Communicating a stop-work concern
Korean OSH Act article 52 addresses imminent-danger withdrawal, prompt reporting and action, with conditions for protection against adverse treatment. It is Korean law.
Understand the situation
When reporting imminent danger, communicate observations before guessing causes: location, visible abnormality, people exposed and actions already taken. Do not invent the substance identity or failure mechanism.
Review the task
Move clear and promptly use the site’s emergency reporting channel. Follow arrangements to prevent further exposure.
Do not approach the hazard again merely to obtain a photograph.
Check your workplace
- Where exactly is the concern?
- What did you observe?
- After withdrawal and control, who was notified?
Apply the lesson
The recipient should identify who controls the area and what information follows. Workers need to know who can authorise restart and which conditions must first be established.
Avoid a common mistake
The example supports communication. Korean article 52 has its own legal conditions and does not establish a worldwide right or determine the outcome of an individual case.
Putting it into practice
Example: ‘Liquid is leaking from the pipe in area B. We stopped nearby work and moved clear.
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Technical insight
Describe the boundary of the danger
A stop request is easier to act on when it identifies the equipment, changed condition and people exposed. Specific observations help coordinate nearby work as well.
Separate responsibility for correcting the hazard from the conditions for restarting. This is a communication method, not an extra restriction on statutory stop-work rights.
Korean safety resources
- KOSHA GUIDE C-C-2-2025 · Chemical plant maintenance planning
Korean-language PDF on maintenance planning and preparation; technical recommendations.
Sources
- 국가법령정보센터 — 산업안전보건법 제52조대한민국 / Korea