Report References to occupational exposures Odebrecht) Oxygen and gas are pumped through a device that creates a 1500ºC flame that can cut through steel coated with paints that contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals. Reports also indicate that workers do not use necessary protective clothing, some moving with bare feet and sandals in the tidal mudflat used as the dismantling area. Most workers live in unhealthy conditions in wood and sheet metal shacks right next to the walls of the shipyard. Coughs, headache and breathing problems are reported among workers in dismantling yards in the same area in Bangladesh. (2018) “Electronics Industry”: Government of the People’s Republic of China, Government of the United States of America, and 2 companies (Catcher Technology Co. Ltd. and Apple Inc.) (2018) Challenges faced by workers those most at risk • Informal economy • Deliberate efforts to delay or obstruct protection from toxic exposure Apart from highlighting the poor working conditions of the workers, this issue also exhibited the challenges in realizing the right to decent work, including transfer of hazardous work to developing countries, exploitation of those most at risk (migrant workers), capitalizing on the informal sector to skirt international obligations, as well as what may amount to deliberate efforts by business enterprises to delay or obstruct protection from toxic exposure of workers. • Opaque supply chains and the transfer of hazardous work In May 2018, the Special Rapporteur and others brought to the attention of the Government of the People’s Republic of China information received concerning the alleged unsafe working conditions at Catcher Technology’s factory in Suqian, northern Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China, and the implications for the human rights of the affected workers. A similar communication was also addressed to the Government of the USA and two companies: Catcher Technology Co Ltd and Apple Inc. At the time of drafting this report, there were no responses received from the Governments regarding the allegations. • Inadequate standards of protection • Opaque supply chains and the transfer of hazardous work • Limited progress in prevention of exposure • Failures to realize the right to information • Inaccessible remedies, justice and accountability Catcher Technology Co Ltd. (Catcher), headquartered in Taiwan, Province of China, is a world leader in the light metal industry, specializing in notebook computers, digital cameras, and disc drives. Catcher manufactures products for many well-known consumer electronics companies including Apple Inc. (Apple), an American technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, United States of America. This communication highlighted various challenges faced by workers in relation to their health and exposure to hazardous substances and wastes including: The exposure of workers to hazardous substances and polluted indoor air: On 25 May 2017, an incident of toxic gas poisoning at the A6 workshop of the factory resulted in the hospitalization of 90 workers, with five workers admitted to intensive care. An investigation conducted by the Administrative Committee of the Suzhou-Suqian Industrial Park confirmed that poisonous gas permeated throughout the workshop, triggering adverse reactions among operator personnel. In addition, there is severe indoor air pollution at the factory, with some workers suffering from respiratory illnesses as a result. 59 A/HRC/39/48 Workers are at risk of other health and safety hazards: The surface of the factory floor is often covered in oil, resulting in instances of workers slipping and falling. In addition, workers at the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining workshop of the factory are exposed to excessive loud noise, placing them at risk of irreversible hearing loss. In addition, the main door of the CNC machining workshop only opens 30 cm wide, posing a safety hazard, particularly in case of emergencies.