Bangladesh workers in leather industry face multiple hazards

The recent focus on Bangladesh and the many disasters in the garment industry there has allowed for some attention to be paid to other major industries in that country. The estimated 200 leather/tannery factories of the Hazaribagh neighbourhood of Dhaka have long been identified as a ‘fire free’ zone for employers in relation to workplace safety. The ramifications for the environment, the workers, and their families and communities are appalling with injuries, disease and high mortality rates very common. The Tannery Workers Union tries to organise these workers.

The recent focus on Bangladesh and the many disasters in the garment industry there has allowed for some attention to be paid to other major industries in that country. The estimated 200 leather/tannery factories of the Hazaribagh neighbourhood of Dhaka have long been identified as a ‘fire free’ zone for employers in relation to workplace safety. The ramifications for the environment, the workers, and their families and communities are appalling with injuries, disease and high mortality rates very common. The Tannery Workers Union tries to organise these workers.