This interactive class uses virtual reality to teach foreign workers about safety and health in the workplace. (Ministry of Employment and Labor)

By Gil Kyuyoung
Video = Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency

Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) has released educational materials on workplace safety and health specifically for foreign workers.

KOSHA on June 23 said it translated and distributed educational videos in 16 languages to prevent disasters like fires during welding or asphyxiation in closed spaces, two frequent accidents at industrial sites.

To reflect the larger number of foreign laborers and related accidents in shipbuilding, the agency released nine types of educational resources for such laborers including one-page sheets (OPS) on safety and health in the industry, categorized by safe working methods for each major task.

The materials for foreign nationals are available on KOSHA's official website (https://www.kosha.or.kr/) and YouTube channel, as well as the app Escape from Crisis: Safety and Health (unofficial translation).

From the second half of the year, the agency will release four translated types of OPS in 16 languages on safe work practices for machinery often used at industrial sites like forklifts and conveyor belts.

In addition, foreign-language posters and pictograms on safety and health will allow staff from abroad to understand safety rules at a glance.

"We will continue making diverse educational resources promoting the safety and health of foreign workers," KOSHA President Ahn Jong Ju said. "We'll do our best to lower reduce industrial disasters involving foreign laborers through supporting safety and health education for them and training a professional workforce."