Forced investigation launched targeting headquarters, Daejeon plant
55 labor inspectors and police deployed to examine safety management systems
The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched search and seizure operations at Hanwha Aerospace's headquarters and its Daejeon plant in connection with an explosion that killed five workers, as investigators move to determine whether the company violated industrial safety and serious accident laws.
The Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office announced Thursday that it had begun the raids targeting the defense contractor's Seoul headquarters and its Daejeon plant, following the explosion that occurred June 1 in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.
A total of 55 personnel — including labor ministry inspectors and officers from the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency — were deployed in the operation. Investigators are working to secure documents related to the propellant-cleaning process and relevant technical drawings to determine the cause of the blast, while also gathering materials on the company's safety and health management systems.
Authorities plan to examine closely whether proper safety measures were in place during the cleaning process where the accident occurred, and whether hazard assessments and work procedure manuals were being followed on the ground.
The ministry said it intends to use the evidence gathered to determine why explosions have recurred at the facility.
Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon plant suffered explosions in 2018 and 2019, both of which resulted in casualties. The ministry also plans to examine whether those incidents and the findings of past special inspections are linked to the latest accident.
"We will thoroughly investigate the root causes of these recurring explosions based on the evidence secured through this search and seizure," the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office said. "If violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or the Serious Accidents Punishment Act are confirmed, we will hold those responsible strictly accountable."
The ministry has assembled a dedicated investigation team of around 200 personnel to expedite the inquiry.
Going forward, the ministry said it will actively pursue forced investigative measures — including search and seizure operations and detention — whenever accidents involving multiple casualties occur or similar incidents recur due to failure to observe basic safety rules.
fact0514@heraldcorp.com
