Yangsan Branch of Ministry of Employment and Labor Holds Meeting to Prevent Suffocation Accidents in Confined Spaces

Kimhae, Yangsan, and Miryang Local Governments and Related Agencies Participate
Checking the Implementation Status of Safety and Health Measures

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (headed by Kwon Kuhyung) held a meeting on July 18 in the Yangsan Branch conference room to discuss the prevention of suffocation accidents in confined spaces, particularly those that may occur during construction projects ordered by local governments (including subcontracted projects) and at public sewage treatment facilities.

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is holding a meeting to prevent suffocation accidents in confined spaces. Provided by the Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor

Representatives from relevant organizations, including Gimhae City, Yangsan City, the Eastern Gyeongnam Branch of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Gimhae Urban Development Corporation, Yangsan Facilities Management Corporation, and Miryang Facilities Management Corporation, attended the meeting to discuss practical measures for accident prevention.

According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, suffocation accidents in confined spaces occur at an average of 16 cases per year. Although the frequency is low, these are high-risk accidents, as half of the victims die when such accidents occur.

In particular, there is an urgent need to establish preventive measures, as accidents similar to the manhole suffocation incident that occurred in Incheon on July 6 have been occurring consecutively at construction sites ordered by local governments and public institutions.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the implementation status of safety and health measures to prevent suffocation accidents in confined spaces and focused on discussing improvement measures to address structural issues such as illegal subcontracting.

Previously, on July 15, Kwon Kuhyung, head of the Yangsan Branch, personally visited a public sewage treatment facility in Yangsan to conduct an emergency on-site inspection for suffocation accident prevention. Through this meeting, he is further strengthening the cooperation system among related organizations.

Kwon emphasized, "To prevent accidents in confined spaces, it is essential to conduct pre-ventilation and measure air quality, including oxygen concentration. Continuous attention and effort from local governments are also important to prevent illegal subcontracting."

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to strengthen on-site inspections and inter-agency cooperation to prevent suffocation accidents.