South Korea reports rise in industrial accidents and entrapment fatalities

Industrial accidents and fatalities are rising in South Korean manufacturing sectors, particularly involving machinery entrapment. Data analyzed by the Gyeongnam branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions shows that fatal accidents in the Gyeongnam region increased from 48 in 2023 to 58 in 2024.

Entrapment deaths, which occur when workers are caught in machinery or robots, saw a significant spike last year. Recent incidents in Haman and Goseong highlight a recurring failure to implement safety protocols, such as Lock-Out·Tag-Out (LOTO), during the inspection and repair of industrial robots and equipment. Experts note that workers often lack the authority to stop machinery or control work zones during maintenance.

Separately, the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service has reported a steady increase in industrial accidents among its own employees. Between 2023 and mid-2024, 120 cases were recorded, with over 70% being work-related accidents. More than half of these incidents occurred within the organization's own hospitals and nursing facilities, raising concerns regarding internal safety management within the agency responsible for supporting injured workers.