Deceased Seoul National University Cleaning Worker Had Only 7 Days Off During 12-Week Leave

Labor Attorney Kwon Dong-hee: "Work-Related Injury Is Clear"... Bereaved Family Applies for Industrial Accident Compensation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] An investigation revealed that Mr. Lee (59), a cleaning worker at Seoul National University who died in June, was overburdened with work, having only 7 days off in the 12 weeks before his death.

On the 29th, labor attorney Kwon Dong-hee, representing the bereaved family, announced the results of an analysis of materials related to the deceased Mr. Lee and testimonies from his colleagues, stating, "The primary cause of the deceased's death lies in the excessive workload of cleaning work at Seoul National University."

According to attorney Kwon, Mr. Lee was responsible for the aging Gwanak Student Dormitory (Building 925), cleaning restrooms, study rooms, shower rooms, and handling complaints, enduring high-intensity work.

Mr. Lee suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome due to cleaning mold and water stains on the shower room ceiling, but since the building had no elevator, he was found to have carried more than four 100ℓ garbage bags outside the building daily.

In a field investigation conducted earlier on August 27, attorney Kwon judged that Mr. Lee’s average daily garbage disposal amount was close to the industrial accident recognition standard of 250 kg.

Additionally, Mr. Lee worked 13 consecutive days from April 11 to April 23, followed by 10 days from April 25 to May 4, 13 days from May 6 to May 18, and 17 days from May 20 to June 5.

In the 12 weeks before Mr. Lee died of acute myocardial infarction rupture, he had only 7 days off.

Attorney Kwon said, "The deceased’s workload was excessively above the normal level, and he worked seven days a week for five weeks before the onset. Considering comprehensively that the deceased had no pre-existing conditions, it is clear that the work caused physical and mental burdens constituting an occupational injury."

Mr. Lee was found dead on June 26 in the break room for cleaning workers at the Seoul National University dormitory. It is presumed that he died while resting during the day, and he was known to have no chronic illnesses.

Based on the investigation results, the bereaved family and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ National Democratic General Federation plan to apply for industrial accident compensation at the Gwanak branch of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service on the 30th.

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