Hanwha Ocean subcontractor accused of concealing industrial accidents

A subcontractor at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Geoje has been accused of concealing industrial accidents to avoid penalties from the primary contractor. According to the Korean Metal Workers' Union, a female worker sustained serious injuries, including torn ligaments and fractured ribs, on two separate occasions. In both instances, the subcontractor allegedly instructed the worker to claim the injuries occurred outside of work to avoid reporting them to the Ministry of Employment and Labor and Hanwha Ocean.

The union argues that subcontractors hide these incidents because Hanwha Ocean conducts annual performance evaluations where industrial accidents can lead to contract termination. Hanwha Ocean stated it has confirmed the failure to follow reporting procedures and is conducting an internal review, noting that while they do not penalize accidents, they will take strict action, including potential contract termination, if concealment is proven.