On June 24, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment released statistics indicating that there were 354 chemical accidents in the past three years. Among these, 180 incidents resulted in fatalities or injuries, totaling 293 casualties.
Notably, the number of accidents increased from 104 in 2023 to 136 last year, with casualties rising from 67 to 149 during the same period.
The government identified that most accidents causing casualties were linked to non-compliance with basic safety rules. Specifically, 159 out of the 180 incidents (88.3%) were found to be caused by human factors.
The 159 accidents attributed to human factors resulted in 262 casualties, including 17 fatalities and 245 injuries.
Key causes included inadequate management of ignition sources, lack of protective equipment, and insufficient safety training for temporary workers.
There were 39 incidents of fires and explosions due to poor ignition source management, where static electricity or sparks were not properly controlled during the handling of flammable materials.
Additionally, 44 incidents of burns and poisoning were linked to the failure to wear protective gear. Repeated exposure to hazardous chemicals occurred when workers did not use respiratory protection and safety equipment in confined spaces or dangerous processes.
Seventeen accidents involved temporary workers who were unfamiliar with the work environment. The government noted that temporary workers often face higher risks due to frequent changes in work locations and inadequate training before starting their tasks.
From April to May, the Ministry gathered feedback from safety managers at major industrial complexes in Ulsan, Yeosu, and Seosan to develop practical preventive measures.
To prevent explosions and flammable incidents, the government will enhance static electricity management systems. This includes incorporating static electricity prevention measures, such as grounding and bonding, into mandatory self-inspection items to be checked weekly, and providing tools like discharge pads to help workers eliminate static electricity before starting work.
Efforts will also be made to increase the usage rate of protective equipment. Areas for hazardous processes and confined spaces will be designated as chemical safety zones, with audio guidance systems installed at entrances to repeatedly inform workers about safety protocols and the necessity of wearing protective gear.
The training approach for temporary workers will be revised. Instead of relying solely on online training, the government plans to expand on-site training that directly addresses the characteristics of handled materials, process-related hazards, accident cases, and emergency response methods.
Additionally, the government intends to expand joint inspections of high-risk workplaces and designate the fourth Wednesday of each month as 'Chemical Safety Inspection Day.' This initiative aims to enhance the self-management capabilities of workplaces and strengthen accident prevention systems.
Choi Hyun-soo, Director of the Environmental Health Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "To reduce casualties from chemical accidents, it is crucial to strictly adhere to basic safety rules on-site. We will actively promote preventive measures focused on static electricity prevention, protective equipment usage, and pre-work training to ensure the safety of workers and the public."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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