The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety has teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an international leader in fire safety aiming to strengthen safety in the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two organisations on September 17 last, a statement issued by the Alliance said.
Key components of the four-year partnership include: raising awareness of NFPA codes, standards and resources, expanding training and education through effective fire and electrical system safety programmes for workers and management representatives and disseminating vital information to help workers recognise and prevent workplace hazards at Alliance Member factories in the Bangladesh RMG sector.
"For too many years, the RMG industry has not taken enough measures to protect employees and prevent tragedies caused by unsafe working conditions or poor building construction," said Ellen Tauscher, Alliance Board Chair.
"Our partnership with NFPA will ensure our member factories will be guided by best practices used around the world and the most up to date standards for building and fire safety," she added.
"NFPA is committed to working with others who share our interest in helping to prevent life-threatening fire and electrical hazards," said NFPA President James T Pauley.
"We hope these efforts will serve as a catalyst for the government and others who work in Bangladesh to strengthen their fire safety procedures within the garment industry and beyond."
Moving forward, an implementation team of representatives from each organisation will develop a plan of action, determine working procedures and identify participants' roles and responsibilities.
Members from the Alliance and NFPA will meet at least once per year to share progress made toward the partnership's goals.
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