The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 8th that it will inspect 223 public sewage management agencies across the country to check the subcontracting contract relationships and compliance with measures to prevent suffocation accidents in confined spaces.
This inspection is a follow-up measure related to the manhole death accident that occurred in the Incheon area on the 6th.
The accident occurred while conducting measurement work in a sewage pipe below the manhole. Worker A was reported missing and was later found dead, while another worker, B, was rescued in cardiac arrest and is receiving treatment. The Ministry of Employment and Labor believes they were exposed to harmful gases in the water supply, leading to the accident.
In addition, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to examine whether the sewage management agencies have identified confined spaces, measured harmful gas concentrations and ventilation measures, and ensured the use of respiratory protective equipment by the 31st of this month.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to file charges against officials of the companies involved in the accident for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act. It has also formed an investigative team of 15 members at the Central Employment and Labor Agency to investigate potential violations of relevant laws.
Vice Minister Kwon Chang-jun said, “We will thoroughly identify the causes and conduct a strict investigation to prevent similar accidents characteristic of developing countries from recurring.”