WASHINGTON: Apple has agreed to throw open its doors to labor monitors after a spate of suicides at the firm's Chinese plants, a rights group said Friday.

The Fair Labor Association said Apple will let it "independently assess facilities in Apple's supply chain and report detailed findings," which will be posted on the association's website.

In 2010 Apple, maker of hit products like the iPhone and iPad, was accused of abetting poor worker conditions after a rash of worker suicides at the Chinese factory of Foxconn, one of its main iPhone suppliers.

The late Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, was forced to deny that the company supported worker-abusing "sweatshops."

Apple said it was the first technology company to subscribe to the association's standards throughout its chain of suppliers.

"We're extremely proud," said Jeff Williams, Apple senior vice president of operations.

"Last year we performed more than 200 audits at our suppliers' facilities around the world. With the benefit of the FLA's experience and expertise, we will continue to drive improvements for workers and provide even greater transparency into our supply chain."