South Korea's Labor Ministry Inspects SK Hynix and 24 Other Chip Plants Over Fluorine Leak Risks

South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that, beginning June 26, it will carry out intensive safety inspections at SK Hynix and 24 other semiconductor manufacturers. The inspections target facilities where repeated fluorine‑gas leaks have occurred, focusing on compliance with procedures for hazardous chemicals, high‑pressure gases, fire‑ and explosion‑prevention measures, and general industrial safety rules. Inspectors will verify that leak‑prevention systems function correctly, that workers follow safety protocols, and that broader accident‑prevention practices such as slip and fall safeguards are in place. Any violations may trigger enforcement actions, including safety‑diagnosis orders and mandatory improvement plans for high‑risk sites. Labor Minister Kim Young‑hoon stressed that while the semiconductor sector drives the national economy, a single accident could cause massive casualties, prompting the ministry's decisive oversight.

The crackdown follows a series of recent fluorine‑leak incidents at chip factories, prompting the government to treat the semiconductor industry as a high‑risk sector for major industrial accidents. The ministry aims to prevent future incidents by tightening oversight and ensuring that all plants adhere to stringent safety standards.