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Prioritise OHS for a sustainable RMG industry

Published : Friday, 8 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 544
Rana Dutta
The RMG industry, a pillar of Bangladeshs economy, grapples with significant challenges in maintaining optimal occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. The industry is now criticized for having substandard working conditions, such as long hours, confined spaces, and poor ventilation, which can lead to fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory problemsand more.

Prioritizing OHS improvements is not merely an ethical imperative, but a strategic move to enhancethe industrys professionalism, reputation, and long-term viability. By addressing workplace hazards and investing in worker well-being, Bangladeshs RMG sector can foster a more sustainable and responsible industry while protecting its most valuable asset-its workforce.

However, the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in Bangladeshs RMG is difficult as the sector faces significant challenges, despite efforts to improve working conditions. Key challenges in the implementation process for OHS are as follows:

Inadequate regulatory enforcement poses a major hurdle. Despite the existence of labor laws and regulations in Bangladesh, enforcement mechanisms often fall short, resulting in non-compliance among certain garment factories. This leniency in enforcement enables some employers to neglect OHS standards without facing consequences and putting workers at risk.

Poor management efficiency hinders OHS in Bangladeshs RMG: garment factory owners prioritize production over worker safety, leading to inadequate investments in safety equipment, infrastructure, and training programs.

Despite producing for brands with high safety standards, the RMG industry struggles with OHS due to prioritizing production over international safety codes. As a result, workers face risks from unsafe machinery, cramped spaces, and poor ventilation, hindering overall OHS progress. Addressing this gap between international expectations and local practices is crucial for improving OHS in the RMG sector.

The lack of understandingand training among both workers and management regarding safety rights, protocols, and procedures indeed hinder efforts to enhance workplace safety. Many workers are not adequately trained on how to operate machinery safely, handle chemicals, or respond to emergencies. Similarly, management often lacks the knowledge and skills necessary to implement robust safety protocols and procedures effectively. Without proper training, both workers and management are ill-equipped to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace.

Many workers are unaware of their safety rights, while management lacks the resources to enforce robust safety protocols. Investing in comprehensive education programs and fostering a culture of safety awareness is essential to achieve sustainable improvements in OHSprogress. Additionally, employers and workers need to be educated about safety protocols, and emergency procedures, and proper PPE utilizationis essential for creating a safer work environment.

The fast-paced nature of the RMG industry, fueled by tight production deadlines and cost constraints, can compromise safety standards. Meeting demands while remaining competitive can incentivize some factories to prioritize production over worker well-being, potentially leading to compromised safety standards and the implementation of insufficient OHS measures.

Furthermore, the widespread subcontracting system in the RMG sector adds another layer of complexity to ensuring OHS compliance. Larger factories often outsource tasks to smaller, less-regulated facilities, potentially leading to substantially lower OHS standardscompared to the main factories. This decentralized structure makes it difficult to comprehensively monitor and enforce OHS practices throughout the entire supply chain, leaving room for potential hazards and vulnerabilities.

Finally, the complex web of socio-economic factors further complicates the RMG sectors OHS challenges of poverty and job insecurity, particularly prevalent among women from rural areas, who frequently compel garment workers to prioritize earning a living over safety considerations, even in hazardous environments. Consequently, workers may overlook or avoid safety concerns, exposing themselves to greater risk.

Although Bangladeshs RMG industry has become a significant player in the global fashion industry, its true sustainability relies on worker well-being. Disasters like Rana Plaza highlight the importance of robust occupational health and safety (OHS) practices. Investing in safe workplaces with proper fire safety, ventilation, and ergonomics reduces accidents and illnesses, leading to increased productivity and long-term business benefits. This also strengthens Bangladeshs reputation as a responsible garment producer, attracting ethical brands.

Finally, it is obvious that, collaboration is key.  By working together - government, brands, and factories - Bangladesh can create a thriving RMG industry where success is measured not just in output, but in the safety and well-being of its workforce. Therefore, prioritizing OHS is not just a moral obligation but a pathway toward a more sustainable future for the RMG sector in Bangladesh.

The writer is an Asst. Deputy Secretary, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA)


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