The Fire Accident at Tazreen Garment Factory in Bangladesh

The fire accident that occurred at a factory in Bangladesh caused the death of more than 100 people and left many others with serious burn injuries. The Tazreen Fashions is garment factory that was characterized by poor fire safety procedures and records (Bajaj, 2012). Once the fire started, it became difficult for firefighters to reach the compound due to poor access roads. There were few fire escapes and evacuation procedures. Besides, the ventilation at many garment factories in the country is usually poor. Many employees at Tazreen Fashions were overwhelmed by the thick smoke that came from the burning cloth materials. The fire accident at Tazreen is compared to Kader Toy Factory fire in Thailand. As a result of the inferno that occurred in 1993, more than 188 people were killed and approximately 500 sustained serious injuries (Julius, 2014). Kader Toy is a factory that manufactures plastic toys meant for export. The fire accidents suggest a laxity in the government department that is responsible for ensuring safety and conducive working conditions in all factories. Garment Factories in Bangladesh such as Tazreen Fashions are constructed in cramped neighborhoods where there is little room for expansion. The little working space at the factories causes items to be stuffed in the available small warehouses hence posing a great risk in case a fire breaks out. The employers in the garment industry have a responsibility to ensure good working conditions for employees. Poor working conditions in the workplace are tantamount to oppression. Deuteronomy 24:14 states that “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns” (KJV). Employers and the government have an obligation to ensure the safety of employees at various factories by improving the working conditions and giving fair wages.

References

Bajaj, V. (2012). Fatal fire in Bangladesh highlights the dangers facing garment workers. New York Times, 25, 5.

Bible, K. J. V., & Version, K. J. (2014). BibleGateway. com. Accessed July, 10.

JULIUS, A. A. (2014). ACCIDENTS: PLANT/INDUSTRIAL AND TRANSPORT (LAND, SEA, AIR AND SPACE), academia.edu.