Global clothing retailer Gap Inc. recently announced a significant initiative to improve building and fire safety standards across the company’s approved third-party garment manufacturing factories in Bangladesh.
The program is seen as a critical step forward in addressing safety issues in Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
The cornerstone of Gap Inc.’s plan centers on fire safety inspections by a qualified and independent inspector. The company will appoint a Chief Fire Safety Inspector who will oversee fire and building safety inspections of garment factories producing for its brands in Bangladesh.
Other initiatives include the launch of a USD2 million worker support program, vendor access to up to USD20 million in capital for safety improvements, and engaging with the Bangladesh government, US government and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to promote comprehensive change
The announcement comes after the company engaged in months of dialogue with international labor organizations, Bangladeshi vendors, and other engaged stakeholders in an attempt to find an acceptable framework for an industry-wide solution on improving fire safety.