The government of Bangladesh will have high-level discussions this week with the Director for the Danish National Research Centre for Working Environment, Steffen Bohni on the development of a research strategy for the nearly completed NOSHTRI in Rajshahi.
The government of Bangladesh and the government of Denmark are hosting a strategy workshop in Dhaka on May 22-23 to develop the research strategy for the National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI), with follow-up discussions in Rajshahi on May 25.
NOSHTRI is envisioned to become a cornerstone for promoting a preventative safety culture in workplaces across Bangladesh.
There is an untapped potential for research and data to inform policy-making on occupational safety and health, enforcement, and good practices in workplaces.
The institute, situated in Rajshahi, is a significant investment by the Government of Bangladesh of approximately Tk 1.6 billion.
It aims to deliver research on workplace health and safety and training for workers and employers.
Learning materials have been developed covering various occupational safety and health issues, from boiler safety to ergonomics. Denmark, ILO and GIZ have played significant roles in supporting the training activities.
This workshop will bring together stakeholders from civil society, academia, the Department for Inspection of Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and international partners.
The importance of establishing international and local partnerships and using research to improve workplace safety and health will be key discussion points.
The research strategy at NOSHTRI is expected to lead to data-driven research with an impact on decision-making at policy and factory levels that can significantly benefit millions of workers in Bangladesh.
