Do not stand in the crush gap: The SK Energy Ulsan catalyst-replacement fatality
A worker was seriously injured during catalyst replacement at SK Energy’s Ulsan facility on 4 March 2026, according to later reporting. Small vehicle movements can become dangerous beside fixed structures.
The reported sequence
Busan Ilbo described a worker being compressed between a bulk bag and a fixed structure after a forklift moved in connection with a ground obstruction. This is the newspaper’s account, not a final investigation finding.
The incident is reported as a serious injury, not a death.
Separate people from vehicle movement
Consider unintended movement and load movement, not just the planned travel direction. Assess whether the handling attachment and method are suitable; a bag loop over a fork is not a universal safe lifting arrangement.
HSE · 보행자·차량 분리 / Separating pedestrians and vehicles
Check your workplace
- Must anyone enter the gap beside the vehicle?
- Could a kerb or slope change its movement?
- How does the driver confirm everyone is clear?
Inspect the working surface
Kerbs, slopes and restricted manoeuvring space affect the task. Keep a usable refuge outside the potential crush area.
Stop movement when the signal is lost or a person enters the controlled zone.
Teach the actual positions
Show new workers the safe waiting place, prohibited gaps and stop signal with the equipment stationary. Separate manual connection tasks from vehicle travel and use an agreed clearance signal.
Putting it into practice
If a person remains beside the fixed structure, the driver waits. Movement resumes only after the person is clear and the agreed signal is given.
UK guidance is cited for general planning, not as Korean legislation.
Technical insight
Separate vehicle movement from working positions
Space for a vehicle is not necessarily a safe refuge for a person. Work next to fixed structures can leave no escape space if a vehicle approaches.
Map where people stand or bend down, not just driver visibility. Assess physical separation and task coordination rather than relying solely on a signaller.
Korean safety resources
- KOSHA · Practical safety handbook 53: Automobile manufacturing (2020)
Korean handbook: forklifts p.143, rigging p.164, conveyor hazards p.195 and non-routine work incidents p.225.
Sources
- 부산일보 · SK에너지 촉매 교체 중 지게차 협착대한민국 / South Korea
- HSE · 보행자·차량 분리 / Separating pedestrians and vehicles영국 지침 / UK guidance
- HSE · 설비 정비 / Maintenance of work equipment영국 지침 / UK guidance