Walmart (WMT) Tuesday said it will conduct in-depth safety inspections at all the factories in Bangladesh that produce goods for the department store retailer.
The Bentonville, Arkansas based company had carried out rigorous inspections under the enhanced safety program earlier this year, and will begin posting results of these inspections on June 1.
The company has already posted on its website a list of failed factories in Bangladesh that are no longer allowed to produce for Walmart.
"Transparency is vital to make progress in improving factory conditions, and by disclosing this information, government, workers, non-governmental agencies, and companies can benefit from this work," said Rajan Kamalanathan, VP, Ethical Sourcing for Walmart.
The company is also increasing the pace and frequency of follow up inspections in all Bangladesh factories, with visits taking place every two months to ensure both compliance and progress.
The reviews are expected to be completed within six months, post to which the company will release the names and inspection information on all 279 factories.
Production will be halted at facilities where urgent safety issues are identified, and the factory owner and government authorities will be notified of the need to take action.
"Preventing the kinds of tragedies that have recently taken place in Bangladesh will only happen if all stakeholders across the board set clear parameters and take action to drive real safety and compliance improvements, " said Kamalanathan.
Walmart is also planning to contract with Bureau Veritas to provide fire safety training to every worker in every factory that produces goods for the company in Bangladesh.
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