The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (the Accord) was signed on May 15th 2013. It is a five year independent, legally binding agreement between global brands and retailers and trade unions designed to build a safe and healthy Bangladeshi Ready Made Garment (RMG) Industry. The agreement was created in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse that led to the death of more than 1100 people and injured more than 2000. In June 2013, an implementation plan was agreed leading to the incorporation of the Bangladesh Accord Foundation in the Netherlands in October 2013.

The agreement consists of six key components:

1. A five year legally binding agreement between brands and trade unions to ensure a safe working environment in the Bangladeshi RMG industry

2. An independent inspection program supported by brands in which workers and trade unions are involved

3. Public disclosure of all factories, inspection reports and corrective action plans (CAP)

4. A commitment by signatory brands to ensure sufficient funds are available for remediation and to maintain sourcing relationships

5. Democratically elected health and safety committees in all factories to identify and act on health and safety risks

6. Worker empowerment through an extensive training program, complaints mechanism and right to refuse unsafe work.

Factories

All factories producing for Accord signatory companies are subject to independent inspections on fire, electrical and structural safety.

Factories are inspected against the Accord Building Standards, which are largely based on the Bangladesh National Building Code and the product of discussions facilitated by the ILO between the Accord, the National Tripartite Plan of Action, and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Alliance).