Weather and Industrial Accidents

An Analysis of the Relationship Between Weather and Industrial Accidents

Thanks to its distinct four seasons, Korea has long benefited from favorable natural conditions, which have supported the development of diverse industries. However, in recent years, abnormal weather events—such as severe cold waves, heavy snowfall, heat waves, torrential rain, ozone alerts, yellow dust storms, and acidic fog—have occurred more frequently. These conditions are having a growing impact on working environments and the occurrence of industrial accidents.

Winter: Industrial Accidents Caused by Cold Weather

During the cold winter season, heavy snowfall and cold waves are the primary causes of industrial accidents. By industry, the service sector shows the highest likelihood of accidents, while by accident type, road traffic accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases occur most frequently.

In the service industry, 152 accident victims were recorded during normal periods without heavy snowfall. During heavy snowfall periods, however, the number increased to 178—representing the highest growth rate among all industries, with a 17.1% increase. In contrast, the manufacturing industry showed a higher risk during snow removal and recovery periods rather than during snowfall itself. While 180 accident victims were recorded during normal weather periods, this number rose to 210 during snow recovery periods, reflecting a sharp 16.7% increase.

By accident type, road traffic accidents increased by 48.7% during heavy snowfall periods, marking the highest increase, followed by slip-and-fall accidents, which rose by 43.3%.

During snow recovery periods, accidents caused by excessive physical strain increased by 77.8%, while slip-and-fall accidents rose by 40.4%. In particular, an analysis of 161,904 slip-and-fall accident victims over the past ten years shows an annual average of 16,485 victims and a monthly average of 1,374 cases. December and January recorded the highest frequencies.

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For cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, an analysis of 11,580 cases over the past decade shows an annual average of 1,193 victims and a monthly average of 99. Notably, December and January—when indoor and outdoor temperature differences are greatest—recorded monthly averages of 121 and 106 cases, respectively.

Winter Industrial Accident Risks Identified Through Statistics

● In winter, large temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can raise blood pressure. Excessive physical labor may lead to strokes or myocardial infarction and should be avoided.
● During outdoor work, careful body temperature management is essential. Wearing wet work clothes or gloves for extended periods increases the risk of frostbite, so inner layers in contact with the skin should be kept dry.
● Prolonged exposure to low temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
● Thick winter workwear can restrict movement and reduce concentration, increasing the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents on icy surfaces.
● After heavy snowfall, the risk of fall and collapse accidents during roof work increases significantly.

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Drowsy Spring: An Increase in Entanglement and Caught-in Accidents

Spring is characterized by large daily temperature differences, prolonged dry weather known as “spring drought,” frequent yellow dust events, and dry air. Weather phenomena such as rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain also occur intermittently.

During periods of rough seas in spring, total industrial accidents increase by 6.7%, with the construction industry showing a particularly high increase of 18.4%. By accident type, fall accidents increase by 41.7%, followed by slip-and-fall accidents at 27.8%. Conversely, during strong wind periods, outdoor work becomes difficult, resulting in a 4.2% decrease in total accidents compared to normal periods. However, electrocution accidents surge dramatically, increasing by 700.0%.

During heavy rain periods, total industrial accidents increase by 31.4%, while accidents in the construction industry rise sharply by 55.0%. Unlike summer rainfall, spring rain is often unpredictable, making accident prevention more difficult. During these periods, entanglement and caught-in accidents increase by 75.0%, slip-and-fall accidents by 52.6%, and fall accidents by 46.2%.

Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular accidents show a seasonal trend, with March—marked by large temperature fluctuations—recording a monthly average of 110 victims compared to the overall monthly average of 99. Similarly, entanglement and caught-in accidents peak in March, with a monthly average of 1,492 victims, compared to the overall average of 1,407, likely due to spring fatigue. Accidents caused by excessive physical strain also peak in April, averaging 316 cases, most frequently occurring between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., shortly after work begins.

Spring Industrial Accident Risks Identified Through Statistics

● Rough sea conditions create unsafe environments for outdoor workers, particularly in construction and shipbuilding and repair industries.
● Unlike predictable summer monsoon rains, spring downpours are often unexpected and short-lived, increasing accident risks as outdoor work continues as usual.
● During seasonal transitions with large temperature differences, sudden drops in temperature can raise blood pressure. Excessive physical labor may result in strokes or heart attacks.
● Entanglement and caught-in accidents increase in spring due to seasonal fatigue, making sufficient sleep, rest, and stretching essential.
● Accidents caused by excessive movement occur most frequently in April, often at the start of the workday, highlighting the need for adequate warm-up exercises.

Hot Summer: Increased Accidents Due to Heat Waves and Heavy Rain

In summer, the rainy season brings localized torrential downpours, accompanied by high humidity and extreme heat. Typhoons typically occur around August, while heat waves and strong winds appear intermittently.

During summer rainfall periods, total industrial accidents decrease by 25.5% across all industries. This is likely because prolonged rainfall makes outdoor work difficult, temporarily reducing exposure. Similarly, strong winds lead to an 11.2% decrease in overall accidents due to reduced outdoor activity; however, collapse and structural failure accidents increase sharply by 200.0%.

In contrast, during heat waves, outdoor work continues as usual, resulting in an 18.1% increase in accidents. Compared to normal weather conditions, accidents increase by 27.5% in construction and 46.4% in manufacturing. By accident type, collision accidents increase by 140.0%, while falling and flying object accidents rise by 57.1%.

Electrocution accidents average 40 victims per month, peaking in August at 69 cases. Suffocation accidents caused by oxygen deficiency average three cases per month, but rise to six in July, with a fatality rate of 66.0%. Other accidents—such as those caused by abnormal temperatures (burns and frostbite), insects and animals, drowning, and cutting or stabbing injuries—also occur most frequently in July.

Summer Industrial Accident Risks Identified Through Statistics

● Many accidents occur during post-rainfall recovery work.
● Strong winds and typhoons increase the risk of traffic accidents and slip-and-fall incidents.
● During heat waves, measures should be taken to reduce heat in work areas or temporarily suspend work.
● From June through July and August, when high temperatures cause heavy sweating, electrocution accidents occur more frequently.
● Oxygen deficiency accidents may occur in confined spaces, requiring special caution in septic tanks, manholes, and waste-related industries.
● In the service industry, particularly food service, burns caused by hot water are common, making protective clothing essential.
● Injuries caused by insects and animals, such as bee stings, increase significantly.
● Drowning and submersion accidents also rise sharply during summer.

Windy Autumn: Increased Accidents Due to Strong Winds

In autumn, intermittent rainy periods occur, while dry air and atmospheric circulation reduce airborne dust. In inland areas, radiation fog may form, and strong winds and rough seas occur sporadically.

Autumn strong winds are short-lived and difficult to predict, leading to a 22.2% increase in industrial accidents. The construction industry shows the highest increase at 39.4%, followed by the service industry at 24.6% and manufacturing at 19.1%. By accident type, electrocution accidents increase most sharply at 900.0%, while road traffic accidents rise by 51.7%.

During periods of rough seas in autumn, total accidents increase by 8.4%. The service industry again shows the highest increase at 30.8%, followed by manufacturing at 14.4% and construction at 1.0%. Slip-and-fall accidents increase by 12.0%, while falling and flying object accidents rise by 10.0%. Autumn also sees an increase in accidents caused by bacterial and viral infections, as well as accidents related to outdoor events.

Autumn Industrial Accident Risks Identified Through Statistics

● Strong winds and typhoons cause direct damage from wind and indirect damage from floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall.
● Rough sea conditions create unsafe environments for outdoor workers, particularly in shipbuilding and repair industries.
● Cases of scrub typhus, an infectious disease caused by chigger mite larvae, increase significantly.
● Sports and outdoor event-related accidents occur frequently during autumn.