SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — As the use of industrial robots grows across South Korean workplaces, so too does the number of related workplace accidents, sparking calls for stronger safety measures.
According to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), industrial robot-related accidents resulted in 10 fatalities between 2020 and August 2024. All victims were killed after being caught in robot machinery.
Of these incidents, six occurred during repair, inspection, or preparation tasks, with five of those workers operating without halting the robots. One fatality stemmed from a colleague’s operational error. Another worker died during general operation, while three other cases fell under miscellaneous categories.
A recent incident on January 14, 2025, underscores the severity of the issue. A man in his 50s was fatally struck by a robotic arm at an auto parts factory in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. Police suspect the worker entered the workstation without shutting off the robot’s power.
Similarly, in November 2024, an employee at a paprika sorting facility in Goseong was crushed to death by a robotic gripper while checking the robot’s sensors. The machine, designed to transport boxes, reportedly mistook the worker for a box and fatally compressed him.
Industrial robots were added to the safety inspection list under the amended Industrial Safety and Health Act in October 2016, with inspections beginning in October 2017. This inclusion was prompted by the severity of injuries industrial robots can inflict compared to other machinery.
In September 2021, a worker was fatally trapped by a robot arm while replacing parts inside a robotic cell, a designated safety zone enclosing robotic machinery.
Current safety regulations mandate that businesses using industrial robots install protective barriers at least 1.8 meters high. In areas where such barriers aren’t feasible, responsive safety devices like safety mats or photoelectric sensors must be in place.
However, companies are not required to have their safety measures verified by specialized agencies, leaving critical safety gaps.
Financial constraints further hinder small businesses from implementing necessary safety systems, increasing the risk of accidents.
Experts stress the importance of rigorous safety verification throughout all stages—from robot design to installation. Lee Jung-nam, Director of Certification at the Korea Industrial Safety Association, warned, “Automated equipment like robots requires significant investment, and many employers find meeting safety standards burdensome.”
“This often leads to heightened accident risks. Regardless of the robot’s design or operational procedures, workplaces must undergo safety verification by relevant authorities to mitigate latent hazards,” he added.
As South Korea heads deeper into 2025, ensuring robust safety protocols for industrial robot operations remains a critical challenge for industries nationwide.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)