The Ministry of Employment and Labor Busan Northern Branch Office is strengthening safety inspections at construction sites, where the risk of accidents increases during the winter season.
From December 1 to 5, the Busan Northern Branch Office is conducting the "3rd Periodic Intensive Safety Risk Inspection Week," focusing on public sector construction sites and small-scale construction sites.
The "Intensive Inspection Week" is a program that selects two themes each month, reflecting the characteristics of industrial accidents and seasonal risk factors. For one week, local labor offices nationwide and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency jointly carry out intensive inspections and promotional activities. Earlier this year, the first and second rounds focused on preventing falls at micro-scale construction sites in October and safety inspections in the retail and hygiene service sectors in November, respectively. This is the third round.
Recently, there have been a series of serious accidents at public sector construction sites. In winter, construction sites frequently experience repeated incidents such as formwork and shoring collapses due to insufficient concrete curing, and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning or suffocation caused by the use of coal or charcoal for thermal curing.
Accordingly, the branch office is launching intensive inspections with the goal of spreading safety awareness from the ordering stage through to the construction site itself.
The main inspection items include: △ whether a safety and health ledger that identifies hazardous and risk factors and reduction measures is prepared and provided; △ whether industrial safety and health management costs are properly allocated; △ compliance with concrete placement and curing periods; and △ whether gas concentration is measured and protective equipment is worn before entering confined spaces.
In addition, the inspections will check compliance with basic winter safety rules, such as providing warm clothing, shelters, and hot water to prevent cold-related illnesses during cold waves.
Min Gwangje, head of the Busan Northern Branch Office, will personally visit public sector ordering agencies during the inspection period to provide guidance and conduct inspections. He also plans to carry out promotional and preventive activities in cooperation with the local construction safety and health council.
Director Min stated, "Public sector construction sites must set the standard for safety management in private construction sites. Through this inspection, we will further strengthen the responsible role of project owners," adding, "We will do our utmost to prevent recurring accidents such as falls, collapses, poisoning, suffocation, and fires at construction sites during the winter season." He further emphasized, "The public sector must take the lead in establishing a safety-centered management culture."
Ministry of Employment and Labor Busan Northern Branch Office.
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