The report describes cases of methanol poisoning in third-tier suppliers for Samsung and LG Electronics in South Korea. The authors argue that lead companies such as Samsung and LG should recognize their responsibility and come to a social dialogue with the victims and civil society organizations.
The report reveals that at least six workers, who worked at a manufacturer of cell phone parts for Samsung and LG, developed acute methanol poisoning in the period of January 2015 to February 2016. Methanol is toxic and damages optic nerves. The victims haven’t received any compensation and the lead companies deny responsibility.
It is an edited and translated version of the research report titled “Follow-up study on the acute methanol poisoning victims in cell phone manufacturing subcontractors with recommendations for improvement.” The report is written by Solidarity for Worker’s Health (SWH), Korean House for International Solidarity (KHIS) and Korean Lawyers for Public interest and Human Rights (KLPH). It is supported by the GoodElectronics Network and received financial assistance of the European Union.
During the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) the report was distributed. During the same session, a victim of methanol poisoning, who lost his vision and suffered brain damage, testified before the UN.
Read the report here.
