that every moving part of a prime mover and every fly wheel connected to a prime mover, the
head-race and tail-race of every water wheel and water turbine, any part of a stock-bar which
projects beyond the head stock of lathe, every part of an electric generator, motor or rotary
converter, every part of transmission machinery and every dangerous part of any machinery shall
be properly fenced. Section 68 of the Act provides that every part of lifting machinery including
working gear, ropes and chains and anchoring and fixing appliances shall be of good
construction, sound material and adequate strength; properly maintained; thoroughly examined
by a competent person at least once in every period of twelve months, and a register shall be kept
containing the prescribed particulars of every such examination. As per section 78A, an
employer shall not engage any workers in work without providing and ensuring use of personal
safety equipment, and in doing so, a record book shall be maintained as designated by the owner
and each of workers shall have to be aware on the risk of the work through trainings. If those are
not used by workers concerned, they are to be held liable thereof.
Regarding safety of floors and stairs, section 72 of the Act provides that in every establishment,
all floors, stairs, passages and gangways shall be of sound construction and properly maintained
and where it is necessary to ensure safety steps, stair, passages and gangways shall be provided
with substantial handrails and there shall be provided and maintained safe means of access to
every place at which any person is required to work and all floors, stairs and gangways shall be
wide ad obstacle free. For overall safety of workers employed, gangways, stairs, gate, go-down
and common utility areas shall be under closed circuit cameras.48
According to section 74 of the Act, no person shall be employed in any establishment to lift,
carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to cause him injury. To protect the workers from
dust and fumes, they would be provided with the effective screens of suitable goggles as well as
suitable breathing apparatus, reviving apparatus and belts and ropes shall be kept ready for
instant use beside any such confined space.
Though the Labour Act provides very compressive provisions for the safety of the workers at the
working place, but these are hardly practised. The High Court Division of the Supreme Course of
Bangladesh issued directives to (a) establish a national committee to monitor compliance of
garment factories with applicable laws on fire safety, and make recommendations accordingly;
48
Section 72(d), ibid