Garment workers face some of the most challenging working conditions globally, with extreme heat stress becoming an increasingly significant risk due to climate change. A recent study led by the University of Sydney has shed light on simple and affordable interventions that could help safeguard workers in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, a crucial industry that employs over 4 million people, primarily women, and generates 80% of the country’s export revenue.
In Bangladesh’s RMG factories, indoor temperatures often surpass 35°C and can spike up to 40°C. The working environment is typically hot, humid, and poorly ventilated, exacerbated by the use of heat-generating machinery like irons and steamers. Workers endure up to 12-hour shifts, six days a week, in these harsh conditions, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and a decline in productivity and focus over time.
Professor Ollie Jay, the senior author of the study and Director of the Heat and Health Research Center at the University of Sydney, emphasized the urgent need for scalable and cost-effective cooling solutions to prevent heat-related illnesses and long-term harm among garment workers in Bangladesh. The research team tested various cooling interventions in a simulated garment factory environment, including insulated reflective roofs, electric fans, and access to drinking water, to mitigate heat strain without relying on air conditioning, which is economically and environmentally unsustainable.
The results revealed that simple measures like installing reflective roofs and providing electric fans and hydration facilities could significantly reduce heat stress, improve worker productivity, and lower the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. These interventions proved particularly beneficial for high-intensity tasks like ironing and were more effective for male workers, underscoring the importance of gender-specific considerations in heat mitigation strategies.
Lead author Dr. James Smallcombe, a post-doctoral research fellow at the Heat and Health Research Center, highlighted the ethical responsibility of the fashion industry to prioritize worker well-being and implement sustainable cooling solutions. By enhancing building design and supporting worker hydration, the RMG sector can enhance worker safety, productivity, and business continuity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
The study’s implications extend beyond Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for other countries with significant garment industries, such as India and Vietnam, where extreme working conditions are prevalent. As climate change intensifies, addressing heat stress in the garment sector is essential for safeguarding worker health, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable business practices. The findings underscore the importance of proactive measures to protect workers in vulnerable industries and ensure a safer and more resilient workforce for the future.
