Hanwha Ocean Issues Apology Over Subcontractor's Death... CEO Kim Heecheol Vows to Review Safety from the Start

"Deepest condolences and apologies to the bereaved family"
"Making every effort to determine the cause of the accident"
Ministry of Employment and Labor investigating possible violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act

Hanwha Ocean has issued an official apology under the name of CEO Kim Heecheol regarding the death of a subcontracted worker in his 60s, who was struck by a structure while working at the company’s Geoje site in Gyeongnam Province. CEO Kim stated, "This is an accident that should never have happened," and added, "I extend my deepest condolences and apologies to the bereaved family."

On the 17th, Hanwha Ocean announced, "We bow our heads in apology for the tragic accident at our Geoje site that resulted in the loss of a subcontracted employee’s life. Immediately after the accident, we halted all work and promptly reported the incident to the relevant authorities. We are making every effort to determine the exact cause of the accident."

Yard of Hanwha Ocean Okpo Shipyard, Geoje City, Gyeongnam. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

CEO Kim said, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for this accident," and continued, "We will do our utmost to manage the aftermath, determine the cause, and support the bereaved family. We will actively cooperate with the authorities’ investigation and establish measures to fundamentally strengthen our safety management system to prevent recurrence."

He added, "With a renewed commitment, we will re-examine our safety management system from the ground up. We will deeply remember the dedication and hard work of the deceased, and once again apologize to everyone affected by this incident."

Meanwhile, on the morning of the same day, a subcontracted worker in his 60s, who was installing scaffolding at the Geoje site, was injured in a structure collapse and transported to the hospital, but ultimately passed away. The Ministry of Employment and Labor is currently investigating potential violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act.