IDH’s LABS initiative enhances safety for garment workers across Asia

The Life and Building Safety (LABS) program, part of the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), dedicated to worker safety in the apparel sector, has successfully enhanced the safety of one million workers in India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Launched four years ago, LABS focuses on elevating life and building safety standards in industries such as apparel, footwear, accessories, and home textiles.

The LABS Initiative, having achieved this significant milestone, aims to extend its reach to create an even more substantial impact in the future. The primary objective is to establish safer working conditions for factory workers by addressing preventable safety risks like fires, electrical hazards, and structural issues.

The LABS program incorporates a comprehensive approach, including factory assessments, safety risk monitoring, and the development of frameworks for mitigation and remediation. Since its inception in 2019, LABS has conducted over 465 assessments in factories, achieving an impressive 77% remediation rate.

LABS actively engages various stakeholders, including prominent global fashion brands and retailers like Gap Inc., Target, VF Corporation, and Walmart. Additionally, government agencies and non-profit organizations participate in this initiative. The program provides capacity-building support through training programs and technical assistance, enhancing the knowledge and skills of stakeholders in life and building safety.

IDH’s Global Director for Textiles and Manufacturing, Pramit Chanda, emphasizes the commitment to creating a lasting positive impact on workers’ lives and fostering a culture of safety within industries. The LABS Initiative, operational in India and Vietnam since 2019, expanded to Cambodia in May 2022 and launched in Indonesia’s garment sector in May 2023.