Speakers at the roundtable
Many activities regarding construction are taking place in individual, organizational and government level following the economic development of the country. But it is not being possible to reduce construction related hazard for many reasons including proper implementation of laws, not using modern technology and reluctance of workers and contracting agencies.
They also said that proper planning, creating awareness among stakeholders, using of modern technology in construction activities and implementation of proper laws can help to reduce construction hazard.
The roundtable titled “Comprehensive proposal on construction hazard: Creating awareness and role of stakeholders” was organized by The Daily Star in association with RFL Pipe & Fittings, at the Daily Star Center in Dhaka on Thursday. The Daily Star Associate Editor Brig Gen (retd) Mohammad Shahedul Anam Khan moderated the roundtable discussion.
Addressing the occasion, FR Khan, Managing Director, Building Technology & Ideas ltd (bti) said, “Collective effort from all stakeholders need to be taken to reduce the risk of construction hazard. Many accidents take place lack of awareness. Sometimes construction workers are reluctant to use safety gadget and gear.”
He also said registration system for construction workers may be introduced so that they work seriously in the workplace. Concerned government agencies can come forward to initiate the process.
RN Paul, Managing Director at RFL Group, said it is possible to reduce construction hazard if all stakeholders discharge their respective duties maintain professionalism, discipline and abiding by related laws.
Prof Saiful Amin of Civil Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), said that there are many law regarding construction activities. But many don’t comply with the related laws due to ignorance regarding the laws. Moreover concerned government agencies don’t enforce law properly.
He also suggested to bring all stakeholders, who are involved with construction activities from beginning to end, under licensing system to increase accountability of the stakeholders.
Mohammad Abu Sadeque, Executive Director at Center for Housing and Building Research, said that change in the use of conventional construction materials and the use of modern technology can reduce construction hazard. Moreover, risks have to be identified in the planning stage constructing building and roads. It will help reducing hazard.
Abu Saleh Mohammad Nuruzzaman, Additional Chief Engineer, Roads and Highways Department, said conditions, regarding facing construction hazard, have to mentioned in the tender document. So that the contractors are compelled to implement the conditions.
Engr. Khairul Basar, Honarary Assistant General Secretary, The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), SM Khorshed Alam, President, Bangladesh Association of Construction Industry (BACI), Dr Rawshan Arra Khanam, Consultant, Respiratory Medicine at United Hospital and Dr. Tarek Uddin, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Islamic University of Technology (IUT), among others, spoke at the roundtable.
- Press release
