Heat-related Deaths in Manhole Work: Urgent Safety Measures Needed

Amid the ongoing extreme heat, a tragic incident occurred where two workers working inside a manhole suffered from asphyxiation, resulting in one casualty. This accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with working in confined spaces during a heatwave.

On the 28th, the Geumcheon Fire Station and the Ministry of Employment and Labor reported that, around 12:39 PM the previous day, two male workers in their 70s were found in a state of asphyxiation at a water leak construction site located in Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul.

The two workers were discovered in cardiac arrest and were immediately given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, one of them passed away around 3 AM that morning. The other individual is reportedly still not responsive.

Workplace Incidents in Confined Spaces Increase During Summer

Fire authorities have warned that incidents of asphyxiation due to harmful gases while working in confined spaces like manholes are becoming alarmingly frequent.

In fact, on the 6th of this month, in Incheon, a company representative and a temporary worker lost their lives while investigating the conditions inside a manhole. Additionally, on the 23rd of this month, two workers experienced symptoms of decreased consciousness while cleaning a manhole in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and required rescue.

Experts explain that as temperatures rise, the volume of harmful gas also increases, which heightens the risk of working in confined spaces such as manholes, wastewater treatment facilities, and livestock barns.

Particularly during the summer heat, preventive measures such as adequate ventilation, gas concentration monitoring, and wearing safety equipment are essential before undertaking such work.

In response to this incident, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an immediate investigation and is closely examining potential violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Severe Accident Punishment Act.

Authorities are also reportedly reviewing measures to strengthen safety management to prevent similar incidents.

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