SPC Chairman Hur Young-in bows his head in apology for the death of an employee at the baked goods factory of company affiliate SPL in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, during a press conference held at SPC's headquarters in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

By Kim Hyun-bin

SPC Chairman Hur Young-in bowed his head in apology on Friday over the death of an employee at the baked goods factory of company affiliate SPL in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province last weekend.

"I am deeply responsible for this accident and humbly accept the severe rebuke and criticism of the public. I sincerely apologize for not being able to consider them first," Hur said at a press conference at SPC's headquarters in Seoul. "The company is working on the investigation with the authorities, and we are working hard to find out the exact cause of the accident and take follow-up measures."

The chairman said the company will be reborn as a trusted company by not only strengthening safety management, but also establishing a culture of respect and consideration for its workers.

Following Hur's apology, SPC President Hwang Jae-bok announced measures to prevent a recurrence by investing a total of 100 billion won ($69.6 million) over three years to strengthen safety management.

"We will immediately conduct an occupational safety and health diagnosis for all workplaces through specialized institutions certified by the Ministry of Employment and Labor from today. We will expand, establish, and implement a comprehensive safety management improvement plan," Hwang said.

The proposed investment breaks down into 70 billion won to expand safety equipment and automated facilities, and 20 billion won to improve the working environment for employees. In the case of SPL, 50 percent of its operating profit, or 10 billion won, will be invested in improving industrial safety.

"We will form a safety management committee with outside experts and field employees to ensure that there are independent efforts to ensure occupational and health safety, and strengthen the implementation and supervision of necessary measures," Hwang added.

In addition, the company plans to expand and reorganize related organizations by increasing the number of personnel in charge of occupational safety and health.

On Oct. 15, a worker in her 20s died when her upper body was caught in a sauce mixer machine while working at the SPC-affiliated SPL bakery plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

The chairman paid his condolences to the bereaved family the day after the accident and issued an apology on Oct. 17.

Meanwhile, a worker at SPC affiliate Shany lost his finger while working at the company's baking factory in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 23.

The 40-something worker was sorting out faulty products on a conveyer belt when his finger got caught in the machine. The worker is known to have undergone surgery at a hospital.

Police are looking into whether the SPC affiliate had adhered to safety regulations. SPC is also checking the specific cause of the accident.