Worker Dies in Seoul Manhole Accident Amid Safety Equipment Failures and Subcontractor Oversight Issues

A construction worker who fell into a manhole in Incheon has been found dead after a 72-hour rescue operation, highlighting critical safety management failures and the dangerous working conditions faced by subcontracted laborers in South Korea's construction industry. The tragic incident has renewed calls for stricter safety regulations and enhanced oversight of multi-tier subcontracting practices.

Incident Details and Rescue Efforts

The accident occurred on July 5 at approximately 2 PM when Mr. A, a worker in his 50s, fell into a manhole while conducting sewer line inspection work in Namdong District, Incheon. Despite working alongside a colleague, Mr. A suddenly lost consciousness and fell into the manhole system.

Emergency responders launched an extensive 72-hour rescue operation upon receiving the accident report. However, the complex underground structure and presence of toxic gases significantly hampered rescue efforts. Fire department officials deployed specialized equipment and conducted continuous searches, but were unable to locate the victim during the initial rescue period.

Toxic Gas Detection and Safety Equipment Absence

Investigations revealed the presence of deadly gases including hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide at the accident site. These gases can cause unconsciousness and respiratory failure within short periods in confined spaces, posing extreme dangers to workers.

Most shocking was the complete absence of essential safety equipment at the work site. No oxygen masks, gas detectors, or other personal protective equipment required for confined space work were found at the scene. A Ministry of Employment and Labor official stated that "mandatory personal protective equipment for confined space work was not provided, representing a clear violation of safety regulations."

Multi-tier Subcontracting Problems Exposed

The accident has highlighted systemic problems within South Korea's multi-tier subcontracting structure. Mr. A was employed by a sub-subcontractor several layers removed from the primary contractor, creating ambiguous safety management responsibilities and cost-cutting pressures that often result in inadequate safety equipment provision.

Labor safety experts argue that "these accidents repeat because primary contractors fail to properly supervise subcontractor safety management. Legal responsibilities must be clarified and penalties strengthened."

Government Response and Prevention Measures

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has announced comprehensive inspections of confined space work safety management following this incident. Particular focus will be placed on work conducted in manholes, tanks, underground spaces, and similar environments to ensure safety regulation compliance.

The government is also reviewing measures to strengthen primary contractors' safety management responsibilities within multi-tier subcontracting structures. Current regulations make it difficult to hold primary contractors accountable when no direct employment relationship exists, but proposed changes would clarify actual safety management responsibilities.

With another precious life lost to workplace negligence, fundamental institutional improvements and consciousness changes are urgently needed. Creating work environments where all laborers can safely return home should become society's highest priority, requiring sustained commitment from all stakeholders in the construction and industrial sectors.

Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/society/manhole-accident-worker-death-2025