Foreign Workers in Korea Face Increasing Workplace Accidents Despite Safety Efforts

Strategic Insights -

The number of foreign workers in Korea who suffer workplace accidents has surged over the past five years, raising concerns over the country's safety measures for migrant laborers. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the total number of foreign workers who suffered accidents at their workplace reached 9,219 last year, the highest since 2020. This increase has been consistent every year since 2020, with fatalities rising above 100 annually. The manufacturing and construction sectors have been particularly prone to accidents, accounting for nearly 75% of the total victims last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total number of foreign workers who suffered accidents at their workplace reached 9,219 last year, the highest since 2020, with 114 fatalities.
  • The number of victims has been increasing every year since 2020, from 7,583 in 2021 to 8,030 in 2022, 8,792 in 2023, and 9,219 last year.
  • Manufacturing and construction industries were most prone to accidents, claiming 6,000+ victims each year over the past five years.
  • In the first half of this year, the figure reached 4,550, raising concerns that the 2025 total may rise again.
  • Annual fatalities have consistently remained above 100, with the highest figure of 129 in 2021.
  • The agriculture and fishery industries saw a 96% hike in foreign safety accident victims over the past five years, from 149 in 2020 to 293 last year.
  • The government's campaign to prevent industrial accidents and imposing tougher regulations have not adequately addressed safety concerns for foreign workers.
  • Critics argue that the measures introduced by the government, such as a comprehensive labor safety plan, are still inadequate.
  • Rep. Kang Deuk-gu emphasized the need for a stronger investigation into the causes of foreign workers' accidents and other solutions.

Statistics:

  • Total number of foreign workers who suffered accidents at their workplace: 9,219 (2023)
  • Number of foreign workers who died due to accident or illness related to work: 114 (2023)
  • Number of victims in manufacturing: 3,602 (2023), with 3,495 as accident victims
  • Number of victims in construction: 3,402 (2023), with 3,095 as accident victims
  • Annual number of foreign safety accident victims in agriculture and fishery industries: 149 (2020), 293 (2023) (96% hike)
  • Overall annual increase of foreign workers accident victims: 687 (2020), 801 (2023) (16% increase)

Sources:

  • Ministry of Employment and Labor data submitted to Rep. Kang Deuk-gu
  • "Korea Times"
  • "Yonhap News Agency"