Progress needed on fire safety in garment units: Report

18 Dec '14

4 min read

Better Work called on the Government to emphasize fire safety when issuing permits for construction.

It also recommends strengthening the guidance, inspection and enforcement of fire safety laws, which require all factories to attend fire safety training, have appropriate exits doors and automatic fire-fighting equipment.

Meanwhile, it also called upon trade unions to take a proactive role in fire prevention strategies and provide a channel for workers to report concerns on fire risks to factory management.

Better Work also suggested that the employers’ organization and sector specific associations should step up efforts to raise awareness of fire safety among their members.

They also advised these bodies to encourage proper investment from factories in related training for workers and in necessary equipment and maintenance to prevent fires.

Funded by the Australian, Canadian, Dutch and Swiss Governments, Better Work Vietnam now covers more than 300 factories in the north and the south with nearly 300,000 workers.

Most of the enterprises are in the apparel industry, including the biggest garment exporters in Vietnam and more than 50 global buyers subscribe to the programme. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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