More than eight out of every ten workplace accidents in Bangladesh turned fatal in 2025, exposing deep structural weaknesses in occupational safety, emergency response and preventive mechanisms.
The findings emerged from a report presented at a press conference organised by the Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) Foundation at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday.
According to the report, workplace accidents killed 1,190 workers and injured 222 others in 2025. The figures show a sharp rise from 905 deaths and 218 injuries recorded in 2024.
The number of fatalities increased by 285 within a year, reflecting a worsening safety situation.
Presenting the report, OSHE project coordinator Mahmuda Sultana Snigdha said, “The unusually high fatality rate points to serious gaps in emergency rescue services, access to timely medical treatment and preventive safety measures at workplaces.”
Road accidents accounted for the highest number of workplace deaths at 729. Electrocution followed with 118 deaths, while falls from height killed 116 workers. Fires and explosions claimed 110 lives, lightning strikes killed 89 workers, and violence and harassment resulted in 33 deaths.
Age-wise analysis showed that workers aged between 21 and 50 years, the country’s most productive labour force, were the most affected. The trend poses long-term risks to household income, productivity and social stability.
Gender-wise data showed that 1,328 male and 84 female workers were affected by workplace accidents in 2025. Most female victims worked in the ready-made garment sector.
The report noted that the fatality rate rose from 80.6 percent in 2024 to 84.3 percent in 2025, signalling a sharp deterioration in workplace safety conditions.
OSHE urged authorities to strengthen labour inspections in high-risk sectors, create a centralised digital accident database, ensure minimum compensation for victims’ families, conduct regular safety audits, and bring informal workers under labour laws and social protection.
Without prioritising prevention over post-accident response, workplace fatalities will continue to rise, the organisation warned.
