Author: Mostafiz Uddin, A thought leader and change agent for a sustainable and responsible ecosystem in the fashion sector.
When it comes to factory safety, the progress in Bangladesh has been unparalleled. Even the International Labour Organisation (ILO) acknowledges this.
Recently, the global labour standards body used World Day for Safety and Health at Work as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since Bangladesh began commemoration of the day in 2016.
The ILO said it supports Bangladesh in its journey to address occupational safety and health (OSH), and in establishing a robust national OSH framework to make all workplaces safe.
The ILO also said the adoption of the OSH policy, the creation of the OSH country profile, and the development of the National Action Plan on OSH are all significant milestones on Bangladesh’s journey.
These achievements, the ILO said, are a testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to improving workplace safety and health, aligning with international standards and ILO conventions.
It is widely acknowledged that over the past decade, Bangladesh has made significant strides in improving workplace safety, a critical issue that has garnered both national and international attention. The transformation in workplace safety in Bangladesh, particularly in the garment sector, has been driven by a combination of regulatory reforms, international collaborations, and a heightened awareness among workers and employers about the importance of a safe working environment.
The journey towards enhanced workplace safety in Bangladesh gained momentum following the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building in 2013, which claimed over 1,100 lives and injured thousands more. This catastrophic event served as a stark reminder of the dire need for robust safety measures and compliance with building standards. In response, both the government of Bangladesh and the international community took decisive steps to overhaul safety protocols and enforce stringent regulations across industries.
One of the pivotal changes in the past decade has been the establishment of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. These two initiatives, formed by international brands, retailers, and trade unions, have been instrumental in conducting safety inspections and ensuring that factories comply with rigorous safety standards. The Accord and the Alliance have carried out thousands of inspections, identifying structural flaws, fire hazards, and electrical safety issues, and subsequently overseeing the remediation of these problems. This collaborative approach has significantly improved the safety infrastructure in garment factories, which employ millions of workers, predominantly women.
In addition to external oversight, the government of Bangladesh has also strengthened its regulatory framework. The amendment of the Bangladesh Labour Act in 2013 introduced stricter provisions for occupational safety and health. This included the formation of safety committees in factories, mandatory safety training for workers, and the appointment of safety officers. The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) was also empowered with greater authority to conduct inspections and enforce compliance. The introduction of these measures has been pivotal in creating a safer working environment and reducing workplace accidents.
Moreover, the implementation of the National Tripartite Plan of Action on Fire Safety and Structural Integrity has further solidified the commitment to workplace safety. This plan, developed in collaboration with the ILO, the government, employers, and workers’ representatives, focuses on comprehensive safety inspections, capacity building, and awareness programmes. The success of this initiative is reflected in the significant reduction in the number of workplace accidents and fatalities over the past decade.
Worker empowerment and education have also played a crucial role in enhancing workplace safety in Bangladesh. There has been a concerted effort to educate workers about their rights and the importance of safety measures. Numerous training programs have been conducted to raise awareness about fire safety, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures. These initiatives have not only equipped workers with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves but have also fostered a culture of safety within workplaces.
Furthermore, integrating technology has been a game-changer in monitoring and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The use of digital tools and platforms has enabled real-time tracking of factory conditions and facilitated more efficient inspections. Mobile applications and online reporting systems have allowed workers to report safety concerns anonymously, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly without fear of retaliation.
Despite these significant achievements, challenges remain in ensuring comprehensive workplace safety across all sectors in Bangladesh. The focus has predominantly been on the garment industry, given its economic importance and the high-profile nature of safety incidents within this sector. However, other industries, such as construction, shipbreaking, and agriculture, also require stringent safety measures and oversight. Efforts are being made to extend safety regulations and inspections to these sectors to ensure holistic improvements in workplace safety.
As the ILO acknowledges, building a proactive culture of prevention of workplace hazards and accidents requires continuous effort and collective action. As well as having protective policies, we also need effective policy implementation, ensuring every worker is guaranteed a safe and healthy work environment. This will require concerted efforts from the government, employers, and workers, and the support of development partners and civil society.
On a practical note, from a regulatory standpoint, to further strengthen the implementation of occupational safety and health measures in Bangladesh still has the option of ratifying the ILO Conventions on OSH; the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). These provide a robust framework for establishing, implementing, and continually improving the Bangladesh safety and health management systems crucial for protecting workers.
Mostafiz Uddin is the managing director of Denim Expert Limited. He is also the founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).
