Samsung has apologized and promised compensation to workers who contracted leukemia and other “difficult-to-treat” diseases while working in its manufacturing facilities. The move comes after a pressure group revealed at least 26 workers in two plants had been diagnosed with blood cancer, 10 of whom have died.

The health risks associated with working in Samsung plants was recently highlighted in Another Promise, a crowd-funded Korean film that tells the real-life story of a worker who contracted a rare form of leukemia while working at the South Korean company’s Jinsung factory.

Samsung CEO Kwon Oh-hyun has since issued a “deep apology” to affected workers and promised that compensation will be made to former employees battling illnesses, and the families of those who have now passed away.

Some of Samsung’s former employees have passed away after contracting leukemia or are coping with difficult-to-treat diseases after having worked at our manufacturing facility,” a Samsung spokesperson admitted in a statement to CNET.

“We could have been more diligent in addressing the hardship and sorrow of former employees and the families of the deceased… we will make due compensation for former employees battling illness and the families of the deceased.”

A report from Supporters for the Health And Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry (SHARPS) claims that the suits worn by Samsung workers are designed to protect products rather than employees, who are often exposed to harmful chemicals and rays.

SHARPS found at least 26 works from Samsung’s Gi-heung and On-Yang plants have contracted blood cancer.

Samsung has promised to evaluate the working conditions in its factories, and it will set up an independent group to investigate the cases of sick workers and agree their compensation.

• ViaCNET