SL hit by 4000 workplace accidents annually

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Eighty Lankans die every year in work-

linked incidents 

By Maheesha Mudugamuwa-January 6, 2014, 6:19 pm

Sri Lanka records around 4,000 workplace accidents every year, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Labour Department statistics reveal that alarmingly over 80 Sri Lankans lose their lives in work-related accidents every year.

The construction sector has the highest number of work related accidents in the country and the highest frequency of fall-related fatalities is experienced by the construction industry, Labour and Labour Relations Ministry Secretary, W.J.L.U Wijayaweera told The Island yesterday.

ILO estimates that around the globe, every 15 seconds, worker dies from a work-related accident or disease and every 15 seconds, 151 workers have work-related accidents. Over two million people die annually from work-related diseases and 321,000 people die each year from occupational accidents.

However, the secretary pointed out that in our country, most accidents while at work, take place either due to negligence or lack of awareness.

Wijayaweera said that the existing provisions were not sufficient in the current context, specially with changes taking place in industries and technology.

He explained that the country has the Factories Ordinance which details safety measures to be taken by employers but it is only applicable to factories and The Shop and Office Employees Act covers maternity benefits to employees, adding that the Industrial Disputes Act covers terminations and related issues.

"After we realized the issue we started to draft a new bill in 2010 and it is now in its final stage and would be completed this year," he added.

"We have been working with all stakeholders in formulating a framework for the new law. We will be able to introduce regulations for every industry," he said.

Meanwhile, the ministry said that occupational accidents are a burden on the country’s economy as the government had to spend large sums on free medical care.

Sri Lanka needed to adopt laws on occupational safety and health to protect the workers and all industries, whether small or large, have to comply with health and safety standards to be competitive in the marketplace and enhance workers’ productivity, the ministry said.