Mobile Phones, Computers, and Hazardous Substance Handling Records Secured
On the afternoon of the 21st, a report was received that three workers had collapsed inside a temporary tank at a ready-mix concrete company in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do. Fire authorities are dismantling the tank to carry out the rescue operation. Photo by Suncheon Fire Station
On August 21, a hazardous gas poisoning (asphyxiation) incident occurred in an admixture storage tank at a ready-mix concrete manufacturer in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do. In connection with this case, the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted a search and seizure at the company on August 27.
On the morning of August 27, a team of 15, including officers from the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and labor inspectors from the Gwangju Regional Ministry of Employment and Labor, carried out the search and seizure. They secured mobile phones and computers belonging to company personnel, as well as documents related to the handling and storage of hazardous substances.
Previously, at this plant, one worker collapsed while working inside the admixture storage tank. Two colleagues attempted a rescue but were also exposed to hazardous gas, resulting in all three workers dying. At the time, one worker was rescued in cardiac arrest and transported to the hospital while still conscious, but ultimately passed away three days later.
The Gwangju Regional Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to thoroughly investigate whether health and safety regulations were properly followed during confined space work, such as in cement mixing tanks, and whether hazardous substances were managed appropriately.
Based on the evidence obtained, authorities intend to conduct a prompt and rigorous investigation into potential violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
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