▲ Ministry of Employment and Labor
The Ministry of Employment and Labor has requested a police investigation into an automotive battery manufacturer suspected of administering injections that promote the excretion of lead from the body to workers under the false pretext that they were vitamin shots.
The Ministry announced today (October 12) that it launched fact-finding efforts immediately after receiving a tip regarding DN Automotive in late January, and took strict measures by conducting safety and health inspections and precise working environment measurements.
Previously, suspicions arose that ahead of health checkups at the DN Automotive Ulsan plant, the company periodically administered chelation injections—which forcibly excrete heavy metals from the blood through urine—to workers while deceiving them into believing they were vitamin shots.
Determining that the administration of chelation, which carries a risk of side effects, obstructed the government's worker health protection measures, the Ministry requested a police investigation into the company on charges of obstruction of business. The case is currently being investigated by the Ulsan Provincial Police Agency.
Additionally, as a result of the Ministry's investigation, a total of 68 violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act were uncovered at the DN Automotive Ulsan plant, leading to criminal bookings and referrals, as well as the imposition of 46.2 million won in fines.
An order to suspend the use of lead-exposure processes was also issued from April 21 to May 7.
In addition, the Ministry initiated planned inspections targeting 14 similar battery manufacturing workplaces.
On October 8, a committee consisting of nine experts recommended by labor, management, and the government was launched to investigate the matter, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency has also decided to conduct a collective epidemiological investigation to determine the health impacts of lead exposure on all current and former workers.
(Photo: Provided by Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)
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