Pilot safety assessments at 7 garment and textile factories in Karachi and Lahore
Update on ongoing feasibility studies
The International Accord and a team of Arup engineers conducted pilot safety assessments at 7 garment and textile factories in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, between 28 November to 9 December 2022.
The engineers evaluated the existing fire, structural, electrical, and boiler safety measures at these factories to inform the possible establishment of a new workplace safety program there. The factories ranged in size from 180 to 3,500 workers and from 1 single building to up to 9 buildings.
A detailed pilot evaluation report will be drafted in February following an analysis of assessment reports, individual factory remediation discussions, and a pilot evaluation workshop with participating factories and brands.
These safety assessments were a part of the Secretariat’s ongoing feasibility studies to explore Accord programs in new countries. Based on strong interest from stakeholders, the Accord Steering Committee agreed to conduct this pilot in Pakistan to inform the possible establishment of a workplace safety program there. A decision among signatories on the start of a new Accord program is expected before the end of 2022.
The International Accord thanks the teams at all factories for their enthusiastic participation and looks forward to our continued work together.
Related updates
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Signatories to the International Accord are establishing a new workplace health and safety program in Pakistan covering signatories’ garment and textile suppliers.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
The International Accord participated in the 4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights organized by UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia from 20-22 March 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
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