New York – US athletic apparel company Reebok on Monday released a report showing lax health and security conditions at two Indonesian factories producing its brand of athletic shoes.

The report, conducted between August 1998 and May 1999 at PT Done Joe Indonesia (DJI) and PT Tong Yang Indonesia (TYI) by a group of Indonesian consultants, showed that the factories emitted toxins and overexposed workers to noise, dust and ultra-violet radiation.

The factories took inadequate safety precautions and workers lacked sufficient knowledge about the risks of working with chemicals, according to the study.

Some 10,000 workers produce Reebok sneakers at the two factories. "Chemical mixing areas may not be safely ventilated, as workers reported rashes and headaches," the report said.

According to the report, other workers were "overexposed to solvent fumes, a matter requiring immediate ventilation improvements." Workers who complained about red tainted skin bought gloves for themselves to protect their arms, the report said.

Among 69 seated workers questioned for the report, a majority complained of muscle fatigue and back pain when questioned. The chairs they work from had no backs.

Since the findings were discovered, the two factories have installed more ergonomic chairs, including back-massaging chairs at one factory, and plan to order special gloves, masks and eye protection equipment as well. Reebok is also examining ways to improve the systems of ventilation in these two factories.

By releasing the report to the public, Reebok headed off the growing cacophony of human rights organizations which have criticized other US manufacturers for forcing low-wage workers in developing countries to work under uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous conditions.

"The knowledge we have gained from Peduli Hak (the report) will improve conditions for all the footwear factories we use," said Doug Cahn, vice president for Reebok's human rights programs. Peduli Hak means "caring for rights" in Indonesian. "By sharing the report broadly, we hope it can have a positive impact for the entire athletic footwear manufacturing industry."