Yangsan Branch of Ministry of Employment and Labor Conducts Unannounced Inspections at Construction Sites During Heatwave, Focusing on Safety Railings and Rest Conditions

Unannounced Inspection Conducted at Gimhae Construction Site
Focus on Preventing Serious Accidents and Protecting Workers During Heatwave

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (Branch Director Kwon Guhyung) conducted an unannounced inspection on July 30 at a construction site located in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, to check on the prevention of serious accidents and the protection of workers during the heatwave.

The Yangsan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is conducting unannounced inspections of construction sites amid the heatwave. Photo by Ministry of Employment and Labor Yangsan Branch

This inspection was carried out with the direct participation of the branch director, focusing on whether basic safety rules were being followed, such as safety measures in areas at risk of falling, installation of safety railings, and use of personal protective equipment. The inspection also placed emphasis on checking the implementation status of the 12 major safety rules, including fire and explosion prevention.

As a result of the inspection, some cases were found where work platforms were inadequately installed, and where fire extinguishers were either not provided or were difficult to access. Immediate corrective actions and safety guidance were provided on site.

The inspection also included checking compliance with the five key safety rules for heatwaves. Some shortcomings were found in the installation of shade canopies, provision of cold beverages, and allocation of sufficient rest time. Strong requests for improvement were delivered to the site manager.

Kwon Guhyung, director of the Yangsan Branch, stated, "We recommend suspending work when the apparent temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius during a heatwave, and we will continue to enhance safety awareness through ongoing field-centered preventive activities and unannounced inspections."

The Yangsan Branch plans to continue unannounced inspections this year at 535 high-risk workplaces in the manufacturing and construction sectors within its jurisdiction as part of the 'Safe Workplace Project.'