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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SPC Samlip’s Shihwa factory machine involved in a fatal workplace accident last month may not have been functioning properly, according to a recent assessment by South Korea’s National Forensic Service (NFS).
On June 25, the Siheung Police Department reported that the NFS determined the “spiral cooling conveyor” — a 3.5-meter-high oval-shaped machine used to cool freshly baked bread — likely failed to operate as intended. Specifically, the NFS concluded that the machine’s automatic oil spray system was not properly lubricating its key components.
The investigation found that oil hoses were not directed toward the core drive parts, suggesting a malfunction in the auto-lubrication system. The conveyor also lacked proper safety features, such as automatic shut-off when a person enters the machine’s operating area.
During a joint forensic inspection conducted on May 27, investigators confirmed that the machine’s lubrication system was not spraying oil as intended. This appears to have led the deceased worker — a woman in her 50s — to manually enter the machine to apply lubricant, where she tragically became trapped and died.
In response, SPC Samlip stated that the auto-spray system was operational, arguing that damage caused by the accident may have affected the results of the inspection. The company said it would await the final outcome of the official investigation.
The accident occurred on May 19 at SPC Samlip’s cream bread production line in Siheung City. Authorities are currently investigating CEO Kim Beom-soo and the company under Korea’s Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Seven other personnel, including the plant manager, have been booked on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
