Intensive Inspection of Forklifts, Cranes, and Conveyors in Manufacturing... To Be Conducted in the First Week of September

The government is launching an intensive inspection targeting forklifts, cranes, and conveyors, which pose significant risks of serious industrial accidents at manufacturing sites.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 30th that it will conduct intensive inspections at 1,000 manufacturing businesses using forklifts, cranes, and conveyors over a one-week period from September 7 to 11.

On the 28th, four days before the Korea-US tariff negotiation deadline, a large crane is seen at the headquarters of Hanwha Ocean in Aju-dong, Geoje City, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News

In the first half of this year, the number of fatalities subject to accident investigation decreased by 34 (11.8%) compared to the same period last year, marking the lowest-ever first-half figure since statistics have been recorded. However, in the manufacturing sector, fatal and injury accidents continue to occur due to entrapment, falling, and being struck during operations involving forklifts, cranes, and conveyors. Accordingly, the ministry has decided to thoroughly examine related risk factors.

For example, on June 1 in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, a worker fell while installing wall panels from a pallet raised by a forklift. On June 27 in Yeongam, Jeonnam, a worker was struck by heavy equipment while lifting ship components with an overhead crane.

This inspection will focus on verifying major accident risk factors—such as collision, crushing, and falling related to forklifts; being struck by or crushed by heavy loads related to cranes; and entrapment and striking hazards related to conveyors—as well as whether safety devices are operating properly.

Prior to the inspections, a self-check period will be implemented from August 31 to September 4. During this period, workplaces will be required to use a checklist to identify and correct risk factors themselves. The subsequent intensive inspection will then verify whether actual improvements have been made and whether key safety rules are being followed.

In particular, the 49 heads of local offices nationwide will conduct on-site surprise inspections themselves. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will also check related safety measures during patrols and technical guidance, thereby strengthening preventive activities at worksites. If legal violations are identified, fines and corrective actions will be imposed immediately; workplaces that fail to implement corrective measures will face legal action, reflecting a strict response policy.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon stated, "Although the total number of fatalities from accidents is decreasing, the number in the manufacturing sector has increased, so we need to examine recurring risk factors at worksites more thoroughly." He added, "High-risk machinery and equipment such as forklifts are used routinely in industrial settings, but even minor lapses in basic safety measures can lead to serious industrial accidents."

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