Seoul Waste Facility Death Under Investigation: Systemic Issues Exposed
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – A 65-year-old worker has died at the Eunpyeong Metropolitan Resource Circulation Center in Seoul, triggering a police and labor ministry investigation and reigniting concerns about worker safety in South Korea’s often-overlooked waste disposal industry. This breaking news story highlights a growing problem: the increasing pressure on waste management facilities and the potential consequences of prioritizing cost-cutting over employee well-being. Archyde.com is following this developing story closely, providing updates as they become available.
Worker Found on Conveyor Belt Despite Non-Classification Role
The incident occurred on May 5th, with an investigation vehicle arriving on May 6th. According to officials, the worker, identified as Mr. A, lost consciousness and fell onto a conveyor belt within the facility. Crucially, Mr. A’s official role was facility management, meaning he should have been in the control room, not actively working on the conveyor belt itself. His family believes he was assisting colleagues due to an overwhelming workload, a claim supported by survivor testimonies.
Surge in Workload Linked to Tragic Accident
Survivors at the Eunpyeong facility report a significant increase in workload, particularly after taking on waste processing responsibilities from neighboring districts like Seodaemun-gu. One survivor described working from 6:20 AM to 7-8 PM, six days a week, resulting in a monthly weight loss of 5kg. The deceased himself reportedly expressed concerns about the increased demands. “He said the work has increased due to the waste of Seodaemun-gu,” a colleague shared. This points to a potential link between the heightened pressure and the tragic accident.
The Growing Trend of Outsourcing and its Risks
The Eunpyeong Metropolitan Resources Circulation Center, like many waste processing facilities in South Korea, is operated by a private company contracted by the local government. Nationwide, the Ministry of Environment reports that 66 out of 82 large-scale waste facilities (handling over 20 tons daily) are managed by private contractors as of December 2024. This outsourcing trend, while potentially cost-effective, raises serious questions about safety oversight and labor standards. Professor Chung Heung-jun of Seoul National University of Science and Technology argues that entrusting waste disposal to the private sector can lead to a “relatively neglected” approach to safety and labor intensity compared to public operation.
A Pattern of Tragedy: Previous Incidents Highlight Systemic Failures
This isn’t an isolated incident. In May of last year, a subcontractor died while cleaning a garbage incinerator at a private facility in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. In 2020, a worker in Mapo-gu, Seoul, tragically took their own life after suffering from sleep disorders, depression, and cerebral atrophy linked to long-term night work. These cases underscore a disturbing pattern of worker hardship and fatal accidents within the contracted waste disposal sector. The increasing demand for waste processing, coupled with potential cost-cutting measures, appears to be creating a dangerous environment for those on the front lines.
Investigation Underway: Occupational Safety and the “Great Disaster Punishment Act”
Police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor are currently investigating whether the operating company violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the recently enacted “Great Disaster Punishment Act,” which imposes stricter penalties for workplace safety failures resulting in death or serious injury. Eunpyeong-gu officials have pledged full cooperation with the investigation. An autopsy has been requested to determine the precise cause of Mr. A’s fall, with results expected in two to three months.
The death of Mr. A serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of our consumption habits and the critical need for robust safety regulations and ethical labor practices within the waste management industry. As South Korea continues to grapple with increasing waste volumes, ensuring the well-being of the workers who handle it must be a top priority. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and ongoing coverage of worker safety issues in South Korea and beyond. For more in-depth reporting on environmental issues and labor rights, explore our dedicated sections on Environmental News and Labor Rights.
