QUEENSLAND-based Ergon Energy has recalled new flame retardant uniforms after workers reported health problems caused by the clothing.
14,000 employee uniforms were recalled after 178 workers claim they were getting headaches and rashes. Others say wives ironing their clothes vomited because of strong fumes.
According to the company, CSIRO tests found overly high levels of formaldehyde and methyl chloride, even though Ergon had done considerable prior research on the compounds and technology used in the flame-retardant clothing.
The uniforms were made in China but were supplied by Noble Agencies, which is a subsidiary of Australian group Jeminex.
Noble says it is working to resolve the issue, and claims the Chinese manufacturer was a trusted and long-term business partner with good quality control processes.