Health and safety compliance in the readymade garment sector of Bangladesh has been a major concern in recent years. In 2013, the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse killed over 1,100 people and injured over 2,500. This tragedy brought attention to the poor working conditions and lack of safety regulations in the garment industry in Bangladesh.

Since the Rana Plaza collapse, there have been some efforts to improve health and safety compliance in the garment industry. The Bangladesh government has enacted new laws and regulations, and international organizations have provided technical assistance. However, there is still a long way to go.

A 2017 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that only 50% of garment factories in Bangladesh were in compliance with basic health and safety standards. The study also found that workers were often not aware of their rights and were afraid to report safety hazards.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the lack of health and safety compliance in the garment industry in Bangladesh. One factor is the low wages that garment workers earn. Workers are often afraid to speak up about safety hazards because they fear losing their jobs. Another factor is the lack of enforcement of health and safety regulations. The Bangladesh government does not have the resources to effectively enforce the laws, and factory owners often bribe inspectors to look the other way.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve health and safety compliance in the garment industry in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government needs to increase the number of inspectors and provide them with the resources they need to enforce the laws. Factory owners need to be held accountable for safety violations. And workers need to be given the training and support they need to identify and report safety hazards.

Improving health and safety compliance in the garment industry in Bangladesh is essential to protecting the lives of workers. It is also important for the reputation of the garment industry in Bangladesh. If the industry is seen as being unsafe, it will be difficult to attract new customers.

Here are some of the practices and observations that have been made about health and safety compliance in the readymade garment sector of Bangladesh:

1. There is a lack of awareness of health and safety regulations among garment workers.
2. Workers are often afraid to report safety hazards for fear of losing their jobs.
3. Factory owners often bribe inspectors to look the other way.
4. The Bangladesh government does not have the resources to effectively enforce the laws.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve health and safety compliance in the readymade garment sector of Bangladesh. These include:

• Regulatory Framework: The Government of Bangladesh has made efforts to strengthen the legal framework for workplace safety. The Bangladesh Labor Act of 2006 and subsequent amendments provide guidelines on occupational health and safety, workers' welfare, and working conditions. The Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation (OSHE) Act of 2013 also aims to promote health and safety standards.
• Accord and Alliance Initiatives: In response to the Rana Plaza tragedy, two separate initiatives were launched: the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. These initiatives involved international brands, trade unions, and NGOs working together to improve safety standards in factories. They conducted inspections, provided training, and recommended corrective actions.
• Factory Inspections: The government and various organizations have increased the frequency and rigor of factory inspections. The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is responsible for inspecting workplaces and ensuring compliance with safety standards. However, resource limitations and a large number of factories pose challenges to conducting thorough inspections.
• Worker Training and Awareness: Efforts have been made to raise awareness among workers about their rights and safety measures. Training programs on fire safety, building evacuation, and workplace hazards have been conducted to educate workers and empower them to identify and report safety concerns.
• Building Safety: There has been a focus on structural safety and building code compliance. Inspections and remediation of vulnerable buildings have taken place, and new construction projects are expected to meet stricter safety standards. The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) has been revised to incorporate improved safety measures.
• Fire Safety: Fire safety measures have been a particular area of concern. Fire drills, installation of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans are being emphasized. Efforts have been made to enhance electrical safety and prevent fire hazards associated with faulty wiring and overloading.
• Worker Representation: The formation of worker welfare committees and the encouragement of trade union activities aim to give workers a voice in addressing health and safety issues. Collective bargaining agreements have been established to negotiate for safer working conditions.

Improving health and safety compliance in the readymade garment sector of Bangladesh is essential to protecting the lives of workers and the reputation of the industry.