Labor Ministry investigates Gimpo company after owner allegedly drops worker from forklift

South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a joint investigation into a food ingredients company in Gimpo after an employee reportedly fell approximately 5 meters from a forklift. The accident allegedly occurred while the company's owner was operating the machinery.

The injured employee claims the owner repeatedly shook the forklift as a prank, despite the employee expressing fear of heights and asking him to stop. The employee is pursuing legal action against the owner for assault. The owner, however, maintains that the incident was an accident during work operations, not a prank.

Ministry officials stated they will conduct a thorough inspection, examining compliance with safety regulations and labor laws. The investigation will focus on potential violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Labor Standards Act. The ministry has vowed to apply a zero-tolerance policy, including legal action and fines, if any violations are confirmed. Structural safety management failures or organizational culture issues will also be scrutinized.