At least 4,857 workers were killed in workplace accidents over the last 11 years, with  the highest number of casualties being recorded in 2017, according to a survey by Safety and Rights Society.

It said around 426 workers, up 85 from 2016, died in 321 workplace accidents last year.

The survey found the highest number of casualties in construction sector as 144 died while working at construction sites last year, which is about 34 percent of the total deaths, reports the UNB.

Executive director of Safety and Rights Society Sekender Ali Mina revealed the findings of the survey at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

The survey was conducted based news published in 26 daily newspapers (15 national and 11 regional) between January 1 and December 31, 2017.

The report does not include the deaths of workers outside the workplace or the ones in road accidents on the way to or from their workplaces.

According to the survey, road accidents caused 117 deaths last year while electrocution 88. Besides, 57 workers died in plunges from high rises, 32 in wall/roof/earth or hill collapses and 30 in boiler explosions, 16 in explosion of explosive objects while 39 were crushed under falling machinery or heavy load or hard objects.

Nineteen workers were suffocated to death by poisonous gas of septic or water tank while 18 burnt alive, 16, and 10 others in various incidents, including drowning and lightning strike.

Sekender Ali said the deaths of workers at workplaces increased last year than in 2016 as the authorities concerned failed to take effective steps to reduce workplace deaths.

Examining 1,419 cases of workplace deaths, he said they found the employers guilty in most cases as they did not provide the victims’ families with due compensation as per the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

Sekender stressed the need for taking strong efforts both by the employers and owners to take measures to reduce the level of risks that workers suffer.

He also said relevant laws must be implemented and monitoring be intensified by the authorities concerned to ensure safer workplaces for workers and reduce casualties.

Safety and Rights Society is an NGO working for the improvement of workplace health and safety in Bangladesh.