After a recent string of incidents, Samsung has finally acknowledged the potentially dangerous working conditions at its factories and the tragedies that have befallen several of its workers over the years. Back in 2010, it was reported that more than 20 employees at Samsung’s chipmaking facilities had been diagnosed with forms of cancer during their time on the job, eventually resulting in the deaths of several of the afflicted. Yonhap News reports that Samsung officially apologized for the incidents this week, promising compensation for the families who have suffered losses in the past.
“Several workers at our production facilities suffered from leukemia and other incurable diseases, which also lead to some deaths,” said Samsung CEO Kwon Oh-hyun. “We should have settled the issue earlier, and we are deeply heartbroken that we failed to do so and express our deep apology.”
Samsung plans to work with a third party to ensure the families receive the attention they deserve.
The apology comes just a month after a dispute with family members of Samsung employees and their representation over how the company would handle talks explaining the deaths occurring at its facilities. Concern over long-term exposure to dangerous chemicals has reached a fever pitch in recent years after the story of Hwang Yu-mi, a worker who died from leukemia in 2007, hit the news and subsequently inspired a crowdfunded film.
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