In a globalized world where markets are boundaryless, can companies and consumers alike continue to claim ignorance to tragedies like that of the garment factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed over 1,100 people?

Bangladesh’s garment sector contributes roughly $19 billion in revenue to the global economy and employs nearly 4 million workers, mostly women. But after recent factory inspections, “as many as 300 factories may be unsafe,” according to CBS News.

Multinational companies espouse social responsibility but have failed to implement reforms, further making the point that real change needs to occur to address the lack of accountability.

In the wake of the collapse of the nine-story Rana Plaza complex in Bangladesh, multinational companies are scrambling to provide the best humanitarian solutions that will placate would-be shoppers.

One example is Abercrombie & Fitch, which was one of two U.S. companies to sign the accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh that demands a five-year commitment from participating retailers to conduct independent safety inspections of factories.

H & M and Abercrombie have joined 43 other brands and retailers worldwide to pay up to $500,000 per year toward safety improvements for their manufacturing companies in Bangladesh.

“We recognize the commitment that these companies are making towards ending the cycle of factory disasters in Bangladesh,” said UNI Global Union Gen. Secretary Jyrki Raina at a press conference. “We call on all other global brands sourcing from Bangladesh to join us in making sure that every garment worker in Bangladesh can work in safety.”

While Abercrombie has signed on, major retailers like Macy’s, GAP, and even Wal-Mart have decided not to participate in the accord.

American retailers should be more responsive to the increasing need for reforms in overseas factories, which should not emerge out of crisis management, or the need to manage public relations.

Since multinational corporations are constantly pressuring suppliers for cost cutting measures, workers most often find conditions getting worse instead of better.

The race to the bottom for low wages has caused workers in these factories from earning a living wage, as countries frequently set a very low minimum wage in order to attract companies.

Wal-Mart is one of the best examples of this, as they recently received an F rating from Co-op America’s Retailer Scorecard, which measures major discount and retail stores that have the biggest problems with sweatshops in their supply chains.

The main reason is its continual refusal to deal with its labor problems here and abroad and its legendary contracts that force prices down each year.

A massive factory disaster should not be the stepping-stone for companies to lay claim to factory inspections and reforms.

The problem with only reforming by crisis is that it tends to become a publicity extravaganza, in which companies try to expound the greatest plan but seldom follow through with measures of accountability.