‘Nirapon’, a platform of North America-based apparel brands and retailers, is restructuring its activities to provide increased technical support with three main areas of focus: safety monitoring, training and helpline. Safety monitoring activities of the organization will include protocols that are part of the day-to-day factory operations, including structural, electrical, and fire safety, as well as the ongoing training of workers on fire and building safety.

Incorporating the feedback from numerous factories, the fire safety training will shift from Local Training Providers (LTPs) to a local, trusted and competent organization. They will work to streamline training and explore online options without compromising effectiveness. The “Amader Kotha” helpline, a model for workers’ reporting – not only in Bangladesh but around the world, will continue to operate and provide workers with a safe and anonymous outlet for reporting issues.

Moushumi Khan, CEO, Nirapon since its inception, will be departing the entity, and a new Chief Safety Officer (CSO) will be named at a later date, reflecting its more technical nature. The entity was launched by 21 global apparel brands along with more than a dozen of former Alliance-signatory members, including Gap, Walmart, JC Penny and VF in March last year