A Study on Occupational Health & Safety Practices in RMG Factories of Bangladesh in Accordance with Compliance after Rana Plaza Incident

Abstract

Since the 1980's, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh has experienced rapid growth and is at present ranked the second highest exporter in the world after China. The RMG industry has made a substantial contribution to the economy and society by primarily providing a source of employment for approximately above four million workers, mostly women. This staggering growth is undermined by the lack of safety in the factories and industrial accidents, which has defined the risks associated to RMG sector. These accidents shocked the country and the international community. In response to these accidents, the Government of Bangladesh and the development partners have mobilized unprecedented support and made commitments to improve working conditions and workers' safety in the RMG industry in Bangladesh. This paper is an attempt to verify the progress and implementation level of different initiatives taken by Bangladesh Government and the international buyers and retailers of RMG specifically in the field of occupational health and safety such as factory work environment, workers' health, safety and welfare situation as well as occupational health and safety management systems and training, after the horrible incident of Rana Plaza in April 24, 2013 near Dhaka, Bangladesh. A practical survey was done directly on RMG workers to approximate their knowledge level on compliance factors and their understanding and realization on the current practices of occupational health and safety in RMG factories.