Outlines the specific problems that were found by monitors and the action taken by the HanesBrand Company in response to an FLA audit of a factory in Taiwan

Fair Labor Association

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Outlines the specific problems that were found by monitors and the action taken by the HanesBrand Company in response to an FLA audit of a factory in Taiwan.FLA_2009TrackingChart_HanesTaiwan.pdf: 58 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

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Tracking Chart 2009 Hanesbrands, Taiwan

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FLA Audit Profile 
Factory Code  720273142H 
Country  Taiwan 
FLA Affiliate  Hanesbrands 
Monitor  Global Standards 
Audit Date  September 18 2009 
Products  Sportswear 
Processes 
Cutting, Sewing, Packing, Inspection and 
Shipping 
Number of Workers  65 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Findings: 
 
Freedom of Association ____________________________________________________________ 2 
Health and Safety: A. General Compliance Health and Safety ______________________________ 3 
Health and Safety: C. Written Health and Safety Policy ___________________________________ 3 
Health and Safety: D. Worker Consultation_____________________________________________ 4 
Health and Safety: H. Permits and Certificates __________________________________________ 5 
Health and Safety: I. Evacuation Requirements and Procedure______________________________ 5 
Health and Safety: M. Chemical Management and Training________________________________ 6 
Health and Safety: Q. Ventilation/Electrical/Facility Installation and Maintenance ______________ 7 
Health and Safety: R. Machinery Maintenance and Worker Training_________________________ 8 
 
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 
 2
 
Freedom of Association: Z. Grievance Procedure  
FOA.26 Employer shall have in place written grievance procedures that allow first an attempt to 
settle grievances directly between the worker and the immediate supervisor but that, where this is 
inappropriate or has failed, it is possible for the worker to have the grievance considered at one or 
more steps, depending on the nature of the grievance and the structure and size of the enterprise. 
Employers shall ensure that the grievance procedures and applicable rules are known to workers. 
(P) 
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  There was no written grievance procedure and meeting records kept. However, the 
workers could come to supervisor or factory manager for help with their problems. 
Sources: Through document review, workers and management interview.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI sent the CAP report to the factory on 10/7/2009 and obtained the feedback 
from factory on 10/30/2009 about this issue. We will continue monitoring the 
grievance channels (i.e. suggestion box, regular monthly employee meetings) 
which are effective and efficiently to be used by workers. We will request the 
factory to document all meetings and records though it did not have any complaint 
from workers. We plan to have a visit of this factory in Spring 2010.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier 
CAP:  
 
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action 
Taken:  
Reply on 10/30/2009: The factory has established a grievance procedure 
mechanism between workers and the general manager. Grievances can be posted 
in a grievance box on the first floor of the factory. The grievance procedure box is 
clearly labeled. Workers are able to voice all grievances to the supervisor. The 
factory representative will pass this information to the General Manager. The 
reason of auditor found that there is no meeting records to be kept because it did 
not have occurrences yet. Once this happens, meetings will be held and reports 
will be kept. This is a small facility and workers had been working here for a long 
time. They prefer to talk with the factory management for any complaints and the 
management fixes it immediately. Please refer to the photos sent to FLA for 
review.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
  
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Text:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential  
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 3
Comments:   
  
Health and Safety: A. General Compliance Health and Safety  
H&S.1 Employers shall comply with all local laws, regulations and procedures concerning health and 
safety. (S) 
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  Although there were health and safety procedures, they were not implemented in 
the factory. There was no specific person appointed to monitor or supervise health 
and safety or supervise the working environment. Source: factory walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI will ensure the factory to select the proper person to lead the health & safety 
program in the facility and also that it is properly communicated to all employees 
by posting the announcement on the notice board.  
Deadline 
Date:  
12/31/2009  
Supplier CAP:  
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action Taken: Reply on 10/30/2009: The factory manager has been delegated to monitor and 
supervise the implementation of H&S procedures.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified Text: 
 
Action 
Verified Date: 
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: C. Written Health and Safety Policy  
H&S.3 Employers are required to develop, maintain and regularly review a written health and 
safety policy. The policy must, at the very least, be aimed at complying with legal minimum safety 
and health standards, regulations and procedures. (P) 
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance 
 
Explanation:  There were no operating procedures for machines in the production area. More 
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 4
specially, there was no illustration in the stain removal room. Source: factory 
walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI sent the CAP report to the factory on 10/7/2009 and obtained the feedback 
from factory on 10/30/2009 about this issue. We will ensure the factory post the 
operation manuals in working areas and illustration at stain removal room.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier CAP:  
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action Taken: Reply on 10/30/2009: Operating procedures are now posted on each machine. In 
addition, the factory has posted illustrations in the stain removal room. Photos 
have also been uploaded for FLA to reference upon the review of this audit.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified Text:  
 
Action 
Verified Date: 
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: D. Worker Consultation  
H&S.4 The health and safety policy shall be developed and implemented in consultation with 
workers or their representatives. (P)  
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  There was no evidence that the health and safety policy was made in consultation 
with workers or their representatives.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI will ensure the factory to communicate the H&S policies by holding an 
introductory training to workers and confirming their participation with employees 
by signature and their agreement on consultation sheet after the training. A follow 
up visit will be done in Spring 2010.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier CAP:  
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
12/31/2009  
Action 
Taken:  
Reply on 10/30/2009: The H&S representatives will regularly give workers safety 
training. After the training, representatives will ask workers to sign a document as 
part of their agreement with H&S policies  
Plan  
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 5
Complete:  
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified Text: 
 
Action 
Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: H. Permits and Certificates  
H&S.8 The employer shall at all times be in possession of all legally required and valid permits and 
certificates related to health and safety issues, such as those related to the purchase and storage of 
chemicals, fire safety inspections, inspection of machinery, and (chemical) waste disposal. (P)  
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance 
 
Explanation:  Two first aid certificates were expired. These documents should have been 
renewed on Aug, 27, 2009. Sources: document review.  
Plan Of Action:  HbI will ensure that the first aid certificates will be available at the follow up visit 
in Spring 2010.  
Deadline Date:  03/31/2010  
Supplier CAP:   
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
12/31/2009  
Action Taken:  Reply on 10/30/2009: The first aid certificates were renewed in December 2009. 
Copies will be sent for reference once the documents are ready.  
Plan Complete:  
Plan Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action Verified 
Text:  
 
Action Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: I. Evacuation Requirements and Procedure  
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 6
H&S.9 All applicable legally required or recommended elements of safe evacuation (such as posting 
of evacuation plans, the installation and maintenance of an employee alarm and emergency lighting 
systems, ensuring aisles/exits are not blocked and that workers are not blocked within their 
workstations, employee education, evacuation procedures, etc.) shall be complied with. Workers 
shall be trained in evacuation procedures. Alarm systems shall be regularly tested and evacuation 
drills shall be undertaken at least annually. (S)  
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  1) The escape slings were blocked by factory material and boxes. There was only 
one exit on the eighth floor; there is only an Escape sling. Trolleys and boxes block 
some aisles and fire hose reels. 2) The aisles and fire safety equipment were 
blocked. The workers were not trained for evacuation. Sources: factory 
walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI sent the CAP report to the factory on 10/7/2009 and obtained feedback from 
factory on 10/30/2009 about this issue. We will ensure that the factory to keep the 
aisles and evacuation equipments to be clear.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier 
CAP:  
 
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action 
Taken:  
Reply on 10/30/2009: 1) The escape slings aren't blocked. The building is designed 
to have one exit at 8F. Due to the space limitations, the building does not have a 
second exit on that floor. Hence why the escape slings are used as alternative 
evacuation method. The factory trained workers to keep aisles and fires hose reels 
clear. 2) The fire-safety equipment is no longer blocked and all the workers will 
receive evacuation training this coming December.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Text:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: M. Chemical Management and Training  
H&S.13 All chemicals and hazardous substances shall be properly labeled and stored in accordance 
with applicable laws. Labels shall be placed in the local language and the language(s) spoken by 
workers, if different from the local language. Workers shall receive training, appropriate to their job 
responsibilities, concerning the hazards, risks and the safe use of chemicals and other hazardous 
substances. (S) 
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 7
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  There were no specific markings on two oil tanks in the stain removal room. The 
irons were not properly stored. The electrical cords for the irons were not properly 
contained and present a hazard for people walking by. Source: factory 
walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI sent the CAP report to the factory on 10/7/2009 and obtained the feedback 
from factory on 10/30/2009 about this issue. We will ensure the chemicals with 
proper label and stored in proper area without flammable substances. A follow up 
visit will be done in Spring 2010.  
Deadline 
Date:  
12/31/2009  
Supplier 
CAP:  
 
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action 
Taken:  
Reply from a factory representative on 10/30/2009: The two unknown tanks in the 
stain removal room are now labeled CH46. All the electrical cords for the irons are 
now stored away from the walking path. We have uploaded photos that can be 
reviewed by the FLA. For worker's safety, the factory has also trained workers 
about the knowledge of it.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Text:  
 
Action 
Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: Q. Ventilation/Electrical/Facility Installation and 
Maintenance  
H&S.17 All necessary ventilation, plumbing, electrical, noise and lighting services shall be installed 
and maintained to conform to applicable laws and in such a manner as to prevent or minimize 
hazardous conditions to workers in the facility. (S) 
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  No rubber mats were placed under the control panels to prevent electric shock. 
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 8
There were no yellow or red boxed areas to delineate hazards. The control panel 
was too close to workers working at cutting area. Sources: factory Walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI will ensure the factory have rubber mats on the control panel and keep proper 
distance between control panel and cutting section. Follow up visit will be done in 
Spring 2010.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier CAP:  
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
 
Action Taken: Reply from the factory on 10/30/2009: Rubber mats have been placed under the 
control panel areas. We have also uploaded photos which can be reviewed by the 
FLA.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified Text:  
 
Action 
Verified Date: 
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
Health and Safety: R. Machinery Maintenance and Worker Training  
H&S.18 All production machinery, equipment and tools shall be regularly maintained and properly 
guarded. Workers shall receive training in the proper use and safe operation of machinery, 
equipment and tools they use. Employers shall ensure safety instructions are either 
displayed/posted near all machinery or are readily accessible to the workers. (S)  
 
Audit Date  Audit Type  Audit Scope  Auditor  Score  
09/18/2009  External  
FLA 
Independent 
External 
Monitoring  
Global 
Standards  Noncompliance  
 
Explanation:  Most of sewing machines do not have safety guards to prevent injury. Some 
scissors are not bound to working table securely. Sources: factory walkthrough.  
Plan Of 
Action:  
HbI will ensure the health & safety manager monitors the workers place - the 
safety devices on machines when operating it. Also, we will encourage the factory 
to have regular training to employees about H&S.  
Deadline 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Supplier 
CAP:  
The factory strongly requires that sewing workers not remove the safety guards 
from sewing machines. The factory also requires them to keep their scissors bound 
to working tables. Workers must understand the safety procedures in the working 
area and how to protect themselves from injury.  
Supplier CAP 
Date:  
03/31/2010  
Action Reply from the factory representative on 10/30/2009: The workers have been 
720273142H – Taiwan: Hanesbrands 
 9
Taken:  trained the workers on machine safety and the correct use of protective devices. 
There is a also a photo which can be referred to when this audit is sent to the FLA 
for review.  
Plan 
Complete:  
 
Plan 
Complete 
Date:  
 
Action 
Verified:  
 
Action 
Verified Text: 
 
Action 
Verified 
Date:  
 
Comments:   
Confidential 
Comments:   
 
  
 


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Tracking Chart 2009 Hanesbrands, Taiwan

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