ITPL launches training to curb rising workplace accidents

Sherab Lhamo

To address workplace accidents, the Institute of Technology and Professional Learning (ITPL) began a five-day training programme on April 14, focused on fostering workplace safety culture across diverse sectors.

The training aims to address the critical issue of underreported accidents, particularly in the construction industry, by equipping officials with essential knowledge in occupational health and safety principles, hazard assessment, and accident investigation.

Workplace accidents remain a major issue in the country which accounts for almost 26 percent of construction sector related incidents in the country, according to the National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Strategy 2025–2035. However, most workers who suffer workplace accidents do not report in fear of losing their job.

Figures from the Department of Labour (DoL) indicate only 17 workplace accidents in the fiscal year 2023-24. Conversely, the data from the Annual Health Bulletin 2024 showed 21,043 work-related injuries, with a 21,300 in 2023.

This significant discrepancy suggests widespread underreporting of workplace incidents, despite individuals seeking medical treatment, and underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures and a more accurate understanding of workplace hazards.

DoL’s Senior Labour Officer, Phuntsho Dendup said that people are not aware about the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their work, along with usage of substandard goods, which will not protect them at all.

He added that many more cases go unreported, potentially due to the company’s fear of penalties.

In the fiscal year of 2023-24, employers paid a total compensation amount of Nu 1.4 million to employees who were either injured or dead because of workplace accidents.

The inherently hazardous nature of construction work, involving tasks like working at heights and operating heavy machinery, is a major driver of workplace accidents, according to an OHS report.

The report also highlighted inadequate training, a lack of safety awareness, resistance to change, a shortage of safety personnel, deprioritisation of safety by contractors, and poor stakeholder coordination as key contributing factors.

A participant said that the ongoing struggle to enforce consistent use of safety gear among construction workers persists despite various implemented strategies.

“It has become an ingrained behavior for some to only wear protective equipment when supervision is present. Even measures like fines and salary deductions have not proven fully effective in changing this,” he added.

A trainer and head of operation of ITPL, Jurmey Thinley said that Bhutan’s rapid infrastructure development amplifies the urgent need for improved workplace safety awareness.

Alarmingly, 61.70 percent of the working industry currently demonstrates poor OHS practices, contributing to a rise in worksite injuries.

ITPL’s training programme directly aligns with the second pillar of the National OHS Strategy, which aims to enhance sustainable OHS practices for professionals at all levels, from entry-level workers to safety officers.

Following certification, trained construction safety supervisors will possess the skills to understand legal requirements, identify company-specific risks, and implement vital safety measures, including proper PPE use and accident prevention, Phuntsho Dendup said.

For safety supervisors to be effective, he added that companies must demonstrate commitment and support by implementing robust health and safety management systems.

A participant from the automobile industry expressed hope to gain knowledge on ensuring safety and utilising safety tools through the training. He said that majority of his staffs are not using safety gear while inspecting vehicles, which poses a significant risk.