Notices

The Ministry of Employment and Labor will conduct intensive inspections at 1,000 workplaces nationwide to check whether workers are wearing safety helmets, safety harnesses, and seat belts, and whether safety rules for portable ladders are being followed.

The Ministry announced on September 28 that it would conduct its “3+1 Basic Safety Rules” inspection campaign at 1,000 high-risk workplaces from October 6 to 16. The campaign will focus on three basic safety practices?the provision and use of safety helmets, the provision and use of safety harnesses, and the use of seat belts in forklifts and excavators?along with compliance with safety rules for portable ladders.

Falls account for the largest share of fatal occupational accidents. Among deaths resulting from occupational accidents subject to investigation in the first half of this year, falls accounted for 84 deaths, or 33.2 percent. Accidents involving overturned forklifts and excavators also continue to occur. Accidents classified as “crushing or overturning” accounted for 34 deaths, or 13.4 percent. Accidents involving portable ladders claimed approximately 26 lives annually from 2023 through 2025.

The Ministry will check not only whether protective equipment is available at workplaces, but also whether employers provide equipment appropriate for the work being performed and ensure that it is used. Inspectors will also verify whether workers actually wear the equipment properly while carrying out hazardous tasks.

Ahead of the inspections, the Ministry is running a self-inspection period from September 28 through October 2. Workplaces will be encouraged to assess their compliance with the “3+1 Basic Safety Rules” and make necessary improvements. The subsequent intensive inspections will determine whether those improvements have actually been made and whether safety rules are being followed.

The heads of all 49 local labor offices nationwide will personally visit worksites to conduct unannounced inspections. Where legal violations are identified, the Ministry will impose administrative fines and require corrective measures. It plans to respond firmly to noncompliance, including taking legal action against workplaces that fail to implement corrective measures.

“Wearing a safety helmet, securing a safety harness, and fastening a seat belt in a forklift or excavator are the most basic safety rules for protecting workers’ lives,” said Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon. “The provision and use of protective equipment are not the responsibility of just one side. Employers must provide it, and workers must use it.” He added, “Do not take ladder work lightly simply because the task is brief or straightforward. Always check the safety rules before starting work.”

Meanwhile, with roof repairs and solar panel installation work expected to increase during the autumn, the Ministry will also conduct a month-long intensive inspection campaign to prevent falls. From September 28 through October 27, it will issue alerts about fall hazards associated with roofing and solar panel installation work and carry out on-site inspections to prevent similar accidents.

By Eo Go-eun ago@labortoday.co.kr

Newsletter: September 29, 2026

Source: Maeil Labor News