A 22-year-old pregnant worker from Shuang Li (Cambodia) Garment Co Ltd in Svay Rieng province died on Wednesday after fainting while waiting for a truck to take her home, according to the National Social Security Fund.
A statement on the NSSF’s official Facebook page identified the worker as Dam Noy, who collapsed in front of the Santong Sanel Special Economic Zone.
The woman was transported to Chiphou Health Centre, where her family picked up her body, according to the statement.
The NSSF paid 4 million riel (about $1,000) to the family, among other benefits in accordance to the agency’s rules.
Chhorn Norin, administrative director of the provincial NSSF, on Thursday confirmed the worker died from a “syncope issue”. Syncope is often brought on by low blood pressure.
However, Norin wasn’t able to confirm further details as officials are still investigating. “We need an investigation at the factory, [and with the] worker’s representative and union,” he said. “I’ve sent an NSSF official to the worker’s village to get more information and will report more details for an update after the official report is sent to us.”
The worker’s husband, Yao Pheareak, 22, said his three-months-pregnant wife died before arriving at the health centre. He said he didn’t know what caused her death, as she had previously only complained of feeling tired after work.
Faintings are common among factory workers in Cambodia, though victims typically recover within a day or two.
