Work environment at RMG factories

After the Rana Plaza tragedy, new alliances and accords have been eventually formed for safer RMG sector in Bangladesh. It is appreciable that all relevant divisions are working hard to ensure fire and structural safety following the ongoing inspection reports and action plans. However, besides structural and fire safety, would the indoor environment of these buildings be improved considering garment workers' health and comfort?
In Bangladesh, most of the buildings accommodating garment factories lack required ventilation and daylight. These production units depend totally on artificial lights. Significant amount of heat is generated inside the building from the artificial lights and equipment (sewing machine, Iron machine, etc.).
Research shows improvement in workplace environment also increases workers' productivity. Hence, it is high time the owners, with the help of the government, took measures to improve the work environment at the garment factories.
Md Mohataz Hossain
Commonwealth PhD Student, University of Nottingham, UK
Assistant Professor, BUET