Out of 1,106 factories inspected, over 400 Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) have been finalised by the factories and company signatories, as well as have been approved by the Accord Chief Safety Inspector (CSI).
“More than 80,000 safety issues were identified that need to be resolved. Many of the corrective actions such as reducing weight loads and adhering to load management plans are already being implemented and monitored,” it said.
The Accord inspections have also identified more substantial safety requirements such as installing fire doors and automated fire alarm systems, establishing fire protected exits from factory buildings, and strengthening of columns in the buildings.
“We have found safety hazards in all factories, which range from minor to significant. The Accord team is now working intensively with factory owners, brands and labour colleagues to ensure the safety findings are corrected,” said Brad Loewen, the Accord’s Chief Safety Inspector.
He added, “The CAPs are paramount to this as they provide the remedial measures which must be taken to ensure an acceptably safe working environment.”
In 17 building inspections, the Accord inspections found that the structural integrity of the building fell below an acceptable level of safety.
This led the Accord to submit its inspection results to the Government of Bangladesh’ Review Panel and recommend a temporary evacuation of the building.
Around 110 inspections found that immediate actions were required to bring the factories above accepted safety levels for occupancy and production to continue.
For other inspections, occupancy and production has continued while remedial measures are carried out.
The Accord is an ambitious, legally binding agreement between more than 180 global garment brands and retailers and global and Bangladeshi trade unions.
The signatories made an unprecedented commitment to support the Bangladeshi garment sector with continued sourcing commitments and support for remediation where needed.
The next phase of the Accord will focus on implementation and monitoring of the corrective action plans and rolling out training and worker participation program.
This includes setting up credible labour-management occupational safety and health committees at the factory level.
