Seoul Sanitation Worker Dies in Solo Shift Accident; District Cites Ordinance Exception

A private sanitation worker died in Seoul's Jongno district after being struck by a waste collection vehicle while working alone in the early hours of August 7. The incident has sparked criticism regarding the enforcement of safety regulations, particularly the '3-person, daytime shift' principle, which was reportedly not followed in this case. The district office, however, maintains that no legal responsibility applies due to an exception clause in its local ordinance.

The accident occurred around 2:36 AM in an alley in Changsin-dong when the 60-year-old worker, identified as 'A,' became trapped between the 1.5-ton collection vehicle and a building wall. Despite receiving CPR, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police believe the vehicle moved after 'A' exited the driver's seat, and he was attempting to stop it when the accident happened. No colleagues were present at the time of the incident.

Relevant regulations, including the Enforcement Rule of the Wastes Management Act, stipulate that environmental workers engaged in waste collection and transport should primarily work during the day and in teams of three (one driver, two collectors) for safety. However, these rules allow for exceptions based on reasons specified by local government ordinances. The contracting company reportedly stated during police investigation that there were no rules regarding '3-person, 2-person teams.'

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Numerous fatalities led the government to establish the '3-person, daytime shift' principle, yet local governments have created loopholes in their ordinances. Unless these exception clauses, which nullify the principle, are deleted, tragedies will continue.

Jongno District Office cited its ordinance, which permits exceptions to the '3-person' rule for reasons such as the use of mechanical collection devices, vehicles under 1.5 tons, or other situations approved by the district mayor. A district official stated, "There is no legal problem as it falls under the exception," adding that management and supervision are the responsibility of the contracting agency, thus no separate investigation by the district office is planned.

Labor unions are calling for the elimination of these exception clauses. Kang Seok-hwa, an official from the Korean Federation of Labor Unions, argued, "Despite the government establishing the '3-person, daytime shift' principle after numerous fatalities, local governments have created loopholes in their ordinances." He warned that tragedies will continue unless these exceptions, which nullify the safety principle, are removed.

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There is no legal problem as it falls under the exception. Management and supervision are the responsibility of the contracting agency, so there is no separate investigation by the district office.