Namsang Jin, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Urban Safety Construction Committee (People’s Power, Songpa 2), urged thorough heatwave safety management measures at the 332nd Special Session Disaster Safety Office work report meeting held on the 1st. He pointed out that construction continued at some sites on the day a heatwave warning was issued, violating Seoul’s guidelines.
Seoul City, in a press release on July 7, stated that during the peak heatwave period, city-ordered outdoor construction sites should stop work from 2 PM to 5 PM, and that private construction sites should also be informed of this. However, it was confirmed that some sites continued work despite the heatwave warning on July 8, when temperatures reached 34 to 37 degrees Celsius.
The sites pointed out by Representative Nam include the A site in Changdong, which is under a private project, and a private construction site near Namsan in Jung-gu (next to the Seoul Creative Industry Hub construction site). The filmed video shows construction occurring between 2 PM and 4 PM, when the temperature is usually at its highest during the day.
Representative Nam highlighted that 46% of industrial accidents due to heat-related illnesses in the construction industry occurred over the past five years. He also mentioned a case in July where a foreign construction worker died from heatstroke in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, emphasizing the need for inspections in preparation for prolonged heatwaves.
In response, the Seoul Disaster Safety Office director acknowledged the lack of management at some sites, stating, “We will ensure that no heat-related illnesses occur at construction sites due to the heatwave.” He also added, “We will notify related agencies such as the Urban Base Facilities Headquarters to strengthen management and supervision.”
Representative Nam stressed, “Safety cannot be overemphasized,” adding, “If Seoul does not manage and supervise thoroughly, workers may suffer accidents due to excessive work in the heatwave.”
Meanwhile, on July 11, the Ministry of Employment and Labor held a heatwave safety conference and revised the ‘Regulations on Industrial Safety and Health Standards.’ The amendment requires a 20-minute break every two hours when the perceived temperature is above 33 degrees Celsius, with violations subject to imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. Death cases can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years.
