While the collapse drew worldwide attention to the hazardous factory conditions found in Bangladesh, workers in the country's garment industry still face the threat of another disaster. "This is an industry that has been premised on low wages, long hours and exploitive working conditions," says Liana Foxvog, the director of organizing and communications for International Labor Rights Forum. She notes that many global brands and retailers have recently sent strong messages regarding worker safety and that more than 150 companies have taken action by signing the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh. "But to really change that industry, factories need not only to hear from brands that safety is important, they also need to be paid enough to cover wages, operating costs and safe building practices," Foxvog says.International Labor Rights Forum encourages everyone to take time April 24, 2014, to help urge retailers to compensate victims of the collapse and other recent incidents in the Bangladesh garment industry. The organization's website provides links to relevant petitions, as well as information on how to organize nonviolent demonstrations outside stores and otherwise raise awareness about the aftermath of the Rana Plaza disaster.
An upcoming article in the May 2014 issue of Professional Safety will provide more information on this subject, including steps safety professionals can take to help improve workplace conditions in the Bangladesh garment industry.