SPC Samlip has announced a halt in the production of its popular 'KBO Bread' (KBO-ppang) and the implementation of comprehensive safety reinforcement measures across its factories. This follows a fatal accident on May 19 at its Siheung Sihwa plant, where a woman in her 50s, identified as Ms. A, died. This marks the third fatal accident within the SPC Group since 2022, intensifying calls for a fundamental re-evaluation of the company's safety management system.
Accident Overview and Circumstances
On May 19, at approximately 3 AM, Ms. A, a 50-year-old female worker at SPC Samlip's Sihwa plant, was killed when her upper body became trapped in a cooling conveyor belt while she was applying lubricant. Upon arrival, Ms. A had been dislodged from the machine but was unconscious due to a skull injury. The police are thoroughly investigating the accident, securing statements from plant officials and co-workers, and analyzing CCTV footage. If violations of safety regulations are found, charges of occupational negligence resulting in death will be applied. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has also launched an investigation into potential violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
Recurring Serious Accident Controversies for SPC Group
The fatal accident at SPC Samlip's Sihwa plant has intensified public criticism as it is the third serious accident to occur within an SPC Group affiliate. Previously, in October 2022, a woman in her 20s died after being caught in a sauce mixer at the Pyeongtaek SPL bakery factory, for which the SPL CEO received a suspended sentence under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Furthermore, in August 2023, another woman in her 50s died after being caught in a dough mixing machine at the Seongnam Shany bakery factory. These successive safety incidents have placed the SPC Group under harsh scrutiny.
Decision to Halt 'KBO Bread' Production and Its Background
Following the accident, a boycott spread among some baseball fans concerning 'KBO Bread,' which had sold over 10 million units and gained significant popularity. In response, SPC Samlip announced on its website on May 29 that it would cease 'KBO Bread' production in consultation with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). SPC Samlip explained that this production halt is not a temporary measure and, despite anticipated impacts on sales and operating profit, the decision was made prioritizing the restoration of consumer trust. The Sihwa plant, where the accident occurred, is a major facility, accounting for approximately 30% of SPC Samlip's total production.
SPC Samlip Announces Safety Reinforcement Measures
SPC Samlip has expressed deep regret for the accident and announced strong safety reinforcement measures to prevent recurrence. The main points are as follows:
Removal and Disposal of Accident Equipment: The equipment involved in the accident will be completely removed and disposed of immediately upon completion of the investigation by relevant authorities.
Psychological Care Program Operation: The company extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased worker and will provide one-on-one psychological counseling for employees requiring emotional support for four weeks, with additional treatment for high-risk individuals.
Enhanced Labor-Management Joint Safety Inspections: Labor-management joint safety inspections involving union, production, and safety managers will be conducted monthly. The joint safety inspection monitoring system with external professional organizations will be expanded from semi-annually to quarterly.
Increased Safety and Health Management Personnel: Safety and health management personnel will be increased to establish a proactive, field-oriented safety management system.
Re-establishment of Safety-Centric Production System: One day each week, production lines at the Sihwa plant will halt operations to focus on equipment inspection and safety reinforcement. Furthermore, in consultation with labor, continuous shifts will be reduced, and a 4-team, 3-shift pilot operation will be introduced on some lines.
Activation of On-Site Suggestion Channels: Existing regular employee safety meetings will be expanded, and on-site suggestion channels such as a safety hotline and a smart safety suggestion system will be activated to identify safety hazards and improve practices and habits.
An SPC Samlip official emphasized, "We once again offer our deepest condolences and apologies to the deceased and their bereaved family, and we will do our utmost with a heavy sense of responsibility to prevent recurrence." An SPC official stated, "After the 2022 accident, we promoted safety reinforcement across affiliates, but failed to achieve fundamental change. We will re-examine all safety policies pursued thus far." Attention is now focused on whether this accident will lead to real changes in the overall safety management system of the SPC Group.
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