Union: Worker's Death at HD Hyundai Samho Caused by Ignoring Two-Person Safety Rule Amid Labor Shortage

A fatal accident at HD Hyundai Samho has highlighted serious safety concerns, according to the Metal Workers' Union. A 49-year-old worker, identified only as Park, died on May 22 after a rope snapped and struck him in the face while he was securing a vessel to a mooring facility. He fell, hitting his head on a pillar, and later died from his injuries.

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The accident occurred because the basic principle of two-person work was not observed.

The union asserts that the accident was a direct result of neglecting the "two-person rule" for hazardous operations. Standard operating procedures require a minimum of four people for vessel mooring tasks, including two for rope work. However, at the time of the incident, Park was working alone, and a signalman was absent from the crane operation.

Chronic labor shortages are cited as the root cause. The union explained that a vessel launch ceremony on the day of the accident led to Park's colleagues being deployed elsewhere, forcing him to work solo. They also criticized the work method, noting that Park was manually handling the rope, a practice deemed highly dangerous due to the risk of snapping under tension. Competitor Hanwha Ocean reportedly uses a winch system for such tasks.

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Although Korea's shipbuilding industry is booming recently, companies are reluctant to hire new employees.

During a press conference outside the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Mokpo branch, the union pointed out the paradox of South Korea's booming shipbuilding industry, with HD Hyundai Samho reporting a profit of 1.36 trillion won last year and operating at 125.4% capacity. Despite this prosperity, the company has been reluctant to hire new staff, leading to overworked employees. The union is calling for accountability from HD Hyundai Samho's CEO and safety manager, a concrete plan for staffing according to standard procedures, improvements to work methods and risk assessments, support for workers experiencing trauma, and an apology and compensation for the bereaved family. They also urged the Ministry of Employment and Labor to conduct a thorough investigation, punish those responsible, and order a special labor inspection and safety diagnosis.

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Workers are working alone and working harder without significant new hires amidst the boom.