In the first half of this year, the number of workers who lost their lives due to fires and explosions in industrial workplaces has doubled compared to last year. This increase is largely attributed to a series of major fire and explosion incidents in manufacturing facilities in Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province. In response, the government is set to conduct focused inspections of workplaces nationwide ahead of the winter season.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on October 18 that it will operate a self-inspection period from October 19 to 30, followed by a 'Focused Inspection for Fire and Explosion Accident Prevention' targeting high-risk workplaces from November 2 to 13. These inspections will focus on preventing the spread of sparks and flames during fire-risk operations such as welding and cutting, as well as accidents caused by flammable gases and static electricity.
Specifically, inspectors will verify the implementation of four key safety measures: measures to prevent the spread of sparks and flames, gas concentration measurement and ventilation, suppression and elimination of static electricity, and ensuring fire-fighting equipment and emergency exits are available. The presence of fire watchers during fire-risk operations will also be checked.
The government's initiative to prevent fire and explosion accidents comes in light of a significant increase in casualties from related incidents in industrial settings. According to the Labor Ministry, the total number of fatalities from accidents under investigation decreased in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. However, deaths from fire and explosion incidents rose from 16 to 32 during the same timeframe, marking a twofold increase.
Notably, the manufacturing sector saw a sharp rise in fatalities from fire and explosion incidents, with deaths increasing from four in the first half of last year to nine this year, a 125% increase.
Several major incidents with significant casualties have occurred recently. In March, a fire at a safety equipment factory in Daejeon resulted in the deaths of 14 workers. In June, an explosion at Hanwha Aerospace in Daejeon claimed five lives, and in August, a fire at the Daewon Industrial factory in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, resulted in three fatalities.
Previously, labor authorities conducted emergency inspections at 1,000 high-risk workplaces in construction and manufacturing following the safety equipment factory fire. Key inspection items included safe storage of flammable materials, prevention of spark spread during hot work, and ensuring emergency exits are accessible.
Before the comprehensive inspections begin, the Labor Ministry plans to allow workplaces about two weeks to identify and address potential hazards. Each workplace is expected to utilize the 'Fire and Explosion Accident Prevention Self-Inspection Checklist' and safety guidelines provided by the government to assess risks related to sparks, flammable gases, and static electricity.
During the focused inspections in November, the results of the self-inspections and actual improvements will be verified, along with compliance with safety measures. Directors of 49 local offices will also conduct unannounced inspections at industrial sites. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will identify fire and explosion hazards through patrol inspections and technical guidance.
If any violations of regulations are found during the inspections, the Labor Ministry plans to impose fines and require corrective actions, with strict measures against workplaces that fail to comply.
Ryu Hyun-cheol, head of the Ministry's Industrial Safety and Health Bureau, stated, "Fire and explosions can lead to large-scale accidents affecting many workers, so identifying and eliminating hazards before an incident occurs is the best and strongest safety measure. Workplaces should thoroughly check for risks related to sparks, flammable gases, and static electricity, as well as fire-fighting equipment and emergency exits during the self-inspection period, and make necessary improvements before the focused inspections."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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