Electric Shock Death While Removing Magpie Nest on Utility Pole Without Safety Gear... Company CEO Given Suspended Sentence

The employer who caused an electric shock death by having workers perform utility pole work without providing insulating equipment was sentenced to probation. The photo is not directly related to the article content.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jumi Lee] A business owner who caused an employee to be electrocuted by ordering work on a utility pole without providing insulating equipment was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

The Ulsan District Court Criminal Division 3 (Presiding Judge Yonghee Kim) announced on the 10th that it sentenced Mr. A, the CEO of a ship parts manufacturing company, who was indicted on charges including involuntary manslaughter, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension.

Additionally, the safety manager was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspension, and the company corporation was fined 10 million won.

The court stated the sentencing rationale, saying, "The company caused the death of a worker due to negligence in failing to take even common-sense safety measures," and "considered the fact that an agreement was reached with the bereaved family."

In February of last year, when a magpie built a nest on the utility pole device at the factory entrance, Mr. A and others instructed employee Mr. B to remove the magpie's nest. At that time, the company did not provide Mr. B with insulating protective gear or flame-retardant work clothes, nor did it cut off the electrical circuits related to the utility pole.

Furthermore, Mr. B did not possess any electrical-related certifications nor had he received related training.

While climbing to a height of 6 meters to remove the magpie's nest, Mr. B's arm touched a high-voltage wire, resulting in electrocution and ultimately his death.