Three Workers Die on the Job in Anyang, Gyeonggi
Unending Industrial Accident Deaths... 648 Fatalities from January to September This Year
Experts Say "We Must Listen to On-Site Workers' Demands"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, made an urgent visit on the 2nd to a road paving construction site in Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province, where three workers died in an accident, and is inspecting the site. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A tragic accident occurred in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, where three workers paving a road were crushed to death by a roller. 'Industrial accident fatalities' have become a major issue attracting significant political attention, with presidential candidates visiting accident sites and holding meetings with bereaved families.
Several legislations aimed at preventing such accidents, including the Kim Yong-gyun Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act, have been enacted. Nevertheless, workers continue to lose their lives on the job. Experts suggest that beyond merely passing laws, substantial efforts are needed to create a safe working environment.
On the afternoon of the 1st, three workers laying electrical communication conduits on a road in Anyang lost their lives in an accident. At the time, driver A, who was operating a roller on the road, got off briefly to remove a safety cone (rubber cone) stuck in the roller’s wheel. During this time, the roller unexpectedly started moving again and struck the three workers nearby.
In a police investigation, A explained, "My work clothes got caught on the gear lever while getting off," adding, "This caused the gear to shift into driving mode, and the roller moved forward." The police have booked A on charges of professional negligence causing death and are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.
◆"Safety accidents must be prevented" - Ruling and opposition parties speak with one voice
The political sphere responded immediately. On the following day (the 2nd), Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate, made an urgent visit to the accident site. Yoon expressed regret, saying, "It is unacceptable for workers to lose their lives at work due to such senseless accidents," and added, "A simple mistake led to a tragic accident."
At around 6:40 PM on the 1st, three workers were crushed to death by a heavy equipment machine, a road roller, at a road paving construction site in Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News
He continued, "More workers have died at work this year than last year," and stressed, "Both the state and employers must pay thorough attention to prevent such safety accidents." He also emphasized the need to strengthen corporate responsibility for prevention.
Industrial accident fatalities are an area of great concern across political parties.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, also highlighted this issue during the National Assembly audit last October while serving as Gyeonggi Province governor. He stated, "Young people working in unsafe and unprotected workplaces suffer the highest rates of death, disability, and injury worldwide," and stressed, "When companies violate safety management duties, criminal penalties should be strengthened, and punitive damages should be imposed in civil compensation. If violations are neglected and people die, compensation amounts should be multiplied several or even dozens of times."
◆Even with strengthened corporate responsibility by law... industrial accident fatalities do not decrease
Previously, the National Assembly passed several bills aimed at reducing industrial accident deaths. Following the death of the late Kim Yong-gyun, who died while working alone at the Taean Thermal Power Plant in Chungnam in 2018, the Industrial Safety and Health Act was amended, known as the 'Kim Yong-gyun Act.' This law prohibits in-house subcontracting for high-risk and hazardous work and strengthens penalties against employers who violate safety measures.
Additionally, on January 8th, the Serious Accident Punishment Act was passed by the National Assembly plenary session. The core of this law holds management accountable when serious accidents, including fatalities, occur at workplaces. This law will take effect on January 27th next year.
In 2019, citizens attending the 3rd National Memorial Ceremony for Kim Yong-gyun held in front of the King Sejong Statue in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, are marching while holding candles, placards, and chrysanthemums. / Photo by Yonhap News
However, accidents claiming the lives of workers in hazardous workplaces continue unabated. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s '2020 Industrial Accident Fatality Statistics,' there were 882 industrial accident deaths last year, an increase of 27 from 2019. The number of deaths recorded from January to September this year is 648, nearly the same as the 660 during the same period last year. It is highly likely that the annual target of 705 or fewer industrial accident deaths set by the government for this year will be significantly exceeded.
◆"Many dangerous workplaces still exist... we must listen to the actual voices of workers"
Experts advise that beyond legislative activities, actual improvements in workplace safety are necessary.
Jung Woo-jun, Secretary General of the Labor Health Solidarity, said, "The Serious Accident Punishment Act is scheduled to be enforced next year, so its effects remain to be seen, but several related laws have been enacted," and pointed out, "However, it is true that many workers still work under hazardous conditions and unfavorable circumstances."
He added, "In this situation, the government must go beyond merely enforcing laws and strive to create an environment where workers can work safely," emphasizing, "It is essential to listen to and incorporate the opinions of actual workers in dangerous workplaces to implement realistic policies."
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