Busan Office of Education Steps Up Efforts to Prevent Industrial Accidents Among School Meal Workers

by Jo Chunghyeon

Published 08 Oct.2024 10:19(KST)

Updated 02 Aug.2025 20:00(KST)

Expansion of Automated Cooking Equipment, Introduction of Cooking Robots

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education is taking proactive measures to prevent industrial accidents and reduce labor intensity.

In 2023, the number of musculoskeletal disorder cases among school meal service workers in Busan was eight, which is lower than the national average (about 13 cases). The number of industrial accident cases was also 62, significantly lower than the national average (about 100 cases).

According to the groundbreaking policy for improving the working environment of school meal service workers led by Superintendent Ha Yoonsoo in the fifth popularly elected administration, the office will add 100 new staff members annually for three years starting in 2024, totaling 300 additional personnel. This will raise the staffing standard for meal service workers above the metropolitan city average. The office will also promote modernization and improvement of kitchen ventilation systems to upgrade school kitchens.

Additionally, to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and reduce labor caused by repetitive tasks, automated cooking equipment such as the 'automatic stirring pot,' which stirs ingredients automatically during soup and stir-fry preparation, will be introduced on a pilot basis at three schools this year. Next year, the program will be expanded to 13 schools.

Meal service workers will be able to apply for substitute personnel in cases of urgent sick leave or other emergencies, allowing them to take leave with peace of mind. The office is also actively considering the 'substitute personnel hub system pilot program' to ensure stable school meal operations.

To prevent musculoskeletal disorders in advance, the office is running a pilot project to reduce the weight of gratings (drain covers for large pots), which are among the heaviest items handled in meal service work. Depending on the results, the project will be expanded to more locations.

To protect meal service workers from fine dust, fumes, and burns that may occur during cooking, kitchen robots will be introduced in school kitchens starting in 2025.

Superintendent Ha Yoonsoo stated, "We will continue to develop comprehensive policies to create a safer working environment and reduce labor intensity for school meal service workers."

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education.