Workplace Fatalities in Korea: Persistent Problem of Fatal Industrial Accidents Involving Foreign Workers

Strategic Insights -

Despite ongoing safety initiatives, fatal industrial accidents involving foreign workers remain persistently high in Korea. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 287 workers died in workplace accidents in Korea during the second quarter of this year, with 38, or 13.2 percent, being foreign nationals. This figure reflects a troubling pattern in recent years, where noncitizens, who make up roughly 3.5 percent of the workforce, consistently account for about 10 percent of all occupational deaths.

Key Takeaways:

  • The construction sector had 138 deaths, with foreign workers accounting for 13 percent of the fatalities.
  • In manufacturing, 67 deaths were reported, including 12 foreign nationals (17.9 percent).
  • The 287 workplace deaths confirmed from April to June represented a slight improvement from the 296 reported during the same period in 2024, but a closer look reveals a persistent problem.
  • Data from the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service showed that annual workplace fatalities among Korean nationals fell from 1,415 in 2020 to 1,236 in 2024, while deaths among migrant workers remained almost unchanged at 112 in 2020 and 111 in 2024.
  • Many foreign workers are employed by small construction and manufacturing firms, where the risk of industrial accidents is high.
  • The Ministry of Employment and Labor is preparing a comprehensive plan for labor safety by forming a consultative body with relevant ministries and promoting a safety-oriented social atmosphere by disseminating 12 key safety rules.

Statistics:

  • 287 workers died in workplace accidents in Korea during the second quarter of this year.
  • 38, or 13.2 percent, of the fatalities were foreign nationals.
  • Noncitizens, who make up roughly 3.5 percent of the workforce, consistently account for about 10 percent of all occupational deaths.
  • Construction sector had 138 deaths, with foreign workers accounting for 13 percent.
  • Manufacturing sector reported 67 deaths, including 12 foreign nationals (17.9 percent).
  • Workplaces with fewer than 50 employees saw 176 deaths, an increase of 21 deaths in comparison with the same period last year.
  • Workplaces with 50 or more employees had 111 deaths, a decrease of 30 deaths.
  • Annual workplace fatalities among Korean nationals fell from 1,415 in 2020 to 1,236 in 2024.
  • Deaths among migrant workers remained almost unchanged at 112 in 2020 and 111 in 2024.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Employment and Labor
  • Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
  • Rep. Kim Wi-sang of the conservative People Power Party
  • Son Pil-hoon, director-general of the ministry's occupational accident prevention division
  • Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon
  • Han Moon-hee, CEO of Korea Railroad Corp.