Gwangju Labor Office and City Conduct On-Site Inspection of Household Waste Companies Ahead of Cold Wave

On the 9th, officials from the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office, Gwangju City Hall, and Seo-gu Office conducted a joint on-site inspection of the household waste collection company "Seo-gu Resource Recovery Center" located in Seha-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Gwangju Labor Office

The Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office announced on January 9 that, ahead of the onset of severe cold weather, it conducted a joint on-site inspection with officials from Gwangju City Hall and Seo-gu Office to prevent industrial accidents at workplaces vulnerable to winter cold-related illnesses and other safety management risks.

The joint on-site inspection on this day targeted the household waste collection company "Seo-gu Resource Recovery Center," located in Seha-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju.

This inspection was carried out without prior notice at workplaces with a high risk of accidents during work processes, in order to protect sanitation workers. The Gwangju Labor Office checked compliance with the five basic cold weather safety rules, as well as safety measures against risks such as falls, collisions, and entrapment.

To prevent safety accidents that may occur due to machinery and equipment used in the sorting process, the inspection focused on compliance with basic safety measures such as ▲ fall prevention, ▲ collision prevention, and ▲ entrapment prevention. In addition, before the Korea Meteorological Administration's cold wave advisory took effect, the office checked whether the "five basic cold weather safety rules" were being followed to prevent cold-related illnesses. To further protect sanitation workers from the cold, warm kits consisting of hot packs and neck warmers were distributed.

As a result of the inspection, it was found that there were frequent accidents due to faulty rear lights on forklifts and the lack of secured safe walkways for workers. The company was required to correct these issues, and the person responsible for safety and health management was provided with specific improvement measures.

Furthermore, to minimize sanitation workers' exposure to cold waves, the office advised adjusting work hours when a cold wave advisory is issued and minimizing outdoor work when a cold wave warning is in effect.

Lee Doyoung, Director of the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office, stated, "Conventional accidents and seasonal disasters are preventable," adding, "Through this unannounced inspection, we will do our utmost to identify and address on-site risk factors in advance to prevent major accidents this year." He also said, "I hope everyone will actively participate in creating safe workplaces by continuously monitoring the contents of local government contracts, conducting regular inspections by labor-management representatives, and maintaining open communication."