Metropolis Desk-
The Accord, a platform of global unions and over 200 EU-based apparel buyers, was launched after the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, to inspect fire, electrical and structural integrity of local factories. Data shows completion rates of common fire-related remediation items like design approval of fire suppression systems, and fire detection and alarm system are 86.5% and 89.65% respectively.
RSC chief safety officer George Faller cited several reasons behind this sloth in the installation of detection and alarm systems, including technical issues, lack of enforcement, and complex systems with many parts.
The Bangladeshi Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has reported a small increase in accidents and worker deaths in workplace accidents in the past three years. A recent Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) study found an increase in the number of accidents in the RMG industry in the period of 2018-April 2021 compared to the previous three years.
It is unclear what played a key role in increasing the number of deaths, but observations and studies are indicative of deterioration in the safety inspection functionality and quality of the inspection authorities. The CPD study suggested reviewing the institutional initiatives of OSH undertaken in the RMG industry.
