Key facts
- 253 worker deaths in industrial accidents in H1 2026, a record low.
- This is an 11.8% decrease from the same period last year.
- Workplace deaths at smaller companies (under 50 employees) fell to 146.
- Fatalities at larger companies (50+ employees) decreased to 107.
- Construction sector deaths dropped 23.9% to 105.
- Manufacturing sector deaths rose 37.3% to 92, due to major incidents.
The number of workers killed in industrial accidents in South Korea reached a record low of 253 in the first half of 2026, marking an 11.8% decrease from the same period last year. This represents the sharpest year-on-year decline since record-keeping began in 2022, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Labor.
Fatalities at workplaces employing fewer than 50 people fell by 30 to 146, while deaths at larger companies with 50 or more employees dropped by four to 107. The construction industry saw a significant decrease of 23.9% in deaths, totaling 105.
However, the manufacturing sector experienced a rise in fatalities, with deaths increasing by 37.3% to 92. This increase was attributed to major accidents, including a blaze at Anjun Industrial Co.'s plant in Daejeon in March that killed 14 employees, and a blast at Hanwha Aerospace's facility in June that claimed five lives.
The ministry stated its intention to reduce manufacturing deaths by conducting rigorous inspections of sites with a history of recurring fires or those handling military-grade explosives. The ministry also warned of special inspections for companies where identical types of accidents have repeatedly occurred.