KBO bread manufacturing to cease following factory worker's fatal accident at SPC facility
Female Worker Dies in Industrial Accident at SPC's Pyeongtaek Plant
A female worker in her 20s lost her life in a fatal accident at SPC's SPL plant situated in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, on October 10, 2022. The tragedy occurred when the worker was fatally pulled into a sandwich sauce mixer while on duty.
Following the industrial disaster, various stakeholders have stepped forward in response to the incident. SPC Group's chairman, Hur Young-in, expressed his deepest apologies for the unfortunate incident, stating preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
Despite these promises, there have been ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of SPC Group's safety guarantees, given the recurrence of fatal and non-fatal accidents since the incident.
To address these concerns, the company has taken several steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its workers. The specific mixer involved shall be dismantled and discarded after government investigations are finalized. Enhanced safety protocols, a production structure redesign, and the fostering of a safety-first culture are among the measures that have been outlined. Additionally, joint safety inspections are now conducted regularly, and safety audits have increased from biannual to quarterly. Staff positions in occupational safety have been expanded, and manufacturing lines will undergo routine weekly checks for equipment maintenance and safety reinforcement.
Furthermore, a four-shift, three-team rotation system has been implemented to minimize excessive working hours, and multiple channels have been established for workers to report safety-related concerns and seek support when needed.
However, despite these efforts, additional accidents, including a tragic incident in May 2025 at another SPC Samlip bakery facility, have occurred, causing further doubts about the company's commitment to worker safety and the adequacy of its reforms. Critics contend that the root causes lie in structural issues such as poor maintenance, insufficient safety systems, and inadequate supervision.
As the case remains a pressing topic in ongoing discussions about industrial safety in South Korea, demands for more fundamental changes and stricter enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which came into effect in 2022, continue to grow.
Between 2018 and June 2023, a total of 853 SPC employees were identified as victims of industrial accidents, highlighting the need for urgent action on this front. At present, the investigation into the May 2025 accident at the SPC Samlip plant is ongoing.
- The South Korean government, alongside various stakeholders, is scrutinizing SPC Group's safety measures in the wake of the recurring industrial accidents.
- In addition to the SPC Group, concerns about worker safety extend across different industries, including manufacturing and business, as well as finance and general news outlets.
- Crime-and-justice departments may take an interest in this matter, as the tragedies at SPC plants suggest potential criminal negligence.
- The culture of prioritizing safety and well-being in all industries may be reevaluated, particularly in South Korea, due to the increase in industrial accidents.
- As public pressure mounts for stricter safety regulations, some experts suggest looking towards best practices from various cultures, such as the United States or Europe, to ensure potential improvements in the South Korean industrial sector.
