Industrial Accidents at Korea East-West Power Highlight Ongoing Safety Concerns
On the 6th, three workers lost their lives when a boiler tower collapsed at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in industrial settings. Earlier, in July, another fatal accident occurred when a subcontractor employee fell to his death. Despite President Lee Jae-myung’s public commitment to “permanently eradicate backward industrial accidents” following these incidents, another accident took place within just three months. Experts argue that both the government and businesses must implement practical measures to prevent such tragedies, rather than relying on superficial solutions.
According to data provided by Korea East-West Power to the office of Democratic Party of Korea Representative Lee Yong-woo on the 7th, the company reported a total of 39 industrial accidents at its construction sites between 2021 and last September. Of these, one was a fatal accident, while the rest resulted in injuries. This alarming number underscores the need for urgent action to improve workplace safety standards.
On July 28, a worker in his 30s, employed by a subcontractor at Korea East-West Power’s Donghae Thermal Power Plant, fell approximately 8 meters while dismantling scaffolding and later died after going into cardiac arrest. The following day, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of eradicating industrial accidents during a Cabinet meeting. He reportedly told Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, “You should be prepared to resign if industrial accidents do not decrease.” Even six days after the fall, on August 3, another accident occurred when a worker cleaning inside the power plant was hit in the face by a cleaning tool.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (then the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) issued a warning in August that it would impose the highest level of penalties—separate from legal punishments—on energy public enterprises, including Korea East-West Power, in the event of major accidents. In response, Korea East-West Power formed a task force (TF) for major accident prevention the same month and held a meeting to review its progress on the 3rd.
Expert Analysis and Calls for Better Safety Measures
Professor Jeong Jin-woo of the Department of Safety Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology pointed out that while penalties have been strengthened under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, the specific scope of responsibility and mandatory measures for main contractors and subcontractors remain unclear. Because of this, construction sites are still rife with practices that manage paperwork to appear problem-free on the surface.
This lack of clarity in accountability has led to a situation where companies may prioritize appearances over real safety improvements. Experts suggest that a more comprehensive approach is needed—one that involves stricter enforcement of safety regulations, better training for workers, and greater transparency in reporting incidents.
Key Points from the Incident
- The collapse of the boiler tower at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant resulted in the deaths of three workers.
- A subcontractor employee also died in July after falling from a height.
- President Lee Jae-myung called for the eradication of industrial accidents, but another incident occurred within three months.
- Data shows 39 industrial accidents at Korea East-West Power’s construction sites over five years, with one fatality.
- A worker fell 8 meters and died after a scaffolding collapse in July.
- The president urged the Minister of Employment and Labor to prepare for resignation if accidents did not decrease.
- Another accident occurred on August 3 when a worker was hit by a cleaning tool.
- The Ministry warned of the highest penalties for major accidents, prompting Korea East-West Power to form a task force.
- Professor Jeong highlighted the need for clearer accountability and practical safety measures.