Busan Regional Headquarters of KOSHA Holds Foreign Safety Leader Launch Ceremony

Strengthening Prevention of Industrial Accidents Among Foreign Workers
Expanding On-Site Support to Overcome Language Barriers

The Busan Regional Headquarters of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency announced on the 22nd that it had held the "Foreign Safety Leader Launch Ceremony" at the Haeundae Central Hotel, officially beginning activities to prevent industrial accidents among foreign workers.

The event was attended by 57 foreign safety leaders from 12 countries, including Vietnam, China, Uzbekistan, and Nepal, who are active in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions. At the ceremony, they were presented with letters of appointment and badges, followed by a speech from a representative safety leader and training sessions to prepare for their future activities.

As of 2024, the number of foreign workers nationwide has surpassed 500,000, but due to insufficient safety and health education and language barriers, they remain vulnerable to industrial accidents. In fact, last year alone, 114 foreign workers lost their lives in work-related accidents, highlighting the urgent need for a more systematic safety management and information delivery system.

In response, the agency has introduced and operates the "Foreign Safety Leader" system to effectively communicate safety and health information to foreign workers. This year, a total of 57 leaders were selected in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions.

These leaders will carry out activities to prevent industrial accidents, such as interpreting safety and health education and translating materials for foreign workers at workplaces and in local communities. The agency plans to provide incentives, including awards for outstanding participants, opportunities for professional safety and health instructor training, as well as additional points for the employment permit system and preferential financial treatment for participating workplaces.

Jongdeuk Jeong, Head of the Busan Regional Headquarters, stated, "Foreign safety leaders are key personnel who deliver safety and health information beyond language and cultural barriers," adding, "We will actively support them so that they can make a real contribution to protecting foreign workers in the region and fostering a culture of safety in workplaces."

The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency Busan Headquarters held the 'Foreign Safety Leaders Launch Ceremony' on the 22nd at the Haeundae Central Hotel and took a commemorative photo.

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