Ministry of Employment and Labor Conducts Intensive Inspections of Workplaces at Risk of Fire Accidents in Spring

Fires Can Break Out from Sparks During Work
Fire Risk Increases in Spring Due to Dry Weather and Strong Winds
Authorities Urge Thorough Fire Prevention Measures at High-Risk Workplaces

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will conduct fire prevention inspections on the 26th at the 6th On-Site Inspection Day, targeting high-risk workplaces for fire accidents identified by local employment and labor offices nationwide.

The sites to be inspected this time include high-risk workplaces such as chemical and rubber product manufacturing, machinery and equipment, non-metallic mineral and metal product manufacturing industries, as well as construction sites where finishing works (welding, cutting, etc.) are carried out.

Provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor

During spring, the dry weather and strong winds increase the risk of fire, and even small fires can quickly spread into large ones. Since sparks can ignite surrounding combustible materials during common welding and cutting operations, extra caution is required at this time.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to focus on verifying compliance with basic safety measures, including ▲identification and safe storage of combustible materials in the workplace ▲establishment of work plans for fire-risk tasks ▲measures to prevent spark scattering during welding and cutting operations ▲installation and management of emergency exits.

Choi Tae-ho, Director of Industrial Accident Prevention and Supervision Policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, stated, "Fire accidents cause extensive damage and can affect nearby workplaces and residential areas." He added, "We hope workplaces will re-examine fire risk factors on their own," and urged, "Especially during spring, please pay special attention to fire prevention."