Suncheon Ready-Mix Concrete Plant Tragedy: Who Will Take Responsibility?

Recurring Tragedies: Structural Problems of Subcontracting and Re-Subcontracting
"Fundamental Solutions Needed by Strengthening Main Contractor's Joint Responsibility"

Ready-mix concrete company involved in a personal injury accident. Photo provided by a reader

On August 21, another tragic accident involving workers occurred at a ready-mix concrete factory in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. In this heartbreaking incident, two workers died and one was left in critical condition while trying to rescue a colleague who had lost consciousness inside a tank. This is yet another in a series of tragedies that, sadly, no longer surprise us.

The root cause remains unchanged. The core issue is the unethical corporate practice of shifting dangerous tasks to subcontractors, who then pass the responsibility down further through re-subcontracting.

Public outrage is intense. Many are asking, "Why do these tragedies keep happening? Is it acceptable for workers' lives to be treated so lightly?" Kim, an office worker in his 40s living in Jorye-dong, Suncheon, expressed his frustration: "It only becomes news when a worker dies, and after a brief surge of anger, everything fizzles out. Citizens are not just exhausted-they are angry at the structural neglect of responsibility."

On-site workers express their reality even more painfully. There is a widespread sense of despair-"It was them today, but it could be me tomorrow." Forced to work in hazardous conditions without proper safety equipment, they feel powerless.

Park, a ready-mix concrete worker in his 50s, said, "They don't even give us proper safety gear, but keep pushing us to work faster. People like us always work in danger, and we can never shake off the fear of what will happen to our families if we die."

A subcontractor representative candidly admitted to internal structural problems. Due to pressure from the main contractor and low contract prices, investing in safety is virtually impossible. In the end, responsibility for accidents is shifted onto subcontractors, while the main contractor avoids accountability.

One subcontractor representative pointed out, "We have to take risks while watching the main contractor's reaction. We are well aware of the structural problems of subcontracting and re-subcontracting, but there is a prevailing sense of resignation that nothing can be done."

This situation goes beyond simple cost-cutting; it is nothing more than shifting risk at the expense of workers' lives. Each time an industrial accident occurs, companies offer only formal apologies, while bereaved families face financial hardship. Fundamental change is now necessary.

Companies must go beyond legal responsibilities and provide long-term support to bereaved families. The government and society must fundamentally regulate the subcontracting system and strengthen the joint responsibility of main contractors.

A society where workers' lives take precedence over corporate profits-that is the true value we must pursue. Otherwise, the same tragedies will continue to repeat, and we will be forced to witness the same news again and again.