Structural Safety in RMG Factories: Lessons Since Rana Plaza and the Role of the RSC

The collapse of the Rana Plaza building on 24 April 2013 killed more than 1,100 people and became one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history. It transformed how structural safety is treated in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry — and, increasingly, across the wider construction sector.

What went wrong

Investigations identified a combination of failures familiar to structural engineers: floors added beyond the original design, an industrial use the building was not designed for, heavy machinery and generators on upper floors, poor-quality materials and construction, and warnings ignored after cracks appeared the day before the collapse.

The safety programmes that followed

In 2013, two major initiatives were established: the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, a legally binding agreement between brands and trade unions, and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, formed mainly by North American brands. Alongside them, a National Initiative led by the Government of Bangladesh covered factories outside the two programmes.

These programmes inspected thousands of factories for structural, fire and electrical safety. In 2020, the Accord's operations in Bangladesh transitioned to the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), a national body bringing together industry, brands and trade unions.

How structural assessment works in the RMG sector

1. Initial inspection — a visual structural assessment identifying obvious risks.
2. Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA) — where needed, a full investigation including material testing and structural analysis. See our DEA guide.
3. Corrective Action Plan (CAP) — a list of required remediation measures with timelines.
4. Remediation design and works — strengthening, load reduction or other measures, designed by qualified engineers.
5. Verification — follow-up inspections confirming that the work has been completed correctly.

The engineering lessons

• Load is not static. Buildings change use and gain machinery, storage and floors. Each change must be engineered.
• Concrete strength cannot be assumed. Material testing regularly finds in-place strengths below the specified values.
• Drawings must match reality. As-built verification is a basic requirement.
• Load plans protect people. Clearly displayed floor-load limits help managers keep storage and machinery within safe limits.
• Documentation matters. Design reports, test results and remediation records are evidence of safety for buyers, insurers and regulators.

Beyond the garment sector

The methods developed for RMG factories — assessment, testing, analysis, remediation and verification — are just as relevant for textile mills, warehouses, commercial buildings and residential blocks. Our engineers apply the same disciplined methodology to every building we assess.

Read about our compliance and engineering methodology, or book a consultation to discuss your factory's structural safety requirements.