English names and summaries of Korean laws are unofficial translations. The Korean text on the Korean Law Information Center (law.go.kr) prevails.
Serious Accident Response in Korea: from first steps to MOEL inspection
Immediately after an incident, keep people away from danger while making the necessary contacts and reports. Read immediate actions and reporting for the response sequence and response forms for records to keep.
As actions and reporting continue, record who did what and when, and preserve the material. Preparing for inspection and investigation separates the later checks. Adapt contact lists and responsibilities to the workplace in advance. During an incident, follow the site’s emergency procedures and directions from the responsible authorities first.
Key terms in Korean and English
- serious accident (중대재해, OSH Act)
Follow the steps to protect people, report to the competent office and retain records. Distinguish statutory duties from internal record templates.
Serious Accident Response in Korea: statutory forms and record templates
Preparing for MOEL inspection and investigation in Korea
Technical principle and management judgement
Consider rescue, prevention of further harm and scene preservation together. Immediate reporting, the investigation form and lifting a stoppage serve different purposes and need separate completion checks.
Separate rescue, access control and reporting after an accident
Rescue, stopping nearby work and communicating with outside responders may be needed at the same time. The person in charge should identify who controls access and who handles calls and personnel accounting. Control access so that co-workers do not enter an area where danger remains.
When calling for help, explain the location, access route, remaining hazards and support needed. Do not delay rescue to prepare paperwork. Keep a separate record of actions and communications, with their times, for subsequent reporting.
Keep rescue and evacuation records distinct from statutory reporting forms. Recording who did what helps the next person take over without repeating questions or overlooking unfinished actions.
- Identify separate responsibilities for access control, calls and accounting for people at the assembly point.
- Arrange for someone to guide responders along the access route and explain site hazards.
- Hand over unfinished actions and communications when responsibility changes.