Implementation of Worker Health Protection Measures Against Fine Dust... Provision of Dust Masks to Workplaces with Fewer Than 50 Employees

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 29th that it will implement the 'Worker Health Protection Measures Against Fine Dust' until March next year to protect workers exposed to fine dust during the winter season.

Every year from December to March, fine dust concentrations increase, with high concentrations of fine dust (PM2.5) occurring mainly during this period. Fine dust is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (World Health Organization), and inhalation of fine dust can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, skin disorders, and allergic conjunctivitis. Prolonged exposure is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer, requiring caution.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to intensively inspect workplaces with many outdoor operations, such as construction sites, to ensure the implementation of preventive measures against health hazards caused by fine dust. For small-scale workplaces with fewer than 50 employees (construction businesses with less than 5 billion KRW in capital), including construction sites, environmental cleaning, delivery services, and waste collection and transportation, approximately 650,000 dust masks will also be provided.

Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik stated, "Winter is a season when not only climate-related risk factors such as cold waves and fine dust occur, but also safety accidents such as suffocation due to the use of lignite and falls on icy roads frequently happen," and urged, "Please pay special attention to worker health management and accident prevention during the winter season."