On Friday, a fatal accident occurred at the Gunsan shipbuilding facility of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, resulting in the death of a subcontractor. This marks the third fatal incident at the company’s sites in July.

Incident Details

A worker, approximately 30 years old, suffered a head injury around 4:44 p.m. local time when his head became trapped in equipment. He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and went into cardiac arrest. He later died from his injuries at the hospital around 7:00 p.m.

This incident follows two other fatal accidents this month at South Korean shipyards in the offshore and maritime sectors involving contractors.

Details of the Incident

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed that a serious workplace accident occurred at the panel plant at the Gunsan shipyard, where a worker was caught between a lifting lug and the machine used to attach it. According to police, the accident happened during the installation of lifting lugs on the ship’s hull plating. While operating the lug fastening machine in reverse, the worker failed to notice an already installed lug and became trapped between the machine and the lug.

The lug fastening machine is used to secure steel lifting rings to ship blocks on the hull. Working with this equipment is considered high-risk due to the heavy steel structures involved, which increase the danger of being crushed.

Response and Measures

The police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor are investigating the scene and reviewing relevant documentation. Special safety training will be organized for all employees, and measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

On Saturday, the Gunsan branch of the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office issued an order to partially suspend operations on all assembly lines at the panel plant.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an investigation into the incident and imposed strict measures, including halting work. In addition to investigating the accident, the ministry plans to conduct a thorough inspection for possible violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

Additional Information

Last month, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a final agreement to sell its Gunsan shipyard to the JE Marine Heavy Industries joint venture for 780 billion won (approximately $531.86 million). The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.