"Unionists Demand Action as Factory Extreme Heat Drives Workers to Collapse", 16 March 2026

... As Cambodia enters the dry season, rising temperatures are increasingly affecting working conditions in factories, where heat from machinery can intensify already high outdoor temperatures.

…, at least 73 workers have fainted during working hours ... in Kandal province, according to union representatives. Technical experts later found the building lacked adequate protection from sunlight and had poor airflow, leaving the factory without an effective cooling system.

Authorities ordered the factory to spray water on the rooftops as a temporary measure to reduce heat and instructed management to upgrade ventilation and cooling systems to ensure safer working conditions.

The incident follows another case ..., when a female worker ..., also in Kandal province, fainted and reportedly died soon afterward.

However, Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said the death was caused by a stroke and not heat-related factors…

Factories Hotter Than Outside

Factory floors often become far hotter than the outside temperature, as heat from production machinery builds up in poorly ventilated spaces.

To reduce risks during the dry season, the Ministry of Labour has instructed factories and enterprises to improve airflow and indoor air quality. Recommended measures include installing additional windows and fans and spraying water on rooftops twice daily to help lower indoor temperatures.

Union leaders say the problem is not the lack of guidance but weak enforcement.

Pang Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW), said stronger inspections are needed to ensure factories comply with safety standards…

Calls for Unannounced Inspections

Say Sokny, vice president of the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, echoed the call for stronger oversight.

She said many of the recent incidents could have been avoided with more consistent inspections and better workplace protections.

Sokny urged factory owners to install more effective cooling systems, ensure access to clean drinking water, and allow workers to take bathroom breaks without pressure from production targets…

Health Risks for Workers

Beyond heat and ventilation, Sokny also raised concerns about workers’ overall health. Many employees live on tight budgets and struggle to maintain nutritious diets, making them more vulnerable to fatigue and heat stress.

Poor food storage practices—such as meals packed in plastic bags—may also pose additional health risks in hot factory environments, she said…

Adapting to Rising Heat

Heatwaves in Cambodia have become more frequent in recent years, increasing risks for workers both indoors and outdoors. While ministry experts often visit factories after fainting incidents to take administrative action, long-term solutions require structural changes, experts say…