Worker Dies During Construction Amid Strong Winds

A Worker in His 50s Dies at a Construction Site in Asan, South Chungcheong Province
Ministry of Employment and Labor Investigates Possible Violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act

Construction site

As the third fatal accident in a month occurred at a construction site managed by Hyundai Engineering, criticism is mounting against the contractor for continuing work despite strong winds during the fatal incident at an apartment construction site in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on the 25th.

At around 2:32 p.m. on the 25th, emergency services received a report that a male worker in his 50s, identified as Mr. A, was found unconscious and hanging from a rope at the 20th floor of the ‘Hillstate Cheonan Asan Station The First’ officetel construction site in Baebang-eup, Asan City, South Chungcheong Province.

Rescue teams, in cooperation with site personnel, extended the rope and managed to rescue Mr. A at 4:03 p.m., but he showed no signs of breathing or consciousness and was transported to a nearby hospital.

It is believed that Mr. A was performing preliminary work for exterior wall painting using a chair-type gondola when he lost consciousness due to strong winds and was left hanging.

At the time, wind speeds in the Asan area reached 15 meters per second, and a strong wind advisory was in effect.

According to the ‘Safety and Health Work Guidelines for Chair-Type Gondolas’ published by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, work using gondolas must be suspended when wind speeds exceed 10 meters per second.

In addition, Article 37 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Regulations stipulates that work must be suspended if there is a risk of danger to workers due to worsening weather conditions.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has issued a work suspension order and is investigating, including possible violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Meanwhile, the officetel where the accident occurred is a building with five basement floors and 47 to 48 above-ground floors, with construction underway aiming for completion in September.