President Moon: "Construction Site Deaths, Typical Developing Country-Type Accidents... Embarrassing"

President Moon Jae-in is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on the morning of the 17th. 2020.11.17 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 17th, "The total number of industrial accident deaths is gradually decreasing, but the pace is not as fast as expected," adding, "Sixty percent of deaths at construction sites are due to falls. It is a typical developing country-type accident and is very shameful, but it reflects the current state of our industrial safety."

President Moon presided over the Cabinet meeting at the Blue House that morning and said in his opening remarks, "Workers still lose their precious lives due to industrial accidents at workplaces. It is a very regrettable matter."

He especially pointed out, "Seventy-five percent of fall accidents at construction sites occur at small and medium-sized construction sites," explaining, "This is because safety management is neglected and investment in safety equipment is insufficient compared to large-scale construction sites."

Then President Moon said, "The answer lies where the problem exists," and urged, "On this occasion, the government should have a strong will to drastically reduce deaths at construction sites." He continued, "If necessary, increase the number of industrial safety inspectors, establish an organization dedicated to supervising safety at construction sites to closely manage small and medium-sized construction sites, and ensure that high-risk work sites such as high-altitude tasks with fall hazards are reported. Together with local governments, establish a permanent on-site inspection system."

He also said, "Necessary support such as budget and manpower should not be spared," expressing hope that "With a few years of concentrated effort, a culture that values safety can be established."

Addressing the Cabinet members, President Moon said, "Nothing is more precious than life," and urged, "Please keep in mind that a labor-respecting society begins with protecting workers' right to work safely." He reiterated, "It is time to break free from the dishonor of being among the top ranks in industrial accident death rates among OECD countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.