Evaluation of health, safety and environment (HSE) status in the Energypac power industry of Bangladesh

Abstract

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) culture in Bangladesh is pivotal for fostering sustainable development and ensuring the well-being of its population. The aim of the study to assess the current Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards and practices, to analysis the existing legal and policy framework and to show the status of safety in the Energypac Power industry of Bangladesh. Data collection was selected using a Primary method (Questionnaire, Interview, Site observation) and Secondary method by 50 workers, 5 HSE officers, and 3 managers acting on it. In the present study found that PPE compliance (75%), Toolbox participation (65%), Fall protection training (40%), Near miss reporting (15%), MSDS availability (60%), Fire Safety (80%), Height Work (60%), Lifting (70%), Chemical Handling (60%), Scaffolding (50%) and Painting Ventilation (70%). The Safety in Workplace during 2018-2023 was declining accident & incident rates fell from 6.2 (2018) to 4.7 (2023) which indicates gradually improvement. Key finding of this research was strong management-level compliance, weak implementation in hazardous tasks, training gaps for contract workers, weak follow-up audits and poor documentation & reporting culture. It should be suggested that strengthen regulatory enforcement, sector-specific HSE guidelines, and compulsory employee training, improve reporting culture, integrate HSE into academic curricula and use technology for inspections. For industries, prioritizing HSE practices is essential to ensure incident-free operations and sustainable growth. Non-compliance poses risks to personnel, equipment, materials, property, and the environment.