Samsung C&T issued a statement saying it "bows its head in apology for failing to fulfill its essential responsibility for worker safety" in connection with the death of a subcontractor employee at a construction site for a commercial building in Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Samsung C&T said it is cooperating with the authorities' investigation into the cause of the accident while halting work at all construction sites nationwide and beginning safety inspections.
On the 29th, in an apology letter in the name of CEO Oh Se-chul, Samsung C&T said, "We pray for the deceased and offer our deepest condolences and sincere apology to the bereaved family," adding, "We bow our heads in apology to all concerned for failing to fulfill our essential responsibility for worker safety."
It continued, "Immediately after the accident, the company reported it to the relevant authorities and is faithfully cooperating with the investigation," and added, "We have also halted work at the accident site and at all construction sites nationwide, launched special safety training, and begun emergency safety inspections."
It went on, "Although the company has done its utmost in safety management with 'safety as the No. 1 principle of management,' we will reflect on our shortcomings in failing to eradicate accidents, identify the root causes of the accident together with on-site workers and partner companies, and swiftly prepare measures to prevent a recurrence." Oh added, "All executives and employees, including myself, feel deeply responsible for this accident, and we will do everything we can to ensure this never happens again."
At about 7:58 a.m. on the 29th, at the PSM Tower construction site in Sampyeong-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, a worker in his 60s, identified as A, was struck by an excavator and died. The Seongnam Regional Employment and Labor Office issued a partial work-stoppage order for sections of the site. Police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) are investigating the exact cause and circumstances of the accident. They are also investigating whether there were violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.