KIST Head: Safety Consulting for Over 20,000 Small Construction Sites Planned

Park Chang-geun, the head of the Korea Infrastructure Safety and Technology Agency (KIST), announced plans to offer safety consulting for approximately 22,000 small construction sites. These sites, typically involving projects valued at less than 5 billion won (approximately $3.6 million USD), are a key focus due to their disproportionate share of fatal accidents.

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About 40% of fatal accidents occur at sites under 5 billion won.

"About 40% of fatal accidents occur at sites under 5 billion won," Park stated during a press conference in Sejong City. To address this, KIST is introducing a new "Safety Patrol" system specifically targeting these smaller, often overlooked, construction areas. The agency aims to enhance safety management and reduce risks across the sector.

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We will operate a new 'Safety Patrol' system focusing on small sites.

In addition to focusing on small-scale projects, KIST is prioritizing accident prevention in demolition work and ground subsidence. Park mentioned that the agency is revising manuals for underground safety assessments and implementing systematic safety measures throughout the entire lifecycle of underground excavation projects, from design and construction to maintenance. Regarding accidents during demolition, such as the Seosomun Overpass collapse, Park pledged cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to establish necessary institutional safety measures for the demolition of aging infrastructure.

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We are operating systematic safety measures throughout the entire lifecycle of underground excavation projects, including revising manuals for underground safety assessments.