Ministry of Employment and Labor to Conduct Intensive Checks on '3+1' Safety Rules—Helmets, Harnesses, Belts and Ladders—at 1,000 Workplaces

[Financial News] The Ministry of Employment and Labor will conduct intensive inspections at 1,000 workplaces nationwide under a '3+1' framework. The inspections will cover whether safety helmets, safety harnesses and safety belts—the three basic protective measures—are provided and worn, as well as compliance with mobile-ladder safety rules.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 28th that it would conduct intensive inspections of the '3+1 Basic Safety Rules' for approximately 10 days, from October 6 to 16. A total of 1,000 workplaces nationwide will be inspected.
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, of the 253 people who died in accidents subject to disaster investigations during the first half of this year, falls accounted for the largest number at 84. Another 34 people died after being crushed or overturned. Over the past three years, approximately 26 people have died each year in accidents involving mobile ladders.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor determined that it was crucial for basic safety rules—including wearing safety helmets, safety harnesses and seat belts, as well as following mobile-ladder safety rules—to be properly observed at workplaces. It therefore decided to launch the intensive inspections.
Through the inspections, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to examine not only whether protective equipment is available at workplaces, but also how employers provide and manage such equipment and whether workers actually wear it. Inspectors will also check whether seat belts are worn in forklifts and excavators and whether mobile-ladder safety rules are followed.
Ahead of the main inspections, the ministry will operate a self-inspection period from today through October 2. Workplaces will be asked to check and improve their own compliance with the '3+1 Safety Rules,' after which the intensive inspections will verify on-site whether actual improvements have been made and whether the safety rules are being followed.
The heads of 49 regional offices nationwide will personally conduct unannounced on-site inspections. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) will also check safety measures during patrol inspections and technical guidance.
If violations of the law are found, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to immediately impose administrative fines and require corrective measures. It also plans to respond firmly, including through legal action, against workplaces that fail to implement the corrective measures.
Kim Young-hoon, minister of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, emphasized, "Wearing a safety helmet, fastening a safety harness and buckling a seat belt in a forklift or excavator are the most basic safety rules for protecting workers' lives. Providing and wearing protective equipment is not the sole responsibility of either side; employers must provide it, and workers must use it."
He added, "Please do not take ladder work lightly simply because it is short and simple. Be sure to check the safety rules before starting work."

[email protected] Kim Jun-hyeok Reporter