A Chinese factory that provides parts to Apple, Dell and other tech giants has been accused of violating safety conventions and workers' rights.
A report by non-profit China Labor Watch and Green America alleged that labourers were exposed to toxic chemicals, given inadequate training, and made to pay for drinking water in their living quarters, the BBC reported.
The plant employs about 20,000 people. Apple said it had dispatched a team to China to investigate the report.
The facility in the eastern city of Suqian is run by Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese firm which has manufactured some iPad and Macbook components and its website indicates that it has worked with Motorola, LG, Samsung, Sony and Dell too.
Responding to the report, an Apple spokesman said the firm is committed to ensuring safe and fair working conditions and as a result of the quarterly fire safety inspections.
