In 2013, a large building in Dakar, Bangladesh that housed several garment factories collapsed. The collapse killed more than 1,000 workers and injured many more who worked in these factories to sew clothing. The clothing produced in the factories was intended for the big western brands, such as Primark or KiK. The factories were operated by local companies that served as independent suppliers contracting with the big brands. As cracks were observed in the building structure a few days before the accident, it became clear that the factory collapse was (also) caused by insufficient safety measures and building maintenance. In the wake of the disaster, several bereaved and injured families have filed complaints not only in Bangladesh against the factory owners, but also against major buying companies in Europe and North America. They argued that these buyers were at least partially responsible for the disaster because they failed to adequately secure the building.

Can you also advise employees whether they can rely on the code of conduct to incur the employer's civil tort and/or contractual liability?