Hanwha Ocean: "Disciplinary Action for Safety Regulation Violations... Union's Withdrawal Demands Unacceptable"

Serious Injuries from Crane Accidents in February and March
Three Employees Suspended for One Month and Other Disciplinary Actions
Company: "Cannot Accept Union's Demand to Withdraw Disciplinary Actions"

Hanwha Ocean has stated that disciplinary action against those who violated safety regulations at its Geoje facility following recent safety incidents was an unavoidable measure. In response to the labor union's demands to withdraw the disciplinary measures and their protests, the company drew a firm line, saying, "We cannot accept any demands that may compromise our safety principles."

Hanwha Ocean Geoje Shipyard. Photo by Yonhap News

According to Hanwha Ocean, two incidents that could have led to serious industrial accidents occurred at the Geoje facility on February 26 and March 3. In February, while moving a service tower using a traveling tower crane, the upper part of the crane collided with the service tower, causing a worker on top to fall. Subsequently, in March, during the unloading of scaffolding materials at Dock 1, a belt caught on a vessel structure snapped, causing materials to fall and injure two workers.

The company explained that a joint investigation by management, labor, and relevant authorities found that on-site personnel violated standard crane signaling procedures and failed to properly enforce safety controls. The causes of the accidents were identified as poor safety management, including not sharing crane movement routes or checking whether workers entered hazardous areas.

Hanwha Ocean specifically pointed out that, although there was a foreseeable collision risk due to temporarily placing an 8.3-meter-high service tower in the path of a 6.3-meter-high traveling crane, this hazard was not communicated among the workers.

As a result of these incidents, some victims reportedly suffered serious injuries and are still undergoing rehabilitation. The company stated, "There are victims who have been assessed with almost 100% loss of work capacity," adding, "They are in a situation where maintaining a normal livelihood is extremely difficult."

Hanwha Ocean convened a personnel subcommittee regarding the accidents and decided to suspend three employees for one month, as they directly contributed to the incidents by violating safety regulations. In addition, the crane operator, foremen, and team leaders received formal reprimands and warnings. The company emphasized, "These are the minimum safety measures required under the collective bargaining agreement and employment rules."

On the other hand, the Hanwha Ocean chapter of the Metal Workers' Union is protesting and demanding that the disciplinary actions be withdrawn. According to the company, on April 28, union members entered the manufacturing executive's office and took laptops, tablet PCs, telephones, chairs, and other items, and a police investigation is currently underway. The union is also staging loudspeaker protests and putting up banners in front of Hanwha Group's headquarters in Janggyo-dong, Seoul.

Hanwha Ocean stated, "We put the highest priority on safety in our management," and added, "Disciplinary action for injuring colleagues by violating safety regulations is the minimum necessary measure to protect industrial safety."

The company continued, "The union is also an important member that should take the lead in insisting on compliance with safety rules to protect their colleagues' safety. Demanding the withdrawal of disciplinary actions by engaging in conduct that goes beyond the rules, regardless of who was involved in the incident, cannot be justified."

Hanwha Ocean explained that, starting in 2024, it has been making safety investments totaling approximately 1.9 trillion won to strengthen safety. The company has replaced 24 cranes and 170 aerial work platforms and has provided an additional 10.8 billion won in support over three years to enhance the safety of partner companies. In addition, Hanwha Ocean is conducting consulting with global safety culture consultancy JMJ and safety management system certification body DNV.

A company representative stated, "An unsafe shipyard cannot win orders from global clients," and added, "We will not yield to any coercion or pressure that endangers the lives and safety of our employees."

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