Two-Month Inspection of 1,304 Locations Underway Until June 13th… Enhanced Safety Accountability Through Public Disclosure of Inspection Results

Chungcheongnam-do Province announced on April 16th that it will conduct an intensive safety inspection of vulnerable facilities from now until June 13th, 2025, spanning a two-month period, to proactively prevent safety accidents.

The Intensive Safety Inspection is a nationwide initiative, operational since 2015, where the government, local authorities, and citizens collaborate to examine the safety management status across society, identify potential hazards, and implement necessary improvements.

This year's inspection will cover a total of 1,304 locations, categorized as follows: △Construction sites and other building facilities (219 locations), △Transportation facilities (183 locations), △Facilities used by children (20 locations), △Welfare facilities (121 locations), △Publicly used facilities (131 locations), △Industrial facilities (184 locations), △Sales facilities (33 locations), △Accommodation facilities (139 locations), △Natural facilities (39 locations), and △Other facilities (235 locations).

The inspections will be carried out by a team of 30 experts from the provincial safety management advisory group, encompassing 12 fields including construction, electricity, and fire safety, alongside professionals from the local architectural association and relevant public officials. They will utilize facility-type specific inspection guidelines to ensure thorough examinations.

Notably, advanced technologies will be employed to enhance the inspection process. Drones will be utilized to overcome the limitations of visual inspections, particularly for large-scale transportation facilities and hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, specialized equipment such as Schmidt hammers (for assessing the strength and hardness of concrete and rock) and thermal imaging cameras (for detecting temperature anomalies that could indicate structural weaknesses or electrical faults) will be used in conjunction with traditional methods to ensure no safety blind spots are overlooked. This multi-faceted approach underscores the province's commitment to a comprehensive and effective safety assessment.

The results of the inspections will be handled with a focus on prompt and decisive action. Minor issues identified during the inspection will be addressed immediately on-site. However, critical defects requiring urgent repair and reinforcement will trigger immediate safety measures such as usage prohibition, demolition orders, or the establishment of danger zones. Subsequently, a robust follow-up process will be implemented to ensure that these critical issues are thoroughly resolved and the facilities are brought up to the required safety standards. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential risks before they escalate into serious accidents.

In a concerted effort to foster a culture of safety and encourage public participation, Chungcheongnam-do is actively promoting citizen involvement in the inspection process.

Firstly, "Self-Safety Inspection Checklists" will be distributed to households and publicly used facilities across the province. These checklists are designed to empower residents to conduct their own safety assessments of their living environments and frequently visited establishments, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for safety. The checklists will cover common safety concerns related to structural integrity, electrical systems, fire safety measures, and general maintenance.

Simultaneously, the province will leverage a wide range of communication channels to raise public awareness about the intensive safety inspection period and encourage voluntary participation. This includes disseminating information through city and county websites, newsletters, electronic billboards in public spaces, and various social media platforms. The aim is to ensure that all residents are informed about the initiative and understand the importance of their role in maintaining a safe community.

Furthermore, Chungcheongnam-do is actively engaging with local community organizations to promote self-safety inspections of vulnerable facilities. Collaboration with apartment complex management offices and other community networks will be crucial in reaching a wider audience and encouraging proactive safety measures at the grassroots level.

Recognizing the importance of instilling safety awareness from a young age, the province will also distribute safety inspection-related promotional materials to kindergartens, preschools, and schools. These materials will be tailored to be age-appropriate and engaging for children and students, aiming to cultivate a strong safety consciousness among the younger generation. This proactive educational approach is seen as a vital step in building a safety-aware citizenry for the future.

Jeong Nak-do, the Director of the Safety Planning Division of Chungcheongnam-do Province, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "Through this intensive safety inspection, we aim to proactively eliminate potential hazards and solidify the foundation for realizing a 'Safe Chungnam' where all residents can live safely and happily. We earnestly request the active participation of all residents in the self-safety inspections to join us in creating a safer Chungcheongnam-do."

The province's comprehensive approach, combining expert-led inspections with active public engagement and the utilization of advanced technology, underscores its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens. By publicly disclosing the inspection results and holding facility owners accountable for addressing identified deficiencies, Chungcheongnam-do aims to cultivate a stronger culture of safety and prevent potential disasters before they occur. The success of this initiative hinges on the collaborative efforts of the government, experts, and the active participation of the residents themselves, working together to create a safer and more secure living environment for all.