DHAKA: Bangladesh government has completed the inspection phase of its efforts to assess exporting readymade garment (RMG) factories for structural, fire and electrical safety with emphasis now switching to remediation.

An International Labour Organization (ILO) press release disclosed the matter on Monday.

It also said by the October 31 deadline for assessments to be carried out, as many as 1,475 RMG factories were assessed through government efforts supported by ILO with the backing of Canada, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK).

A further 2,185 factories were inspected by Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety and Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, the release added.

Department of Inspection of Factories and Establishments (DIFE) inspector general Syed Ahmed said, ‘Following Rana Plaza, commitments were made to assess the structural integrity of all active export-oriented RMG factories to identify those with high risk of collapse’.

The DIFE also said they virtually have inspected all factories and closed down 37, helping avoid potential loss of life.

‘We now turn our full attention to the challenge of remediation and ensuring a safer RMG sector for all who work in it,’ he added.

A number of significant actions have taken place to underpin the inspection process under the national initiative.

These include the harmonization of inspection standards, the establishment of a review panel to assess factories identified as dangerous, and capacity building for, as well as enhanced collaboration between, labour inspectorate and fire service staff who will follow up on inspection reports.

DIFE inspectors have been trained in how to support factories to develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) with a pilot initiative taking place to help a first batch of factories do so.

Guidelines for Detailed Engineering Assessments are being developed while transparency has been increased by making 1,778 inspection report summaries available online.

Considerable progress has been made to develop more accurate lists of RMG factories which are operational in collaboration with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) while a study on remediation financing jointly launched by ILO and IFC is also ongoing.

ILO Bangladesh country director Srinivas Reddy said, ‘Carrying out these inspections is a significant milestone yet it is only the beginning’.

‘Our full attention must now turn to remediation,’ he added.

He also appealed to employers’ organisations to actively work with factory management to produce Corrective Action Plans for remediation as it is in the best interest of worker safety and will give confidence to the buyer community.

BDST: 1648 HRS, NOV 09, 2015
SR/RR/SMS