Seoul: The government announced on Thursday its decision to resume the public disclosure of major construction firms involved in fatal accidents, alongside details of their ongoing projects. This practice, which was halted earlier in 2023, is being reintroduced as part of a broader initiative to enhance safety measures at construction sites.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport unveiled this initiative following a tragic incident at an expressway construction site in Anseong on Tuesday, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries. The disclosure of these lists had been an annual occurrence since 2019 but was suspended in September 2023 due to opposition from the construction industry over a perceived lack of legal foundation.
The new plan emphasizes a real-name accountability system, where the names and contact details of safety officers must be prominently displayed at high-risk work locations. The government is also targeting a 10 percent annual reduction in fall-related fatalities, which account for approximately half of all construction site deaths.
"We will disclose not only the names of companies involved in fatal accidents but also the specific tunnel or redevelopment projects they are undertaking to raise awareness," a ministry official stated, highlighting the goal of increasing transparency and accountability within the industry.
To further bolster safety, the government plans to introduce incentives for construction firms. Companies whose CEOs actively engage in site inspections and improve worker safety will receive additional points in technology-based bidding processes. Furthermore, to support small construction firms in enhancing safety, the government will allocate 35 billion won (US$24.2 million) for the purchase of safety equipment essential for construction projects.