[비즈한국] A serious industrial accident occurred at a subsidiary of a KOSDAQ-listed company based in Busan, where a worker in his 30s was crushed by a 3-ton steel coil, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Critics are calling out a blatant disregard for safety, as allegations have surfaced that the company pushed forward with hazardous operations without improvements, despite warning signs of falling steel coils just one to two months prior to the accident.
The accident occurred around 2:00 PM on December 8 last year at a factory of the company's subsidiary in Gangseo-gu, Busan. The facility is a secondary processing plant that receives 8-ton steel coils and precision-cuts them to meet the specifications and quality requirements of clients such as LG Electronics066570 and Samsung Electronics005930.
The victim, a worker in his 30s identified as A, had been reassigned to coil transport and loading duties—tasks outside his usual scope—because a foreign colleague was on half-day leave that day. The accident occurred while A was using a crane to move a cut steel coil weighing between 2.5 and 3 tons.
According to the victim, different types of cranes should be used depending on the weight and size of the coil; however, the crane used at the time was the one typically reserved for moving large coils, leaving the load improperly secured. Furthermore, an aging wooden pallet was used as a base for the coil. As the equipment wobbled, the pallet lifted, causing the crane to sway and the coil to spill. A's left leg was crushed by the coil, resulting in complex fractures where the bone was shattered and severe skin necrosis. After nine major surgeries, his left leg was ultimately amputated below the knee, and he was declared permanently disabled.
A claims that this was a predictable disaster that could have been prevented. He noted that one to two months prior to his accident, there was an incident where coils spilled onto the floor at the factory. Although no one was hurt at the time, A argued that if the company had properly recognized the equipment defects or the dangers of the work method and taken immediate safety measures, the recurrence could have been prevented. According to A, the aging wooden pallets were replaced only after his accident. He also alleged that there was no signal person (safety manager) present, who is required by law to ensure visibility and manage risks when handling heavy loads with a crane.
On January 5, A filed a criminal complaint with the police against the company's representative and others for professional negligence resulting in injury and violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. "I have never received any practical safety training for hazardous tasks like crane operation," A said, expressing his frustration. "I never left the shop floor during the four hours of training the company claimed I attended in their documents." He asserts that the documents submitted by the company to investigation authorities, which claim four hours of safety training were provided, are falsified and that he only signed them formally without any actual training.
The company's handling of the aftermath has also been criticized. A stated, "After the accident, the company visited only once and provided just a few basic items like diapers and wet wipes, while I had to pay for over 50 million won in medical bills out of my own pocket."
An official from the parent company stated regarding the accident, "As this is a matter that occurred at a subsidiary, we are faithfully cooperating with the investigations by the relevant authorities," adding, "We will do our best to support the victim's recovery and prevent any recurrence."