Construction Company CEO Sentenced for Heat Stroke Death of Worker
In a landmark ruling, a construction company CEO, identified as A (68), has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Serious Accident Punishment Act (중대재해처벌법) following the death of a worker from heat stroke. This case marks the first instance where a company representative has been penalized under this law for a heat-related fatality, despite previous applications of the law for accidents involving machinery or falls.
The incident occurred in July 2022 at a construction site in Yuseong District, Daejeon, where a worker, B (then 58), collapsed due to heat stroke symptoms and later died in the hospital. At the time of transport, B's body temperature reached a staggering 42 degrees Celsius. He was working on pouring concrete on the roof of the building and was employed by a subcontractor. The temperature in Daejeon that day was recorded at 32.1 degrees Celsius, prompting a heatwave warning.
The court found that A failed to fulfill his duty to ensure the safety of workers on site. Prosecutors argued that A did not identify the risks present at the site and lacked a manual to prepare for extreme heat conditions.
In July of the previous year, prosecutors noted that this case represented the first application of the Serious Accident Punishment Act against a primary contractor in relation to the protection of a worker who died from heat stroke.
Judge Lee Jae-min emphasized the irreversible and severe consequences of the victim's death, stating that despite ongoing measures to prevent industrial accidents, unfortunate incidents continue to occur, necessitating strict punishment. However, he also considered A's acknowledgment of the charges and the fact that the victim's family did not wish to pursue further punishment when determining the sentence.
Additionally, on the same day, the site manager of the construction company was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for failing to provide adequate rest breaks, rest areas, and beverages to workers during the extreme heat conditions.
