Bangla Safety Accord unveils new information portal

In the wake of fire disasters and the Rana Plaza building collapse in April 2013, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh has over 100 signatories, including brands, retailers and two global unions.

The Accord commits the signatories to the goal of a safe and sustainable Bangladeshi ready-made garment industry, in which no worker needs to fear fires, building collapses or other accidents that could be prevented with reasonable health and safety measures.

The new website provides a wealth of resources relating to the structure and membership of the Accord. It outlines the Accord aims, the work being undertaken to improve safety for garment workers in Bangladesh, FAQs, the Accord itself and additional resources for the media and public alike, including regularly updated sections on the Accord’s signatories and the factories covered by the independent agreement.

Announcing the new website and social media launch, Sean Ansett, Interim Executive Director of the Accord, said, “It is vital that our website is as accessible as possible to stakeholders and organisations on the ground in Bangladesh to help improve working conditions, and to inform their understanding of our work.

"The website also provides a way for people to contact the Accord. We are also developing worker-focused materials to reach workers in Bangladesh, to keep them informed of what the Accord means for them.

“The Accord’s signatories want to bring positive change to the lives of garment workers in Bangladesh, who have had to bear safety conditions that have caused numerous collapses and fires.

"The Accord’s website provides a vehicle through which anyone can learn more about the Accord: its work, its reach, the importance of the initiative taken by this unique collection of brands, retailers, unions and the NGO witnesses to the Accord.

“Via our Twitter account, @bangaccord, individuals can play a part in extending knowledge and understanding of the vital need for action and the positive changes that the Accord and its members are bringing about in Bangladesh.”

Christy Hoffman, Deputy General Secretary, UNI Global Union, remarked, "This Accord marks a turning point. It has the potential to transform the way safety issues are addressed in Bangladesh.

"Part of the process is a commitment to being open and transparent and to show critical information about factories. This website is a step towards this goal, and the Bangla website can deliver the Accord’s messages in Bangladesh."

Bangladesh Accord