An investigative report revealed on Thursday that a Chinese factory that supplies Apple Inc. with parts has been violating basic health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

In an itemized report released by China Labour Watch and Green America, the August investigation of a Catcher Technology plant in Suqian City revealed various violations committed by the Apple parts supplier. In response to the 25-page report, Apple claimed that the company regularly audits the plant and continuously works with the operators to improve the standards and enforce the most appropriate practices.

Like Us on Facebook

Based on the report, the plant's violations included locked safety exits, dumping of industrial waste into rivers, forced overtime, and lack of ventilation. In addition, investigators discovered aluminium-magnesium alloy shreddings on the floor and dust particles in the air, which are identified to possible cause health and fire safety risks.

In a statement released by the California-based tech giant, they reassured authorities and the public of their commitment to unremittingly comply with the guidelines. "Apple is committed to ensuring safe and fair working conditions for everyone in our supply chain," the statement indicated. "Our suppliers must live up to the toughest standards in the industry if they want to keep doing business with Apple. We know our work is never done, and we are devoted to constant improvement," it added.

An earlier investigation conducted by Labour Watch in the previous year revealed the same violations committed by the plant. According to investigators, the findings were privately disclosed to Apple with the goal of resolving the issues away from the public's attention. Nevertheless, an inspection conducted a year later produced the same results. Labour Watch inspectors noted that no evident improvement was made to address the earlier concerns. A follow-up inspection is said to have been scheduled next month, but Apple has already assured authorities of an immediate response. They said that a team has been dispatched to investigate and resolve the hazards or abuses enumerated in the report.

According to Green America campaigns director Elizabeth O'Connell, the inspectors regarded the health and safety violations discovered in the Catcher Technology plant are staggering. "The lack of safety training in this facility and improper handling of hazardous materials contributes to the risk of life-threatening emergencies," O'Connell described.  

Apart from Apple, Catcher Technology also supplies parts to other tech giants such as Sony, Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.

TagsApple Inc., sony, Motorola, Hewlett Packard, Dell, Catcher Technology, China Labour Watch, Green America, Suqian, Elizabeth O'Connell