Occupational health and safety in the garments sector

Introduction Occupational health and safety (OHS) issues are all aspects related to labour conditions and are very often part of EU buyers social requirements for their suppliers. As such, good working conditions will enhance your chances of succes in the EU market. In addition, it will often lead to more motivated personnel which in turn could impact productivity and product quality in a positive way. This document outlines the main OHS issues in the garments sector by looking at: Sector initiatives: how do they include OHS? OHS in practice: what does an EU buyer pay attention to when visiting his supplier? Dealing with OHS-issues: some practical tips. For more information on other buyer requirements, please see the related document. Sector initiatives Most initiatives in the garments sector are based on the basic ILO standards, covering labour rights and occupational health and safety (OHS). Among the management systems, Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is one of the most important ones. BSCI has been developed by European retailers with the aim to improve the social conditions in sourcing countries by one common monitoring system. BSCI covers all suppliers countries and all consumer goods. BSCI members are mainly EU retailers who agreed to adopt the BSCI code of conduct including the first compulsory level minimum social standards and working conditions and the second level best practices based on the SA 8000 standards. Another popular initiative relevant to the garments sector is the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). ETI is a social code of conduct that commits participating companies to guarantee decent working conditions throughout the supply chain. As a consequence, ETI members will require their suppliers to meet ETI standards. The ETI Base Code sets specific requirements for safe and hygienic working conditions: A safe and hygienic working environment including prevention of accidents and injury to health from work. Health and safety training. Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage. Clean and safe accommodation, where provided, to meet the basic needs of the workers. Responsibility for health and safety assigned to a senior management representative.
Workplace Health and Safety A clear set of regulations and procedures must be established and followed regarding occupational health and safety, especially the provision and use of personal protective equipment, clean bathrooms, access to potable water and if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. Workplace practice and conditions and conditions in dormitories which violate basic human rights are forbidden. In particular young workers shall not be exposed to hazardous, unsafe or unhealthy situations. In accordance with ILO Convention 155 and ILO Recommendations 164 and 190. In particular, a management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel and accountable for the implementation of the Health and Safety elements of the BSCI shall be appointed. All personnel shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, moreover, such training shall be repeated for new and reassigned personnel. Systems to detect, avoid or respond to potential threats to health and safety of all personnel shall be established. Business Social Compliance Initiative, Code of Conduct, 2007

For more information on the BCSI management system and ETI have a look at the related documents.
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OHS in the garments sector in practice What does the EU buyer pay attention to when visiting his supplier? The information below has been compiled in cooperation with an EU buyer and presents the main OHS issues. Tip! You can use the right columns in the tables for your own remarks. Do you already meet this requirement ? Or is there still work to be done ! ?

The EU buyer looks at: People No child labour Proper protection: - for skin contact by wearing gloves and boots for chemical subtances (preferably no use of azo dyes and cadmium!) - for ears by wearing plugs when loud machines are used in production location - for feet, technical staff must wear protective shoes with metal noses in order to protect feet if something heavy falls on them. - for visitors, they must also wear white protective coat and heat when entering the production facilities. Company clothing, such as white coat, white hair net (in order to prevent loosing in hair), worn by all staff. Jewellery and watches can not be worn in production. Facilities Sufficient room in production locations Enough air ventilation is required Enough light is available Lack of dust (especially in weaving situations) or protection against dust Easily accessible fire and first aid which are properly indicated by signs Clear emergency exits which are properly indicated by signs Proper effluent removal Separate toilets Decent kantine or eating room for employees must be available Proper storage of chemicals Signs/instructions how to use machines Management The presence of a quality manager is requested Training of personnel Risk assessment performed at least once a year !

Dealing with OHS issues Having identified the key issues is an important step when dealing with OHS. Successfully implementing them in your organisation is another one. Have a look at the selection of examples in the external links section, where you can find information from OHSA, the European Agency for health and safety at work, as well as from the ILO.
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Examples of OHS requirements in company communication Building and Fire Safety We require from our suppliers that the workers' safety should be a priority at all times. No hazardous equipment or unsafe buildings are accepted. The factory should have clearly marked exits, and preferably emergency exits on all floors. All exit doors should open outwards. Exits should not be blocked by cartons, fabric rolls or debris, and should be well lit. If emergency exits are locked, the keys should be placed behind breakable glass next to the doors, and thus be available to all staff at all times. All workers should be aware of the safety arrangements in the factory, such as emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, etc. An evacuation plan should be displayed in the factory, the fire alarm should be tested regularly and regular evacuation drills are desirable. H&M, 2008

The people working for our suppliers are to be treated with respect, and their health, safety and basic human rights must be protected and promoted. Each supplier must strive to comply with the ETI base code and with all relevant local and national laws and regulations Marks & Spencer Global Sourcing Principles, published 2005, valid 2008

Last updated: December 2009

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