"Mandatory Break Rooms Recommended to Improve Sanitation Workers' Working Conditions"

Recommendation to Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and Local Governments
Mandatory Installation of Break Rooms and Enhanced Safety Measures Proposed

There has been a recommendation to improve the working conditions of sanitation workers, who are continuously exposed to the risk of industrial accidents due to roadside tasks, handling of heavy objects, and exposure to pollutants.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on July 16 that it has developed measures to strengthen the safety and protect the rights of household waste collection and transportation workers (sanitation workers) and proposed these measures to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and local governments. While household waste collection and transportation is an essential public service for maintaining urban environments, many local governments conduct night work to alleviate traffic congestion and minimize inconvenience to residents, resulting in an increased risk of industrial accidents.

A sanitation worker is cleaning up trash left from the event at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul where it has rained. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Accordingly, the commission recommended revising the Waste Management Act to require the mandatory installation of break rooms and shower facilities, ensuring that sanitation workers can take sufficient rest after work and maintain a hygienic environment.

The commission also called for a major enhancement of the evaluation and oversight system for agencies contracted to handle household waste collection and transportation. In order to increase the effectiveness of the existing evaluation system, which had previously been criticized as a mere administrative formality, the commission suggested that evaluation results must be meaningfully reflected in decisions regarding contract renewals and the selection of future service providers. In particular, it emphasized that the weighting of evaluation items related to worker safety and working conditions should be increased.

The commission also mentioned the need to change the inspection approach for accident prevention. Instead of relying mainly on scheduled inspections with prior notice, it recommended expanding unannounced on-site inspections and immediate special inspections in the event of an accident. The commission also called for strengthening post-inspection management procedures to ensure that follow-up actions are actually implemented.

Commission Chair Jeong Ilyeon stated, "Sanitation workers are essential public service workers who are on the frontlines for ensuring a pleasant living environment," adding, "We must create a work environment where sanitation workers' safety and rights are institutionally guaranteed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.