Worker killed in fall at Samsung Heavy Industries Geoje shipyard

A SOUTH Korean worker at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje shipyard fell approximately 20 m while preparing for dust removal work inside a tank of a crude oil tanker at around 1500 hrs on December 22. The injured worker was urgently taken to hospital, but ultimately died.

The company halted all work on the vessel following the accident.

The shipyard suspended production from 0800 hrs to 1200 hrs on December 23 to conduct special safety training, resuming operations at 1300 hrs on the same day.

A Samsung Heavy official told Lloyd’s List: “He is a Korean employee of our subcontractor. At the time of the accident, he was wearing the necessary protective equipment, including a safety helmet.”

According to local media reports, the Ministry of Employment and Labour and the police were dispatched immediately after the accident to examine the circumstances and the overall safety management system.

They are also investigating potential breaches of South Korea’s Occupational Safety and Health Act, as well as the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

In an apology statement, Samsung Heavy Industries chief executive Choi Sung-an said: “We sincerely apologise to everyone involved for failing to fulfil our safety management responsibilities and causing great concern. We will do everything in our power to ensure that our workplace is free of accidents.”