Bangladesh’s RMG industry is advancing positively. Safety in the workplace is a major priority for the industry. A training program has been launched for some eight lakh readymade garment workers in Bangladesh. This training is expected to contribute greatly to that goal as both workers and employers will benefit from improved safety practices.
In Bangladesh the readymade garment industry accounts for 80 per cent of exports and, as a result, is of paramount importance to the economic health of the country. Despite its economic importance, or perhaps because of it, enforcement of building codes for factories has historically been lax, leading to an entire industry rife with unsafe working conditions.
The lack of fire safety was well known due to a long record of fatal factory fires, including a fire in late 2012 that killed 112 workers. By early 2013, several international retailers with supply chains based in Bangladesh factories had already embarked on fire inspection programs, but until the Rana Plaza tragedy, no one considered structural safety to be a fundamental concern.
Workplace safety refers to measures taken to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees in the workplace. This includes protecting employees from physical harm, as well as from hazardous working conditions and practices. In Bangladesh, the government has implemented several regulations and laws to improve workplace safety, such as the Bangladesh Labor Act of 2006 and the Bangladesh Labor Rules of 2015. These regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment and to take steps to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
In addition to government regulations, employers can take several steps to improve workplace safety in Bangladesh, including conducting regular safety inspections and risk assessments, providing safety training and education to employees, and implementing proper safety protocols and procedures. The use of personal protective equipment, such as helmets, gloves, and goggles, is also critical to reducing the risk of injury in the workplace.
Improving workplace safety in Bangladesh is essential for protecting the health and well-being of employees, as well as for promoting economic development and competitiveness. By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can create a positive and productive working environment that benefits both employees and the company as a whole.
