More than 70 workers fainted over three days at a garment factory in Kompong Speu province after complaining of difficulty breathing, a unionist and employee said Monday.
The faintings on Friday, Saturday and on Monday at the Macox Manufacturing Co. Ltd. factory in Kong Pisei district’s Raka Koh commune occurred as a result of poor working conditions, said Soy Chanto, a representative of the Free Trade Union.
“Before the faintings, the workers had difficulty breathing, felt hot and had no energy,” he said.
“There is not enough oxygen because some clothing items have blocked the [ventilation] fan.”
Hay Kimchhay, a 30-year-old worker who fainted, blamed the heat and inadequate food. “
I found it difficult to breathe…it was so hot in the factory, and the food provided by the factory is very little,” she said.
Men Ret, a doctor from the nearby Thnol Toteung clinic who treated workers, said some of the workers were suffering from low blood-sugar levels.
Factory managers could not be reached for comment.
