The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL, Minister Lee Jung-sik) and the Korea 
Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA, President Ahn Jong-ju) have released 
the “Rainy Season Construction Site Safety Guide,” which includes accident case studies, 
safety guidelines, and self-checklists for common summer construction site accidents. 
This guide is available on the MOEL website (www.moel.go.kr → Policy → Policy Data 
Room) and aims to enhance safety management at construction sites.

This year, rising sea surface temperatures are expected to result in increased moisture 
and a higher likelihood of heavy rainfall. Additionally, there has been a recent trend of 
intense downpours occurring over short periods, underscoring the need for thorough 
safety management. Construction sites near rivers, streams, or in low-lying areas, as well 
as manhole and drainage facility construction sites, are particularly vulnerable to flooding 
during heavy rains. These sites must regularly check weather forecasts on the Korea 
Meteorological Administration’s website (www.weather.go.kr) and the KMA Weather Alert 
app to prepare for emergency situations.

 During the rainy season, there is an increased risk of falls from slipping on wet surfaces 
during steel frame construction. Therefore, work should be halted during rain. Additionally, rainwater can weaken the soil, making collapses more likely in excavation sites. It is crucial to inspect retaining walls and maintain drainage systems to prevent soil erosion.

High humidity and sweat can increase the risk of electrocution, and confined spaces 
can pose threats of carbon monoxide poisoning from water pumps or toxic gas buildup 
during manhole and drainage facility construction. Extra caution is needed to prevent 
these types of accidents.

 Choi Tae-ho, Head of the MOEL’s Industrial Accident Prevention and Inspection 
Policy Bureau, emphasized: “Construction site managers should use the Rainy Season 
Construction Site Safety Guide to identify and mitigate risks associated with heavy rains. 
It is essential to establish emergency plans for potential flooding and collapses and to 
monitor weather conditions regularly to halt work during heavy downpours.”