7 Construction Companies Report One Death Each in Q4... Client is Korea Expressway Corporation

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Publishes List of Construction Companies, Contracting Authorities, and Local Governments with Fatal Accidents in Q4 Last Year
Fatal Accidents Occurred at 8 Major Construction Companies, 22 Contracting Authorities, and 19 City/County/District Offices

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] In the fourth quarter of last year, one worker died at each of seven construction companies. The client with the highest number of fatalities was Korea Expressway Corporation, where three workers lost their lives.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 20th the list of the top 100 construction companies by construction capability evaluation, clients, and local governments where fatal accidents occurred during the fourth quarter of last year.

At Kumho Industrial, GS Construction, POSCO Construction, Hoban Construction, Kumho Industrial, Doosan Construction, KCC Construction, and Dongyang Construction Industry, one construction worker died at each company during the period.

Additionally, the client with the most fatalities was Korea Expressway Corporation, with three deaths. Hadong County and Korea Railroad Corporation each reported two fatal accidents.

The region with the highest number of fatalities was Gyeonggi Province, with a total of 10 deaths: three in Pyeongtaek City, the permitting authority, and one each in Hanam, Gwangju, Guri, Anseong, Paju, Namyangju, and Yongin cities.

Seoul Metropolitan City recorded six deaths: two in Gwangjin District, and one each in Gangseo, Gwanak, Seongbuk, and Jung districts. Gangwon Province had three deaths in Chuncheon City. Busan Metropolitan City had one each in Suyeong District and Gijang County. Chungcheongnam-do had one each in Asan City and Seocheon County. Gyeongsangnam-do had one in Uichang District, Changwon City. In total, 14 fatal accidents occurred at construction sites permitted by each city, county, and district.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to conduct special inspections by March on eight large construction companies where fatal accidents occurred, as a proactive measure to prevent such accidents.

Previously, the Ministry conducted special and surprise inspections from October to December last year on 166 construction sites of large construction companies where fatal accidents occurred in the third quarter of last year, uncovering a total of 211 improper cases. Among these, four cases are subject to penalty points, and six cases are subject to fines. The imposition of penalty points and fines will be finally decided after administrative procedures such as objections are processed by the local land management offices.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum urged, "Establishing construction sites as safe workplaces is an important task of the three major projects to protect citizens' lives, and construction entities should make greater efforts."

Minister Byeon also stated, "This year as well, the names of institutions where fatal accidents occur quarterly will be disclosed, and special inspections will be continuously conducted to ensure practical safety improvements at the sites."

Meanwhile, the disclosure of fatal accident lists has been implemented since May 2019 to encourage construction entities to create a management culture that prioritizes safety. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been announcing the lists quarterly since April last year.