Seoul: The government announced plans to inspect 22,000 construction sites nationwide this year to prevent defective projects and review on-site safety measures. The initiative aims to enhance safety standards across the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will collaborate with 12 agencies, including regional land management offices and the Korea Expressway Corp., to conduct regular inspections. These inspections will occur during periods deemed vulnerable for construction projects, such as the monsoon season and winter.
Projects valued at under 5 billion won (US$3.42 million) will receive continuous monitoring from a dedicated safety review task force, as they are considered to have weaker safety management capabilities. This approach seeks to address potential safety issues in smaller-scale projects.
Following a fatal bridge collapse at a Seoul-Sejong Expressway construction site last month, resulting in 10 casualties, new measures require on-site supervisors and inspectors to physically check scaffolding for stability. This step is part of an effort to prevent future accidents and enhance safety protocols.
A ministry official stated, “We will focus on preventing fall accidents at construction sites to enhance safety.” The official urged all stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and workers, to prioritize safety and work towards creating a secure working environment.