Earthquake Knowledge and Risk Perception of RMG workers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Keywords: Earthquake knowledge, RMG workers, Risk Perception, Disaster resilience
Abstract Type: Virtual Poster Abstract

Abstract

The ready-made garments sector, which serves as a catalyst for Bangladesh's success, has been essential in reconstructing the country and its economy. The broad aim of this study is to seek the earthquake-based knowledge and risk perception of RMG workers of Dhaka city. Additionally, the specific objectives include to understand the knowledge of RMG workers on earthquake preparedness, determine the risk perception and risk reduction strategies of RMG workers that associated with earthquake risks, and suggest guidelines on disaster resilience in garments industry. This research conducted a questionnaire survey on Armour garments, DIT road, Rampura, Dhaka and the sample population are about 178, where 119 are male workers and 59 are female. Among the 178 respondents, 76 (42.7 percent) considered that their workplace is at risk of fire, and 97 (54.5 percent) thought that they are at risk of both fire and earthquake. 80 percent of workers are aware of where the first aid kit is located on the floor of their workplace, and 90 percent of workers are familiar with the phone numbers of local emergency care providers. The vast majority of workers have a lack of awareness of the position of the exit or evacuation gate in case of any type of emergency situation. This paper suggested that within the first week of the employment, new employees should get training on workplace safety, and every RMG factory should be planned and built with enough space between it and the building next door.