In the aftermath of Rana Plaza : Challenges for safety within the garment industry of Bangladesh

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this bachelor's thesis is to investigate the safety culture among employees within the garment factory industry in Bangladesh. This is made in order to increase the understanding of the need for improvements and how these can be made. Methodology: This qualitative thesis has an abductive approach. The empirical findings are based on semi-structured interviews with 26 garment factory workers. Theoretical framework: The thesis deals with two theoretical areas. It addresses the concepts of safety culture and safety climate as well as their relation to organizational culture. Thereto it addresses theories on method implementations and changes in organizational culture. Results: Five recurring themes were found in the semi-structured interviews with factory workers: a new focus among management, training, risk and dangers at work, speaking about safety at work and wish for changes at work. It is hoped that the recurring themes reflect distinctive patterns within organizational and safety culture among garment factory workers in Bangladesh. Conclusions: In the aftermath of Rana Plaza the safety culture within the ready-made garment industry have seen major improvements. However, the safety culture still possesses several of shortcomings. In order for international initiatives to succeed in their objective of creating a safer and healthier ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh these shortcomings must be acknowledged. Thereto a bottom-up perspective must complement a top-down perspective in the ongoing implementation process of an organization culture which aim to empower factory workers and support factory owners to take responsibility for safety and health at work.