KOSHA Winter Construction Site Safety Inspection... "Preventing Falls and Fire Accidents"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency conducted a safety inspection on the 4th at an apartment construction site in Incheon to prevent accidents at construction sites during the winter season.

Park Doo-yong, Chairman of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, and the inspection team focused on checking risk factors such as falls, fires, and suffocation, which are common in winter construction sites. They inspected the installation status of work platforms and safety railings to prevent fall accidents, as well as the use of personal protective equipment such as safety helmets and safety harnesses. To prevent fire accidents, they closely examined the isolation and removal of combustible materials, fire prevention equipment, and the safety status of facilities.

During winter, outdoor work and reduced physical activity at construction sites increase the likelihood of fall accidents, and the use of heating devices and welding work raises the risk of fire. Additionally, caution is required regarding suffocation accidents related to concrete curing and poisoning incidents caused by antifreeze agents used to prevent concrete from freezing.

Last winter season (December to February), 120 fatalities occurred at construction sites, with an average of 128 deaths annually. Among the types of accidents, falls were the most frequent.

After the safety inspection, the agency’s inspection team distributed hand warmers to prevent cold and urged workers to thoroughly protect their health and adhere to safety management. The safety inspection was conducted with a minimized number of inspectors and in compliance with government quarantine guidelines such as wearing masks, in response to the COVID-19 situation.

Park Doo-yong, Chairman of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, stated, "Employers should properly install and inspect work platforms and safety railings, and workers should comply with basic safety rules such as wearing protective gear like safety helmets and safety harnesses, to ensure thorough prevention of fatal accidents at construction sites during winter."

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