This photo taken Aug. 9, 2023, shows the site of a building under construction in Anseong, south of Seoul, after the uppermost level of the nine-story building collapsed onto the floor below. Two workers died and four others were injured in the accident. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Korea BIzwire) — The recent collapse at a construction site in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, resulting in the deaths of two construction workers and the serious injury of four others, is attributed to the utilization of the deck plate method and hasty construction, an umbrella labor union claimed Thursday.
“In the same Anseong region, three fatalities occurred last year, followed by two more this year due to a deck plate construction,” stated the Korean Construction Workers’ Union (KCWU) during a press conference at the National Assembly.
“If we fail to halt or enhance current practices, further accidents are imminent.”
The deck plate technique employs a specialized mold that minimizes the necessity for scaffolding or other supporting fixtures.
The KCWU contends that the mishap transpired when construction workers, driven by the demand for rapid progress, traversed loosely welded deck plates coated with concrete.
“Concrete is in a fluid state before solidifying, requiring a temporary support structure,” said Kim Yong-ki, a seasoned construction worker with three decades of experience, during the press conference.
“Nevertheless, due to an excessive focus on cost-cutting and swift construction, the deck plate method is being widely adopted, despite its risks.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
