[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

““Who is responsible if an accident occurs during night work?" — Subcontractor dies 7 minutes later” 11 September 2024

On the night of 9 September, a subcontractor, identified as Mr. A(41), fell to his death while working 32 metres high at a Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) shipyard in Geoje, Gyeongnam. It has been found that Mr. A was working late into the night at the request of Hanwha Ocean. Just 8 minutes before the accident, the subcontractor reportedly complained, “Who is responsible if an accident occurs during night work?”

…The [Daewoo Shipbuilding branch of the National Metalworkers’] Union has claimed that Hanwha Ocean, despite pushing for night work, failed to provide proper fall prevention measures.

…Hanwha Ocean responded by stating, “The work for that day was within the scope planned several days in advance, and the work extended into the night due to some delays. The union’s claim that the main contractor forced the work is not accurate, and decisions regarding work personnel and instructions are managed by the subcontractor’s supervisor.”