Ulsan, South Korea – As South Korea braces for the onset of the summer heatwave, HD Hyundai's top management, led by Chairman Kwon Oh-gap, has undertaken proactive on-site safety inspections to ensure the well-being of its workforce. The inspections, conducted on June 18, 2025, focused on enhancing employee welfare facilities and reinforcing heatwave preparedness across its major operations, particularly at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Chairman Kwon, accompanied by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Presidents Lee Sang-kyun and Noh Jin-yul, meticulously toured both indoor rest areas within the factories and outdoor lounges in the vast shipyard. Their direct engagement underscores HD Hyundai's unwavering commitment to occupational safety, a principle Chairman Kwon frequently emphasizes, notably in his annual New Year's address where he pledges unreserved investment in safety personnel and budget. His hands-on approach extends to critical situations, as he is known to personally oversee on-site responses during events such as typhoons, ensuring swift and effective measures.
During the inspections, Chairman Kwon reiterated that "safety is the beginning of all work," stressing the imperative to prioritize employee health through robust and thoroughly implemented heatwave safety protocols. This philosophy is deeply embedded in HD Hyundai's operational ethos, which encompasses comprehensive safety and health management systems, regular risk assessments, and continuous investment in preventing industrial accidents. The company's multifaceted approach includes fostering a safety-first culture and enhancing emergency response capabilities across all levels of its workforce.
In anticipation of the severe summer temperatures, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has significantly upgraded its rest facilities. Newly established or reinforced rest areas, equipped with advanced air conditioning systems and water dispensers, have been strategically placed throughout the shipyard's expansive yard. This year alone, 46 new outdoor rest locations have been added, supplementing existing facilities. Furthermore, factory indoor rest areas have been refurbished, and innovative "onboard rest areas" have been created directly on ships under construction. These pioneering facilities allow employees working on vessels to seek respite from the heat without needing to descend to ground level, minimizing disruption and maximizing comfort.
Beyond physical infrastructure, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has rolled out a comprehensive suite of heatwave countermeasures designed to safeguard its employees. Beginning June 16, a "visiting snack truck" commenced operations, delivering 1,000 servings of cooling patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans) daily during afternoon breaks, with a target of 44,000 servings by the end of August. Additionally, from July 10 to August 31, lunch breaks will be extended by 30 minutes. Should temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius, an additional 20-minute extension to lunch breaks is implemented, providing crucial time for on-site personnel to recover from heat exposure.
These measures align with broader industry efforts in South Korea's heavy manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors, where companies are increasingly focusing on worker protection during extreme weather. Shipbuilders, in particular, face unique challenges with employees working on large, heat-absorbing steel structures in open environments. HD Hyundai's commitment extends to its diverse workforce, including foreign nationals, for whom multi-language safety training materials and tailored support programs are provided to ensure their well-being and integration into the safety culture.
By undertaking these extensive preparations, HD Hyundai aims to mitigate the risks associated with summer heatwaves, ensuring a safe and productive working environment for its employees and reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen.
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