Japanese retail company Fast Retailing has signed the accord on fire and building safety in Bangladesh, initiated by IndustriAll Global Union and UNI Global Union.

The accord commits to safeguard garment workers in Bangladesh against building collapse and fire and – using funds from its signatories – to survey all manufacturing facilities for related risks within the next two years and subsequently implement required reforms to improve working conditions.

Fast Retailing began a review of the accord following the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza manufacturing facility in Savar near Dhaka in April 2013. Upon disclosure of the full details of the accord on July 8, Fast Retailing confirmed that it effectively ensures the safety of garment workers in Bangladesh and committed to fully back the initiative.

Independent of its review of the accord, Fast Retailing initiated on May 27 its own investigation into fire and building safety at the facilities run by its manufacturing partners in Bangladesh, working with an independent third party. The investigation is now complete, and follow up confirmation of building safety is planned, working with experts from Japan.

In 2004, Fast Retailing says it introduced a code of conduct for all of its manufacturing partners, and today continues to work with outside experts to monitor conditions at its partners’ facilities to ensure compliance. Fast Retailing’s current independent investigation is an aspect of this process, aimed at strengthening building and fire safety.

In July 2013, the company subsequently launched two stores in Dhaka, under the Grameen Uniqlo name, to further contribute to the local community.