Extreme heat poses risks to garment factory workers in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan

From Investing.com: 2024-12-08 18:15:34

Workers in garment manufacturing hubs in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan face increased heat stress due to climate change, prompting multinational retailers like Inditex, H&M, and Nike to address the issue. European Union regulations now hold retailers liable for supplier conditions, with temperatures rising by 42% in major cities, affecting worker productivity and safety.

Only Nike, Levi’s, and VF Corp have protocols to protect workers from heat exhaustion in their supplier codes of conduct. Brands are urged to invest in cooling systems to combat extreme heat, as the EU Due Diligence Directive requires large companies to take action by mid-2027. Improvements in working conditions and wages are essential to mitigate the risk of heat-related absenteeism among workers.

Research shows that extreme heat and flooding could lead to a $65 billion loss in apparel export earnings from countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Vietnam by 2030. Brands must act now to prevent this potential economic impact and protect the well-being of workers in the garment industry.



Read more at Investing.com: Extreme heat puts garment factory workers at risk, study shows By Reuters