Oct 04, 2023 16:00:00

It is clear that the iPhone factory in India was a very dangerous environment for the health of workers

Foxconn , an electronics manufacturing company headquartered in Taiwan, is known for contracting iPhone production from Apple. Foxconn has been expanding its iPhone production base not only in China but also in India since 2019, but the iPhone factory in India operated by Foxconn has been experiencing health and safety issues for workers. It has been reported.

Indian iPhone plant found 'highly hazardous' to worker health
https://9to5mac.com/2023/10/03/indian-iphone-plant/

In December 2021, approximately 2,000 female employees held a protest at an iPhone manufacturing factory operated by Foxconn near

Chennai in southern India. The protests were sparked by a large-scale outbreak of food poisoning in a dormitory where female employees lived. In response to this situation, Apple dispatched its own inspectors to the factory and dormitory. The investigation confirmed that some dormitories and dining rooms did not meet the required standards. Apple then temporarily closed the Foxconn factory in question.

Reports of poor conditions at the iPhone manufacturing factory employee dormitory include ``more than 150 people hospitalized due to food poisoning'' and ``30 people crammed into one room'' - GIGAZINE

A subsequent investigation reported problems such as ``the dormitory where female employees live did not have flush toilets'' and ``the food provided was full of insects and was unsanitary.''

In addition, in response to protests by employees, not only Apple but also at least four government agencies, including the Tamil Nadu Occupational Safety and Health Bureau, have dispatched inspectors to the factory. A published investigative report showed numerous safety violations within the iPhone production factory.

The reported findings found that employees who soldered iPhone components were not provided with safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, or respiratory protection . It was also reported that the area where the soldering work was taking place did not have an adequate ventilation system to prevent the build-up of toxic gases. The inspectors said, ``The soldering process carried out in this factory may have a negative impact on the health of workers.''

Additionally, employees were not provided with appropriate goggles to protect their eyes from excessive light and infrared radiation; 77 machines lacked safety mechanisms during machine operation; It was reported that in 262 cases, guards to avoid employee accidents were missing.

Additionally, six large industrial ovens used to attach small electronic components to iPhone circuit boards were not tested by experts before being put into operation.

It has been reported that an iPhone production factory in India had problems not only with the working environment but also with working hours. According to overseas media outlet 9to5Mac, employees at an iPhone production factory in India are not only working excessive hours that ignore state laws and Apple's code of conduct, but employees are also being denied sick pay by Foxconn. It is said that he was unable to take paid leave.

Meanwhile, Foxconn reported, ``This is 2021, and we have since taken action and addressed all issues raised.'' Apple also said, ``The issue at Foxconn was reported in December 2021. Since then, Foxconn and we have worked to significantly improve the working environment during the factory closure period.''