The Labor Department will conduct focused inspections at 1,000 worksites across the country next month to ensure compliance with safety helmet, safety harness, and safety belt regulations, as well as the proper use of portable ladders. This initiative aims to reduce the frequency of fall and crushing accidents caused by non-compliance with basic safety rules.
From October 6 to 16, the Labor Ministry will carry out the '3+1 Basic Safety Rule Inspections' at these sites. The '3+1' rules include the provision and use of safety helmets, safety harnesses, and seat belts for forklifts and excavators, along with compliance with portable ladder safety regulations. Inspections will cover all industries nationwide.
According to an analysis of 253 workplace fatalities investigated by the Labor Ministry in the first half of this year, falls accounted for the highest number of deaths at 84, followed by crushing and overturning incidents, which resulted in 34 fatalities. Falls represented approximately 33.2% of all workplace deaths during this period. While the total number of workplace fatalities decreased from 287 in the same period last year to 253 this year, falls remain the most common type of accident.
Over the past three years, from 2023 to 2025, there have been around 26 fatalities each year related to portable ladders. The Labor Ministry noted that accidents involving falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, as well as forklift and excavator overturns, and ladder falls are recurring issues.
For instance, in July this year, a worker died after being struck by a cement block while dismantling a wall without a safety helmet at a home remodeling site in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province. In Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, a worker fell to his death while welding from an upper work platform at a marine structure manufacturing site.
In June, an accident occurred at a golf course in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, when an excavator overturned, crushing the operator. In August, a forklift overturned while making a sharp turn in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, resulting in the operator's death. Additionally, a worker fell from a portable ladder while installing a drainage valve at a construction site in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and later died during treatment.
The Labor Ministry will not only check if protective equipment is available at worksites but will also ensure that employers provide appropriate safety helmets and harnesses and that workers actually wear them. Inspections will verify whether workers are properly using protective gear during hazardous tasks, whether forklift and excavator operators are wearing seat belts, and if portable ladder safety rules are being followed.
Before the official inspections begin, a self-inspection period will run from September 28 to October 2, allowing businesses to verify their compliance with the '3+1 Basic Safety Rules' and make necessary improvements before the actual inspections.
Directors of 49 local labor offices will also conduct surprise inspections at worksites. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will check safety measures during patrol inspections and technical guidance. If any violations are found, fines will be imposed immediately, and corrective actions will be required. Businesses that fail to comply with these corrective measures may face legal action.
In November, the Labor Ministry plans to continue its focused inspections with a theme of 'Fire and Explosion Prevention,' examining measures to prevent sparks during hot work, manage flammable and combustible materials, eliminate and control static electricity, and ensure the installation and maintenance of fire and evacuation equipment.
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "Wearing safety helmets, using safety harnesses, and buckling seat belts in forklifts and excavators are the most basic safety rules to protect workers' lives. The provision and use of protective equipment is not solely the responsibility of one party; employers must provide it, and workers must adhere to these basics."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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