In the Bangladesh RMG industry, safety is not just a compliance issue—it’s a core driver of trust, stability, and productivity. From Rana Plaza to today, the sector has evolved significantly in its safety commitments. Yet, to truly sustain industrial peace, occupational safety and health (OSH) systems must be deeply embedded—not just on paper, but in practice, culture, and accountability.

Why OSH Is Critical to Industrial Harmony

Unsafe workplaces not only endanger lives but also disrupt operations, erode worker confidence, and damage the sector’s global image. Conversely, safe factories are more productive, retain skilled workers, and attract better buyers.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) recognizes OSH as a fundamental principle and right at work, and in 2024, urged Bangladesh to reform and modernize its national OSH framework to reduce industrial tensions and ensure long-term compliance.

Progress Since 2013: Key Achievements in Workplace Safety

The Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, which claimed over 1,100 lives, catalyzed a historic transformation in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. Since then, coordinated efforts by national and international stakeholders have led to significant improvements in safety, transparency, and worker well-being.

Milestone Initiatives & Their Impact-

Recent Innovations & Continuing Challenges

• Digital OSH Dashboards: Real-time monitoring of safety compliance and incident reporting.
• Worker Helplines: Platforms enabling anonymous grievance reporting and resolution.
• Gender-Sensitive Audits: Safety assessments now include indicators for gender-based violence and harassment.
• Industrial Safety Unit (ISU): A new wing under DIFE to monitor factories and subcontracting units.
• Private Sector Engagement: Entities are expanding safety oversight beyond traditional frameworks.

Despite these gains, small subcontracting units remain vulnerable due to limited oversight and resources. Continued investment in inclusive safety systems and grievance mechanisms is essential to ensure industrial peace and worker dignity.

Persistent Gaps in OSH Implementation

Despite reforms, several challenges remain:

• Informal Units & Subcontractors: Often outside monitoring scope
• Limited OSH Training: Particularly for floor-level supervisors and workers
• Inadequate PPE Usage: Many factories lack systems to track or enforce usage
• Psychosocial Risks: Harassment, stress, and mental health are often overlooked

Moreover, worker participation in OSH decisions is still minimal in most units, which limits sustainability.

The Link Between OSH and Industrial Peace

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems are not only about preventing accidents—they are foundational to building trust, stability, and productivity in the workplace. In Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, the integration of robust OSH practices has significantly contributed to industrial peace.

Evidence-Based impacts of OSH on workplace harmony shows that factories with strong OSH systems have reported:

• 30–40% fewer disputes related to working conditions, thanks to improved worker-management dialogue and grievance redress mechanisms.
• Lower absenteeism and turnover, as safer and more respectful workplaces increase worker satisfaction and retention.
• Improved audit outcomes, reducing buyer pressure and enhancing brand reputation.

A study by the ILO and IFC program found that factories enrolled in the initiative experienced:

• Higher job satisfaction and timely wage payments
• Enhanced social dialogue through Participation Committees
• Increased export revenues and product pricing premiums, linking safety to business competitiveness

According to a study by Hossain & Ahmed (2020), poor OSH conditions are directly linked to high turnover and unrest. Workers frequently switch factories in search of better safety and welfare provisions. The study emphasizes that worker retention is significantly higher in factories that provide basic OSH facilities like clean restrooms, first aid, and proper ventilation

The ILO (2024) highlights that OSH frameworks can also help prevent violence and harassment in the workplace, particularly for women. This broader scope of safety contributes to a more inclusive and peaceful work environment

Evidence of Safety-Driven Outcomes in Global Apparel Industries

Based on global evidence from garment-producing countries, here’s a table summarizing how workplace safety improvements have led to increased trust, productivity, and stability in the apparel sector:

Recommendations for Strengthening OSH Systems

1. Mandatory OSH Committees in All Units: In line with ILO Convention No. 155, enforce the formation of joint worker-management OSH committees in every factory.

2. Digital Safety Dashboards: Encourage factories to maintain real-time logs of fire drills, PPE usage, and hazard reports.

3. Worker-Centered OSH Training: Partner with NGOs to provide peer-led safety education.

4. Integrate Mental Health in OSH: Recognize psychosocial risks and provide counselling access—especially for female workers.

5. Support OSH in Small Units: Extend monitoring and support to Tier 2/3 factories with mobile safety inspection units.

Final Thought

Industrial peace doesn’t start with agreements—it starts with safe working conditions. The Bangladesh RMG industry has shown its resilience and commitment post-Rana Plaza. Now, it’s time to extend that safety net to every worker, in every unit, every day.

As the sector modernizes, safety must evolve beyond inspection checklists to become part of the fabric of the industry—woven into leadership, line management, and labor dialogue alike. In short, safety is not just a legal obligation—it’s a strategic investment in peace and productivity.