Accord's inspection has identified 'critical structural findings' in 14 buildings out of its 760 surveyed garment factories since the inception of its assessment programme until to date.
"We requested the official review panel to take immediate steps regarding these 14 buildings as our engineers deem those unsafe for production and occupancy in its current state," Executive Director of Accord Bangladesh Operations Rob Wayys said at a press briefing held in the city Wednesday.
Four factories remained closed and seven are in operation with drastic load removal while the rest three are in the process of shifting, he explained.
"The percentage of such critical findings is less than two," he said adding "We are working with the brands factory owners so that the closed ones can resume their operation."
He, however, said the 14 buildings accommodate a total of 23 garment units.
But according to Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), a total of 21 factories faced closure or suspension of production following the western retailers' inspection programmes.
Seventeen factories faced shutdown or production suspension following Accord's inspection and three were closed following Alliance's assessment while one was closed following BUET inspection.
Out of these 20, the number of closed factories is 11 and production is suspended in 10.
Mr Wayys said 59 out of 760 units have 'serious findings' which the Accord might not require the official panel as they are expecting those units might be able to continue their production through immediate or urgent load removal.
He said fire, electrical and structural integrity inspection reports with corrective action plan of 25 factories were uploaded in its website and next 25 would be published within the couple of days while the rest would be done time to time.
Explaining the common findings, Brad Loewen, Chief Safety Inspector of the Accord said typical findings include unsound electrical wiring, lack of automated smoke detectors and fire alarm systems, the need for fire protected exits and fire doors, failure to have proper load management plans and in some cases the need to strengthen columns and other structural elements.
"The Accord's inspections are identifying safety risks in all three areas and corrective actions are already under way in many of the factories," he added.
Replying to a question about the workers' payment during suspension of any factory production, Mr Wayys said they are working to ensure that workers are paid regularly.
But he failed to provide specific documentation how many workers were jobless, how many of them get regular monthly wages and other benefits. "We have some related information but not all," he replied.
Regarding the inspection of common factories that produce apparel products for both Accord and Alliance signatory brands, retailers and buyers, he said Accord is not inspecting the common units.
"The Accord's CSI is in discussion with Alliance and the steering committee in this regard," he said adding but final decision is yet to be taken whether they would be re-inspected or not.
When asked about the Accord's brands contribution to the workers payment, he said some brands are contributing to the workers' payment with the owners. But he did not mention the name of the brands.
The Accord has started its full-fledged inspection from February last and expected to assess 1500 factories by September next.
