University of Washington apparel licensees who source, produce or purchase merchandise in Bangladesh are now required to become signatories to The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh. The accord is an international industry response to safety issues in Bangladesh factories, including fires and building collapses over the past three years that have led to the deaths of thousands of Bangladeshi workers. Companies signing the accord pledge to contribute to a fund to pay for independent safety inspections and building repairs and renovations to maintain safety standards.