Seoul: The number of workers who died in industrial accidents last year marked an increase for the first time in three years since relevant statistics began to be compiled in 2022, the labor ministry announced Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry's data revealed that industrial fatalities subject to investigation stood at 605 in 2025, an increase of 16, or 2.7 percent, from 589 in the previous year. The number of fatal industrial accidents also saw a 3.6 percent rise from 553 to 573.
The statistics on fatal industrial accidents under investigation exclude cases where it is clear that the employer did not violate the law in worker death accidents occurring at industrial sites.
By industry, the construction sector experienced an increase in fatalities by 10, or 3.6 percent, reaching 286. Other industries witnessed a 16.7 percent rise, totaling 161 fatalities. In contrast, the manufacturing industry recorded a decline of 9.7 percent, resulting in 158 deaths.
In terms of workplace size, the number of worker deaths at sites employing fewer than 50 people increased by 12, or 3.5 percent, reaching 351. Meanwhile, deaths at workplaces with 50 or more employees rose by four, or 1.6 percent, totaling 254.
By accident type, falls were responsible for 249 fatalities, accounting for 41.2 percent of the total. Being struck by objects caused 72 deaths, or 11.9 percent, while collapses resulted in 38 fatalities, making up 6.3 percent of the total.