Jeonnam Province Begins Safety Management Inspections at Construction Sites

A Total of 82 Local Construction Sites Inspected
Compliance with Safety Rules Such as Providing Cooling Gear Confirmed

Jeonnam Province will conduct safety management inspections to prepare for heatwaves at local construction sites. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province conducted safety management inspections at 82 major local construction sites (37 private and 45 public) in response to the ongoing record-breaking heatwave.

The inspections focused on preventing heat-related illnesses among workers and preemptively blocking serious industrial accidents. Inspectors specifically checked compliance with the 'five basic rules for heatwave safety,' which include providing water, installing fans and shade canopies, ensuring rest breaks, supplying cooling gear, and preparing emergency response measures. The installation status of heat-reducing facilities was also a key point of review.

Officials visited the sites in person to meticulously inspect the presence and operational status of heat-reducing equipment such as shade canopies, air circulators, portable air conditioners, and ice vests. They also checked the operation of rest areas and whether working hours were adjusted according to perceived temperature. In addition, they listened to workers' on-site difficulties and suggestions.

Furthermore, the province visited relevant departments in cities and counties to verify whether heatwave prevention education for workers was being implemented and to review how overall management and inspection systems for construction sites were being operated at the institutional level.

Choi Yongchae, head of the Regional Planning Division of Jeonnam Province, emphasized, "Recently, there was a case where a court applied the Serious Accidents Punishment Act to a death from heatstroke during a heatwave and found the principal contractor's representative guilty. Since heatwaves can also be a major cause of industrial accidents, it is essential to strengthen safety management for workers and actively establish response systems at worksites."

Meanwhile, starting with this inspection, Jeonnam Province plans to continue monitoring all public construction sites for compliance with heatwave response measures and to immediately require improvements at vulnerable sites, implementing strong follow-up actions.