Worker dies in accident at Maeil Dairies plant; company apologizes, vows safety measures

A fatal accident occurred at the Maeil Dairies plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, claiming the life of a worker in his 50s and injuring another. The incident happened on September 9th around 2:58 PM while the two workers were cleaning the inside of a condensed milk storage tank. They were found unconscious and transported to a hospital, but one worker, identified as Mr. A, succumbed to his injuries. The other worker, Mr. B, is receiving treatment and is reported to be out of danger.

Authorities are investigating the precise cause of the accident, with the initial assessment suggesting suffocation due to a lack of oxygen, as no external injuries were found. Police and labor officials are examining the work procedures, the sequence of events, and adherence to safety protocols with plant personnel. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Mr. A's death.

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We offer our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to the colleague who lost their precious life and to their bereaved family.

Maeil Dairies has halted operations in the affected process following the accident. The company issued an apology through CEO Lee In-ki, expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased worker and promising support and measures to prevent recurrence. Lee stated that the company will re-examine its on-site safety management system based on the investigation findings and take all necessary actions to prevent similar incidents.

This is not the first fatal accident at the Pyeongtaek plant. In April 2022, a worker in his 30s died after becoming trapped in an automated milk carton feeder outside the factory building.

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Based on the accident's circumstances and the findings of the relevant authorities' investigation, we will re-examine the on-site safety management system and take all necessary measures to prevent recurrence.