92 safety, labor violations found at food service firm Ourhome

A labor inspection of nine Ourhome plants across the nation has uncovered 92 violations of safety and labor standards, following the deaths of two workers at one of the company's facilities, according to the labor ministry. Of the total violations, 53 were found to be related to industrial safety while 39 pertained to labor standards.

In response to the findings, the ministry plans to take action against 13 cases, potentially leading to indictments in the prosecution, and impose a fine of 86.3 million won ($63,800) over 37 cases. Corrective measures are required for the remaining 42 incidents. Among the violations were the continued use of conveyor belts that had not been subjected to safety checks, the failure to hold or delay special training classes for conveyor belt workers at six of the nine plants, and the absence of protective covers or fences during tofu-making and food mixing processes.

Other issues included illegal worker dispatches between Ourhome's plants and partner companies, as well as instances of workers receiving either no pay or underpayment for overtime or holiday work.