Progress on safety in RMG sector

A survey carried out by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) which took into account approximately 12 per cent of factories and an equal percentage of Bangladesh Knit Manufacturers and Exporters Association members has come up with some interesting findings. Though substantial progress has been made in factories to improve workplace safety, there remain critical areas that are yet to be addressed. However, with more than 8 out of 10 factories surveyed having approved factory layouts and more than 90 per cent of the 499 factories inspected possessing updated fire safety licenses, we are hopeful that the industry is taking steps in the right direction to avert workplace hazard like fire and building mishaps.
That said, there are areas that require immediate attention if we wish to avert future disasters on the factory floor. It was found that about 4 out of 5 factories lack separate emergency exits. Hence in case of fire or other calamity like building collapse, significant losses of life and limbs cannot be ruled out. And although 87 per cent of factories have direct access to exits, 13 per cent do not. So what happens if there is an accident in those factories? Other less talked about problems include faulty electrical lines which have been identified in inspections to be a major source of causing fires. Despite significant shortcomings, including the fact that the survey was limited to Dhaka division, the study provides an important glimpse into the world of safety and compliance in the RMG sector.