COVID-19 temporarily shuttered ship-breaking yards in Bangladesh, one of the world's main destinations for end-of-life vessels, delaying safety reforms ahead of a 2023 deadline. But only one yard has implemented its plan, which details how ship recycling facilities will be run in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. The majority of the world's end-of-life ships, often full of toxic substances, are broken down by hand in South Asia, with minimal rules to ensure environmental and worker safety, according to campaigners. SAFETYAbout seven Bangladeshi workers have died this year, down from 24 in 2019, said non-profit Young Power in Social Action. Initially, there was resistance from workers who used to work in bare feet had to start wearing gum boots, safety shoes, helmets and boiler suits.

Source: bd News24 December 08, 2020 18:11 UTC