SYDNEY - AN Australian power company said on Monday that it had withdrawn more than 3,000 Chinese-made protective uniforms after staff complained of skin irritations.
'The health and safety of our staff has always been our priority. There will be none in the field from close of business today,' Ergon Energy said in a statement.
The Electrical Trades Union said more than 250 Ergon Energy workers had broken out in rashes and some had vomited after wearing the flame-retardant suits.
'As soon as staff reported skin irritations we advised them to seek medical advice,' said Ergon.
'We immediately had the uniforms sent for independent scientific testing and advised the suppliers to do the same. Testing initiated by Ergon Energy has so far proved inconclusive...'
Chinese manufacturers have been hit by a series of product recalls in the past year, involving millions of toys, cell phones and food products.
The recalls prompted China to strengthen product controls, audit manufacturers, and revoke the export licence of 701 companies in the toy sector, an EU-commissioned report said in June. -- REUTERS
