Three Dead or Injured in Aerial Work Platform Accident... Damyang Factory Executives Receive Suspended Sentences

Two Foreign Workers Killed in Accident
Company Fined KRW 120 Million

The CEO and a director of a manufacturing plant have received suspended prison sentences after an accident caused by negligence in safety management resulted in the overturning of an aerial work platform, leaving two workers dead and one injured.

On May 13, Presiding Judge Jeong Gyo-hyung of the Gwangju District Court’s Criminal Division 1 announced that he had sentenced Mr. A, the CEO of a window manufacturing plant in Damyang, South Jeolla Province, to one year and two months in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (industrial accident resulting in death) and other charges. Director B was sentenced to one year in prison, also suspended for two years. The company itself was fined KRW 120 million.

The two were indicted on charges of causing an accident by neglecting safety management duties at their plant in Damyang County at approximately 5:55 p.m. on October 1, 2024, which led to the overturning of an aerial work platform. The incident caused the deaths of two workers, including a Filipino national in his 40s, and injured another worker.

Investigations revealed that the company failed to prepare a work plan and had instructed workers to ride on a forklift—intended only for cargo loading and unloading—against safety regulations. At the time of the accident, the workers were standing on the aerial work platform, heading toward the roof to install a sunshade, when the platform overturned while being elevated, causing them to fall 7 to 8 meters below.

During the trial, the defendants fully admitted to the charges and expressed deep remorse. They appealed for leniency by emphasizing their efforts to prevent recurrence, including prioritizing the safety budget even amid a downturn in the construction industry, implementing a safety-oriented system, and conducting regular risk assessments.

The court stated, "Two victims died and one suffered fractures, which are grave consequences, and the degree of negligence and breach of duty of care by the defendants is by no means minor."

However, the court explained the sentencing as follows: "We considered the fact that the defendants reached amicable settlements with the bereaved families and the injured worker, who do not wish to pursue punishment, and that the defendants have taken various measures to prevent recurrence and made sincere efforts in this regard."