“Over 1,000 safety violations found at Taean Thermal Plant after worker death”, 23 October 2025

On 23 October, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour released findings from its recent labour inspection targeting 15 companies operating at the Taean Thermal Power Plant, including Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), KEPCO KPS, and Korea Power O&M. The investigation revealed 1,084 violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act—surpassing the 1,029 violations identified during a previous inspection in 2018. (…)

Inspectors discovered that safety covers had not been installed on rotating shafts and other areas requiring protective devices in several workplaces. Notably, the fatal workplace accident that occurred in June involving worker Kim Chung-hyun was attributed to an uncovered rotating shaft—a risk still present in some areas.

Additional breaches included the absence of safety railings at floating solar power facilities, docks, and maintenance buildings where there was a risk of falling. Inspectors also found that explosion-prone areas were not using explosion-proof electrical equipment to prevent fires from electric sparks.

Labour authorities determined that all 42 workers employed by two subcontractors under KEPCO KPS, including the late Mr. Kim, had been illegally dispatched. In Kim’s case, the Ministry noted that he received real-time work instructions via social media or text message from the main contractor, and the tasks he performed were indistinguishable from those of direct employees. As a corrective measure, the Ministry ordered KEPCO KPS to directly hire the remaining 41 subcontracted workers.