Ministry of Employment, Construction Site 'Thawing Season Safety Inspection'... "Legal Action if Violations Confirmed"

Director to be given a 1-2 week guidance period before inspection
Unannounced inspections... Legal action and administrative orders if violations occur

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 24th that from the 25th of this month to the 31st of next month, it will conduct industrial safety inspections targeting construction sites nationwide during the thawing season.

This inspection focuses on safety measures against vulnerable factors that are likely to occur during the thawing season, when construction delayed in winter accelerates, such as ground, soil, and temporary structure collapses, as well as fires and explosions caused by welding work.

It will primarily check the implementation of the three key safety measures to prevent fatal accidents at construction sites: fall prevention, entrapment prevention, and wearing protective gear.

Before the inspection, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to provide a 1-2 week guidance period. It will encourage both primary and subcontractors to conduct self-inspections together and provide prior education to site managers on thawing season accident cases and preventive measures.

Major Risks and Inspection Items During the Thawing Period (Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor)

After the guidance period, surprise inspections will be conducted according to the inspection plans prepared by the local offices of the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

In particular, sites with risks of ground subsidence or collapse, high-rise construction sites with high fall risks, and sites with poor safety facilities will be inspected without prior notice.

If any violations are found, strict legal actions will be taken. Administrative orders will also be issued concurrently to ensure prompt improvements.

COVID-19 Prevention and Spread Control Workplace Infection Prevention Guidelines. (Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor)

Additionally, as part of the 'Strengthened Management Measures for COVID-19 Vulnerable Workplaces' effective until the 2nd of next month, COVID-19 prevention guidelines will be enforced at construction sites. Violating workplaces will be reported to the responsible local governments.

Park Youngman, Director of the Industrial Accident Prevention and Compensation Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, emphasized, "During the guidance period before the inspection, primary and subcontractors should work together to identify and improve risk factors to create a safe working environment."

Director Park also urged, "Construction sites are no exception to COVID-19 risks, so special efforts should be made for preventive measures."

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