Hundreds of Cambodian garment workers faint More than 200 Cambodian garment workers have been hospitalised after episodes of mass fainting at three factories, highlighting problems within an industry that is critical to the kingdoms fledgling economy. The three factories make clothes for brands such as sportswear giants Puma SE and Adidas. Puma and Adidas said they were investigating the incidents and would respond soon, a Reuters news agency report said. Tainted food, poor working conditions and the spraying of insecticide are suspected causes, AFP news agency reported, citing Khim Sunsoda, deputy governor of Pur Senchey district, where the incidents happened. We dont know why but one worker was sick and others just saw them and began to collapse, district police chief Khem Saran told Reuters. About 650,000 workers form the backbone of Cambodias garment industry, which draws in more than $5bn a year in revenue and is a key source of income for the breadwinners of impoverished families in the countryside. Poor conditions Mass fainting is common in Cambodia, which has become an important manufacturing centre for many high street fashion brands including Gap, Nike, H&M and Marks & Spencer. Garment makers have often complained of poor ventilation, strong chemicals and the use of potent glue for footwear, although official investigations in recent years have been largely inconclusive. It was hot and I began to vomit, I had diarrhoea and others had the same problems, said Nguon Sarith, 30, who was attached to an intravenous drip at a hospital in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. She said she did not know the cause.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 16:24:54 +0000
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