RMG factories still have lot more to do

The readymade garment (RMG) workers previously had to work in a hazardous condition. The factories did not have fire safety measures and they had little preparation to tackle accidents. As a result, a number of fire incidents took place, killing hundreds of workers and injuring many who could not join work again.

The death of over 1100 people in the Rana Plaza cave-in tarnished the image of Bangladesh in the international market. Since the dead were workers, their safety became a matter of big concern.

In the aftermath, everyone raised their voice to ensure workers' safety. As a result, European buyers came together to form an alliance that was named 'Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh' or 'Accord'. They entered into an agreement with the owners to ensure safety of workers at the factories.

The European alliance detected anomalies in the fire system of 34,379 factories, defaulted power connection in 35,126 factories and structural problem in 19,959 factories. During the last few years, the factories tried to address these issues. Their latest report says 273 factories took care of 100 per cent of the issues while 1,173 factories solved 90 per cent of the issues. That certainly is very encouraging.

But the report also said that 45 per cent of the factories are yet to set up automated fire alarm while six per cent factories did not make the directives next to the 'emergency exit' sign clearly visible. Two per cent of the factories still keep the factories under lock and key. If an accident claims the lives of the workers in these factories, they will lose whatever reputation they had earned over the years. They should take immediate steps to address the issues.

It is noteworthy that most of Bangladesh's 40,000 factories did not become members of Accord. Only 1,500 factories that supply products to the European market signed the agreement.

Besides, the tenure of Accord will end soon, with newly formed body Readymade Garments Sustainability Council set to assume the responsibility. The factories that did not ensure safety for the workers need to be pressed by the government and the BGMEA to take the matter seriously. Whether they become a member of Accord or not is secondary, they have to ensure safety of the workers.