factories must be stopped, and steps should be taken to ensure that this industry does not become detrimental to the environment.