Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for Workers and Owners in Local Ready-made Garment factories

The Readymade Garments Industry acts as a catalyst for the development of Bangladesh. The “Made in Bangladesh” tag has also brought glory to the country, making it a prestigious brand across the globe. The oriented apparel industry of Bangladesh started its journey in the 1980s. Despite many difficulties faced by the sector over the past years, it has carved a niche in the world market and continues to show robust performance. Besides that, the local market, the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh, has undergone a silent revolution. The industry has contributed by covering around 80% of local consumption. The supply of cheap leftover clothes from RMG factories is the main growth engine for this industry, as local tailors quickly switch to using cheap foreign clothes to make apparel marketed across the country. The government has played no role in the development of this industry. It has developed rather haphazardly with private initiatives from local and some outside entrepreneurs who have used their private capital to develop this industry.

These factories do not follow the minimum standards of occupational health and safety. Most plants do not have emergency medical kits, firefighting equipment, and emergency exit facilities. The majority of workers do not have access to safe drinking water in workplaces, and they lack access to sanitary latrines and urinals. Toilet facilities are not separate for male and female workers. Ventilation facilities are insufficient, and lighting is inadequate. Workers are deprived of the opportunity to work in a decent environment.

BLF introduced the project with the support of BRAC to develop awareness among the workers and employers at Keraniganj local RMG hub, Dhaka, to understand basic norms of Health and Safety and Fire Safety in the factories and buildings where the factories are currently operated