Focused Inspection of Heating and Fire Prevention at Perilla Leaf Farms
Distribution of Supplies to Prevent Cold-Related Illnesses
Winter is especially harsh for workers in the fields when the wind chill drops below freezing.
On December 18, Kwon Guhyung, head of the Yangsan branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, conducted an emergency on-site inspection of farms employing foreign workers in Deokgok-ri, Bubuk-myeon, Miryang City, to ensure preparedness for the winter cold wave.
The Yangsan branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is conducting an urgent inspection of farms employing foreign workers in Miryang due to the cold wave. Photo by Ministry of Employment and Labor
Miryang accounts for about 50% of the nation's production in agricultural sectors such as perilla leaves, and currently, more than 2,000 foreign workers are employed on local farms. Most of these farms are small-scale operations, making them vulnerable to safety accidents such as cold waves or fires during the winter season.
According to the Yangsan branch, as of the end of November, there were 1,287 non-professional employment (E-9) foreign workers and 1,834 seasonal workers (E-8) with short-term stays of 3 to 8 months in the Miryang area. In response, the Yangsan branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is continuing joint inspections with local governments to check farms employing foreign workers for preparedness against cold waves.
This inspection targeted a perilla leaf farm employing Cambodian workers. The Yangsan branch and Miryang City focused on checking the heating and insulation of workplaces and living facilities, fire prevention systems, and emergency evacuation routes.
Additionally, both employers and foreign workers were provided with the "Five Basic Cold Wave Safety Rules" and "Guidelines for Protecting the Rights of Foreign Workers," which were produced in both Korean and Cambodian. Supplementary items to prevent cold-related illnesses, such as hot packs, were also distributed. The five basic cold wave safety rules are: ▲wearing warm clothing ▲taking breaks in warm shelters ▲drinking warm water ▲adjusting work hours ▲calling 119 in case of emergency.
Kwon Guhyung, head of the Yangsan branch, stated, "Since farm work often takes place in greenhouses, the risk of cold-related illnesses is high, so it is essential to make special efforts to comply with the five basic cold wave safety rules and preventive measures. In particular, since many foreign workers have difficulty communicating, careful management by employers is crucial."
He also urged, "In emergency situations where cold-related illnesses are a concern, please stop work immediately and prioritize the health and safety of workers above all else."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
