The South Korean government is set to reassess the safety management system for demolition projects involving social infrastructure (SOC).
On June 10, Kim I-tak, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, announced during a meeting with heads of participating organizations in the 'Public-Private Joint Task Force for Demolition Safety Management' at the Land Development Exhibition Hall in Seoul that they will work on reviewing and restructuring the safety management system for SOC demolition projects.
This task force was established following the collapse of a demolition site in Seoul's Seosomun area on May 26, which raised concerns about the need for improved safety management in demolition projects. An investigation committee for construction accidents has been operational since May 28, with a four-month investigation period that may be extended if necessary. The incident resulted in the deaths of three workers and injuries to three others, totaling six casualties.
The task force will discuss enhancements to the existing safety management system for SOC demolition projects based on input from industry and academia. Measures to elevate safety management standards throughout the entire demolition process, including design, construction, and supervision, will be considered.
Attendees at the meeting included Park Chang-geun, Director of the Korea Land Safety Agency; Park Seon-kyu, Director of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology; Han Seung-heon, President of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers; Lee Yong-soo, Vice President of the Korean Society of Construction Safety; Park Jong-myeon, President of the Korean Construction Technicians Association; and Kim Jong-heun, President of the Korean Construction Engineering Association.
Kim emphasized, "Following the collapse at the Ulsan thermal power plant demolition site last November, which resulted in seven fatalities, the recent incident has underscored the urgent need for reform in the safety management system for SOC demolition projects."
He added, "Through this task force, which brings together expertise from infrastructure institutions and academia, we will explore ways to enhance the current safety management system across all phases of demolition projects, including design, construction, and supervision."
Participants discussed operational strategies for the task force and directions for improving the safety management system for SOC demolition projects. They also committed to actively participating in the task force's future operations.
Regarding the Seosomun collapse, Kim stated, "We will ensure a thorough investigation by the construction accident investigation committee and implement effective measures to prevent recurrence at the government level."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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