Vice Chairman Choi Sung-an of Samsung Heavy Industries on the 23rd offered condolences over the fatal fall of a worker at the Geoje shipyard in South Gyeongsang the previous day, saying, "I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family," and "We will do our utmost to build safe business sites without accidents."
In an apology released that day, Vice Chairman Choi said, "I once again apologize to all concerned for failing to fulfill our responsibility for safety management and causing great concern."
Choi said, "We immediately issued a full work stoppage order on the vessel involved in the accident, and this morning we ordered a work stoppage across the entire yard," adding, "We plan to conduct special safety training."
At about 3:09 p.m. the previous day, at Samsung Heavy Industries' Geoje shipyard, a partner company employee in his 50s preparing to remove dust inside a crude oil carrier's tank fell from a height of 21 meters. The worker was rushed to a hospital but died.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) is investigating the details of the accident, including whether Samsung Heavy Industries violated the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.