Background
The Ministry of Environment reported findings from an inspection of SHI HAO HANDBAG CO., LTD., a handbag manufacturing factory located in Kandal province, after several workers experienced fainting incidents. According to ministry officials, the causes were linked to environmental conditions, particularly indoor air quality in the production building, where temperatures were recorded at 36.7°C, above the stated standard of below 30°C, together with poor ventilation and individual health factors. The ministry stated that these conditions could lead to breathing difficulty, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.
Scope of Application
The recommendations were addressed to the inspected company and also presented as guidance for other companies in Cambodia. The measures concern workplace environmental management in factory and enterprise settings, especially during the dry season and in production areas exposed to heat, limited ventilation, and chemical substances used in manufacturing.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The ministry advised factories and enterprises to implement major preventive measures in the following areas:
First, management of heat and ventilation in production buildings. Recommended actions included installing rooftop water-spraying systems to reduce solar heat absorption during the hottest hours of the day, installing cooling fans including water-spray cooling fans to help keep indoor temperatures below 30°C, placing insulation beneath roofs, and improving air circulation by increasing the number of fans to support sufficient air exchange and the release of airborne substances.
Second, management of chemical safety in production. The ministry recommended separating sources of volatile and odorous substances, including VOC-related activities, and storing or handling them in well-ventilated areas. It also advised separating glue application and solvent-cleaning areas from sewing and other key sections, and providing personal protective equipment, including carbon-filter masks, for workers handling glue and related solvents.
Third, health monitoring and worker protection. The ministry recommended appropriate shift arrangements and more flexible working time, or assignment to cooler areas, for workers observing fasting during Ramadan, in order to reduce dehydration and low blood sugar risks. The post also referred to the provision of water supply equipment for hydration.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This update provides an official ministry reference on practical environmental and occupational measures expected to reduce worker health incidents associated with heat, ventilation, and chemical exposure in factory settings. For manufacturers and factory operators, it is relevant as guidance on environmental conditions inside production facilities, the management of ventilation and heat control systems, and the separation and handling of chemical processes. The post does not state a new binding regulation, penalty, or formal enforcement measure, but it indicates the types of preventive actions ministry officials consider appropriate following inspection findings.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment Facebook post dated 11 March 2026, reporting inspection findings at SHI HAO HANDBAG CO., LTD. and setting out recommendations for factories and enterprises to prevent worker fainting during the dry season.
