Man in his 30s Caught in Elevator While Repairing It in School Kitchen
A man in his 30s was seriously injured in a pinch-point accident while repairing a freight elevator in a school kitchen. The accident is presumed to be mainly caused by non-compliance with safety rules and failure to shut off power during elevator repair work. Risk assessment, LOTO (lockout/tagout) installation, and adherence to safe work procedures are essential before work.
Summary
A man in his 30s sustained serious injuries after being caught in a freight elevator while repairing it in a school kitchen. This incident is a typical pinch-point accident that occurred during elevator repair work, and it is presumed that non-compliance with safety rules and failure to secure work procedures were the main causes. On-site, a risk assessment and implementation of safety measures are essential before work begins.
Incident Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Date | N/A |
| Location | School Kitchen |
| Accident Type | Pinch-point |
| Damage | Man in his 30s seriously injured |
Key Cause Analysis
Q. Why did this accident occur?
- Human: Lack of awareness of pinch-point risks that can occur during elevator repair or non-compliance with safety rules (presumed). Insufficient safety education and hazard notification before work (presumed).
- Equipment: Failure to shut off power and implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) during elevator repair work (presumed). Failure to check the operation of emergency stop devices or safety sensors (presumed).
- Environment: Repair work conducted in a narrow or poorly visible workspace (presumed).
- Management: Failure to conduct a risk assessment and prepare or comply with a safe work plan before work (presumed). Failure to secure safe work procedures, such as working in teams of two (presumed). Absence of a work supervisor or manager (presumed).
Why it is Dangerous On-Site
In actual workplaces, during maintenance work on moving machinery such as elevators and conveyor belts, workers often proceed without shutting off power, thinking 'it'll be fine for a moment.' Especially in non-specialized spaces like school kitchens, safety management systems may be relatively inadequate, and safety education and work instructions for external repair personnel may not be properly provided, further increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, unexpected machine malfunctions or operations by others during work can lead to accidents, making power shutdown and lockout/tagout installation crucial at all times.
Prevention Checklist
- Was the power to the equipment shut off and a lockout/tagout (LOTO) device installed before work?
- Was a risk assessment conducted and a safe work permit issued before work?
- Has the worker completed safety training for the task and is fully aware of the hazards?
- Are safe work procedures, such as working in teams of two, established and followed?
- Are emergency stop devices and communication means secured to respond immediately in case of an emergency during work?
- Does the work supervisor periodically check the work site and supervise compliance with safety rules?
Related Laws
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (South Korea): Employers must take necessary safety measures to ensure workers can work safely and must comply with protective measures and safe work procedures for dangerous machinery and equipment.
- Serious Accidents Punishment Act (South Korea): If a serious accident occurs due to a violation of safety and health obligations by an employer or a responsible management officer, they may be punished.
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