The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 8th that it will conduct inspections in collaboration with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency to prevent fires, explosions, and collapses in the manufacturing and construction industries.
During the winter, the use of heating devices increases, and cold, dry weather persists. As a result, sparks can fly onto nearby combustible materials during welding or cutting operations, potentially causing fires or explosions.
Considering these circumstances, the Ministry of Employment and Labor will focus on inspections related to identifying hazardous materials and combustibles in the workplace, secure storage, and developing fire risk work plans.
Additionally, accidents can occur at construction sites if forms and support structures are dismantled before the concrete has sufficiently hardened. In response, the Ministry of Employment and Labor will inspect compliance with form and support retention periods, the installation of supports to counter a decrease in concrete strength, adherence to excavation slope guidelines, and the installation of earth retention support.
Kim Jong-yun, head of the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Industrial Safety and Health Headquarters, noted, “Fires, explosions, and collapses can lead to significant loss of life and property damage,” and stressed, “It is crucial to comply with regulations and procedures, and to ensure thorough regular inspections of equipment and machinery to identify potential hazards early.”