Dive Brief:

• Some 1,800 Bangladeshi factories are being inspected this week and the reports will be made public. 

• Problems with fire exits, electrical systems, and inadequate information about building plans and conditions have already been found, according to an inspector for the Accord on Fire and Building Safety In Bangladesh.

• The Accord is an independent, legally binding agreement to make all garment factories in Bangladesh safe workplaces. More than 150 apparel corporations from 20 countries have signed it, but it is separate from an American effort known as the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety.

Dive Insight:

The devastating 2013 fire that killed 1,100 factory workers and exposed the horrifyingly unsafe conditions in many Bangladeshi garment factories spurred these efforts to improve conditions. The Accord and its American counterpart have similar programs, although the American alliance has been criticized for ducking the strict legal bindings of the Accord’s agreement. Earlier this year, H&M insisted that ensuring the safety of garment workers was not just a concern for luxury retailers, but for fast-fashion as well.

Of course, making these meaningful inspection efforts and treating workers right will carry a price tag, and it remains to be seen whether consumers will put their wallets where their conscience is. In any case, there is no turning back for retail in this area. Regardless of who pays for it, consumers will not tolerate the lack of care that became evident in Bangladesh.