The LABS Initiative has expanded into Indonesia with the aim of improving the working conditions for factory workers. The program, which is operational in India, Vietnam, and Cambodia, is focused on mitigating the risks of preventable fire, electrical, and structural building safety issues in the apparel, footwear, accessories, and home textile sectors. Through LABS, brands such as Gap Inc., Target, VF Corporation, and Walmart collaborate with stakeholders, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to promote safer work environments for factory workers. The initiative plans to operate in all major production hubs of Indonesia and is expected to benefit approximately 275,000 workers.
The LABS Initiative facilitates factory assessments and provides a framework for monitoring, mitigating, and remediating safety risks identified during the assessment process. Since its launch in 2019, the program has reached over 837,000 workers and conducted over 400 assessments in factories. LABS engages with factories to remediate issues identified during assessments and has achieved a 77% remediation rate. In addition to assessments and remediation efforts, LABS provides capacity-building support to stakeholders through training programs and technical assistance to enhance their knowledge and skills in life and building safety. The Initiative has conducted over 650 safety trainings so far.
The expansion into Indonesia aligns with the program’s ambition to mitigate safety risks in key apparel production countries in the sector. LABS represents a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder effort to promote safer practices and create safer work environments that bring together brands, industry stakeholders, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to promote sector-wide transformation towards safer practices.
The director of construction sustainability at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of the Republic of Indonesia, Kimron Manik, stated that the program is expected to develop standard procedures that help provide safer working conditions aligned with laws and regulations in the country. Lukman Hakim, the deputy assistant of policy support for government and national values of the Vice President’s Office, Republic of Indonesia, added that LABS Initiative would help stakeholders in Indonesia collaboratively address issues for providing a safe and healthy environment to workers in all sectors.
Pramit Chanda, global director for textiles and manufacturing at IDH, expressed the program’s commitment to improving worker safety and building partnerships in Indonesia. LABS continues to engage with its stakeholders, including brands, factory owners, government, safety and training firms, civil society organizations, and workers, to drive meaningful change and ensure that worker safety remains a top priority in the sector in Indonesia.
In conclusion, the LABS Initiative expansion into Indonesia, with the participation of major brands, represents a step towards a safer work environment and mitigating risk in the apparel sector. The comprehensive, multi-stakeholder effort of the program promises to deliver safer practices and better work environments for factory workers in Indonesia.
