SK ecoplant apologizes for fatal accident involving Myanmar worker, promises safety reforms

SK ecoplant has formally apologized to the bereaved family of Aung Min Woo, a migrant worker from Myanmar who died in an industrial accident at a KTX high-speed rail construction site. The company acknowledged its "grave responsibility" and expressed its apologies to the family. The accident occurred on April 1st when Aung Min Woo, 37, was found trapped in a conveyor belt while working alone in a tunnel on the Pyeongtaek-Oseong section of the KTX line in Asan City, Chungnam Province. He was taken to a hospital but later died.

The project, commissioned by the Korea National Railway and constructed by SK ecoplant, reportedly violated safety guidelines. The standard procedure mandates a 'two-person team' for such work, but Aung Min Woo was working alone. Furthermore, an emergency stop device for the conveyor belt was reportedly absent. Aung Min Woo's wife, Chin May May, who arrived from Myanmar on April 15th, held a press conference outside SK ecoplant's headquarters in Seoul, demanding an official apology and measures to prevent recurrence.

SK ecoplant's agreement with the family includes provisions for trauma treatment for workers who witnessed the accident. The company also pledged to assist workers who wish to transfer to different sites and ensure they receive their usual wages despite work stoppages. Crucially, the agreement states that future safety plans will include measures to address the structural vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, such as unstable employment and language barriers, which increase their susceptibility to industrial accidents.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the police are investigating the incident. The labor ministry is examining potential violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, while the police are investigating relevant parties from the main contractor and subcontractors for charges of accidental death.

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We deeply acknowledge our grave responsibility for this accident and offer our apologies to the bereaved family with a heart full of remorse for the deceased.