A survey has highlighted significant concerns among Coupang’s warehouse workers regarding extreme working conditions, including heat, cold, and dust exposure. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – A survey has highlighted significant concerns among Coupang’s warehouse workers regarding extreme working conditions, including heat, cold, and dust exposure.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a press conference on January 31st in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office to disclose the findings from a survey conducted during the months of November and December last year, involving 435 workers at Coupang’s logistics centers.
The survey, which covered nine aspects such as unpleasant odors, dust, noise, heat, and cold, asked participants to rate the severity of these issues in their working environment.
According to the results, a staggering 83% (363 respondents) reported experiencing severe heat, 80% (348 respondents) were troubled by dust, and 73% (319 respondents) felt the cold acutely during work.
Additionally, 28% (121 respondents) faced ‘disregard or emotional abuse,’ and 6% (27 respondents) were concerned about the ‘risk of physical violence (such as assault).’
Many workers also reported physical discomfort related to their tasks, with 52% (227 respondents) suffering from pain in arms, shoulders, necks, or backs, and 50% (216 respondents) experiencing muscle pain in parts of their bodies.
To improve the safety of the work environment, respondents highlighted the need for ‘installation or enhancement of heating and cooling systems’ (81%), ‘strengthening ventilation facilities’ (78%), and ‘attention and respect from company management towards issues raised on-site’ (73%).
The National Logistics Center Branch of the KCTU emphasized the risks warehouse workers face from extreme temperatures, dust from boxes and machinery, and noise, urging companies to ensure a safer working environment by installing adequate heating and cooling systems and improving ventilation.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
