Ourhome Faces Legal Action After Repeated Fatal Workplace Accidents
Government investigation reveals 92 safety violations at food manufacturer following consecutive worker deaths.
1Systemic Safety Failures Exposed
The South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted a comprehensive inspection of nine Ourhome manufacturing plants. This investigation followed two consecutive years of fatal workplace accidents. Authorities uncovered 92 distinct violations of industrial safety and labor laws, highlighting a systemic failure to protect employees within the food production facilities.
2Fatal Machinery Entrapment Incidents
A tragic incident occurred in June when a 50-year-old contract worker died after their hairnet became entangled in a conveyor belt. This follows a previous fatality in April, where a worker was caught in a cooling machine while clearing debris. These recurring entrapment accidents underscore severe deficiencies in mechanical safety protocols.
3Widespread Industrial Safety Violations
Inspectors identified 53 specific violations of industrial safety standards, including the operation of uncertified conveyor belts. Many machines lacked essential protective equipment, such as covers for power transmission chains or safety guards on mixer inlets. Furthermore, six plants failed to provide mandatory safety training for workers operating hazardous rotating machinery.
4Legal and Financial Penalties
The Ministry plans to pursue judicial action for 13 of the identified violations. Additionally, 37 cases will result in administrative fines totaling 86.3 million won, while the remaining 42 violations require immediate corrective measures. A separate investigation is currently underway to determine potential breaches of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
5Illegal Labor Dispatch Practices
Beyond safety issues, the audit revealed 39 labor law violations, including illegal worker dispatching. A primary contractor at the Yongin 2 plant illegally utilized 45 workers from a secondary contractor for direct manufacturing processes. The Ministry has ordered the primary contractor to directly hire these 45 workers to rectify the illegal arrangement.
6Corporate Accountability Concerns
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon criticized the company for failing to meet basic social responsibilities. He emphasized that repeated fatalities in large corporations indicate a fundamental breakdown in safety management systems. The government is now demanding that top management take personal responsibility for reforming labor practices and establishing a safer environment.
7Broader Industry Oversight Mandate
The government is expanding its scrutiny beyond Ourhome to other major conglomerates like Hanwha Aerospace, where similar fatal accidents have occurred. Authorities are requiring these groups to develop comprehensive improvement plans. The Ministry intends to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that these corporate entities strictly adhere to mandated safety and labor regulations.
8Future Implications for Manufacturing
This crackdown signals a stricter regulatory stance toward large-scale food manufacturers regarding worker safety. By mandating direct employment and enforcing heavy fines, the government aims to curb the reliance on precarious contract labor. Future compliance will be measured by the successful implementation of these safety reforms and the elimination of hazardous practices.
Original article: Kyunghyang — Ourhome Faces Legal Action After Repeated Fatal Workplace Accidents