RISK PRIORITIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SAFETY IN TEXTILE INDUSTRIES OF GAZIPUR INDUSTRIAL AREA, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Though textile industries are the backbone of country's economy; it possesses the environmental and occupational health safety risks also. After the Rana Plaza tragedy, the environmental and occupational health safety regulations become started to come spotlight. However, still there found anomalies that threaten environmental and occupational health safety. So to get an overview of present risk levels in different industries, the aim of this study was set to evaluate the risk prioritization for both environmental aspects and occupational health safety. A total of 10 textile industries were selected and a direct field survey along with an interview from workers to top management was done to conduct the study. Risk assessment results for environmental aspects showed that water pollution shows a moderate risk rating value while air quality, soil quality, noise, waste generation, hazardous material handling, and miscellaneous use showed low risks. Again calculated results for occupational health safety showed that necessary action is recommended to avoid future risk in all-hazard categories of different types except for electrical hazards. Controlling measures were suggested in accordance with the risk priority. Thus it is high time to explore and evaluate the risk level and take necessary action on the resultant priority basis.