The initiative will operate in all of Cambodia’s main hubs including Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu and Takeo and is expected to benefit around 206,000 workers by 2022.
LABS has been operating in India and Vietnam since 2019, where more than 572,000 workers have benefited from the program. The expansion to Cambodia is in line with the program’s ambition to reduce avoidable structural, electrical and fire safety risks in key producing countries in the sector.
The Life and Works Safety Initiative (LABS), a sustainable trade program, was recently launched by IDH to promote safer working conditions for factory workers in the apparel industry. , footwear and accessories by assessing plants and providing a framework for monitoring, mitigation and remediation. LABS has operations in India and Vietnam.
With the urgent need to protect workers from structural, fire and electrical safety risks, several leading apparel brands approached IDH to create a consistent work safety program. and closely, led to the development of the Initiative. Major brands including Bestseller, Gap, Target, VF Corporation and Walmart have joined the program that includes small, medium and large businesses in these countries.
Pramit Chanda, global director of textiles and manufacturing, spokesperson for IDH and LABS, “With the goal of improving worker safety in the apparel and footwear industries, LABS effectively identifies and reduces potential risks related to fire, electrical and structure and evacuate. Our expansion into Cambodia aligns with our goal of scaling up programs in key apparel and footwear hubs. LABS continues to build on the learnings and commitment from work in India and Vietnam. ”
LABS participants, supported by the LABS Secretariat, engage with local stakeholders, such as industry associations, civil society organizations (CSOs), governments and institutes to create better safety policies and terms. LABS standards and methodologies are based on international codes and best practices, including but not limited to the Cambodia International Building Code and National Building Code. In addition to applicable national legislation, factories are committed to complying with LABS nationally harmonized structural, fire and electrical safety standards. IDH supports the overall promotion of LABS as well as the development of the operational setting.
Fiber2 fashion news desk (HO)
