9,000-Ton Block Falls At South Korean Shipyard Leaving One Dead & Another Seriously Injured

A subcontractor has died, and another has been seriously injured after a 9,000-ton block fall at the world’s largest shipbuilding company, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The tragic accident occurred when the workers were helping to move the topside of a floating production unit (FPU) weighing about 9,000 tons (8,100 metric toned). Both workers, aged around 60 and 50, were senior managers.

According to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), the accident happened when part of the offshore structure unexpectedly collapsed during the move.

The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

The topside in question is part of the Shenandoah floating production system, being built for Beacon Offshore Energy. The unit, valued at $578 million, is set to be delivered later this year to the Gulf of Mexico.

HD HHI expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

A company spokesperson said that they are fully cooperating with authorities, including the Ministry of Employment and Labour, the police, and other relevant agencies, to find the cause of the incident.

In a separate incident, just days later another worker in his 30s died after falling 12 meters while working at HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in Ulsan.

The worker, identified only as “A,” was in the process of lowering materials to the floor when he lost his balance and fell.

Despite being rushed to the hospital and undergoing emergency surgery, the worker passed away due to his serious injuries.

The incident marks the first serious accident at HD Hyundai Mipo in over eight years, with the last major accident occurring in November 2016.

The Ministry of Employment and Labour confirmed that the worker was wearing a safety helmet and harness at the time of the fall, but investigations are still ongoing to determine whether the worker was properly secured with a safety hook as required by safety protocols.

HD Hyundai Mipo has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and assured that they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The company also vowed to enhance its safety measures to prevent further accidents.

Reference: biz.chosun

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