Hankook guilty over Korean workers' deaths - report

ERJ staff report (DS)

Daejeon, Korea -- Hankook Tire and some of its executives have been found guilty of failing to prevent a series of deaths among workers at two of its factories in Korea, according to local press reports.

The case goes back to 2006 and 2007, when seven workers at Hankook plants in Daejeon and Geumsan died in a short space of time. Altogether, 14 workers died within 17 months.

In November 2007, Hankook said, "Hankook Tire has been investigating, and continues to investigate, a number of deaths that have occurred to employees from its two plants and R&D center in Korea. Causes of these regrettable deaths are suspected to include cardiovascular diseases and cancer. " The company continued, "The health and welfare of all employees is a priority for the company. The company extends its sympathies and condolences to those who have passed away and their families."

The Korea Times reported on Friday that the Daejeon District Court sentenced a factory chief, identified as Lee, 52, to eight months in prison suspended for two years and fined him 3 million won (Euro 1700). Another factory manager Jung, 47, was given six months in prison suspended for two years as well as a fine of 2 million won (euro 1140).

The newspaper said other executives were fined similar amounts, while Hankook Tire was issued with a fine of KRW10 million (euro 5700).

The newspaper continued, "Following the incidents, the Daejeon regional labor office inspected the workplaces and found that executives had covered up more than 183 industrial accidents since 2005. Thousands of illegal practices that could worsen workers' health were also discovered. "

ERJ sought a comment from Hankook, but the company had not responded by the time this story was posted.

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Hankook Tire Liable for Workers' Deaths Korea Times (Korea)