The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) on the 25th launched a special inspection into the headquarters of HJ Heavy Industries & Construction Co., the contractor for the Ulsan thermal power plant collapse that left nine workers dead or injured, and 29 construction sites where the company is carrying out projects.
The ministry will conduct the special inspection for eight weeks starting today and, if necessary, extend the inspection period. The 29 construction sites nationwide subject to inspection are among HJ Heavy Industries & Construction Co.'s sites where major processes are underway and the risk of accidents is high.
A ministry official said, "In addition to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, we will carry out a rigorous inspection by closely verifying and checking for violations across the labor-related laws, including the Labor Standards Act," and added, "We plan to take stern administrative and judicial measures for any legal violations."
Separately, the Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA) will conduct an emergency safety inspection for four weeks starting today at 47 major demolition sites nationwide. Through this inspection, the agency plans to check safety measures to prepare for foreseeable risks during demolition work, including ▲ preparation of demolition work plans and training for workers ▲ designation of work supervisors ▲ compliance with design documents for dismantling work.
Minister Kim Young-hoon of the Ministry of Employment and Labor said, "As seen in this accident, collapses at construction sites are serious disasters that can take the lives of many workers, so safety must be the top priority in every stage, from planning and design to construction," and added, "We will examine on-site safety conditions with heightened vigilance to ensure that the same kind of accident never happens again."