Product Liability: flawed inspections of factories abroad challenge product safety and worker protection

To assure the safety and the quality of their products manufactured abroad, Western companies are relying on factory inspections conducted by external monitoring companies. Audits not only monitor timing and quality of the production before it is shipped abroad but also make sure that working hours, compensation, management practices and health and safety are adequate so workers are protected and big companies can project a good corporate image to their consumers.
An extensive investigation by Stephanie Clifford and Steven Greenhouse from the New York Times, reveals that the inspection system intended to protect workers and make product safer is riddled by flaws.