Minister Kim orders Gimpo Airport rest-facility expansion

The Ministry of Employment and Labor said Saturday that Minister Kim Young-hoon ordered parties to expand joint rest facilities at Gimpo Airport after an inspection found inadequate access for ground workers during heat waves.

Kim made an unannounced visit to inspect the apron, baggage-handling facilities and ground-handler rest areas. Ground crews work largely outdoors, where the apron offers almost no shade and adds radiant heat. Gimpo Airport's runway surface temperature had recently surpassed 50 degrees Celsius, the ministry said.

Regulations require employers to provide at least 20 minutes of rest every two hours when the perceived temperature is 33 degrees Celsius or higher.

The ministry found workers received cool water and cooling gear and that some air-conditioned facilities were operating. But dispersed work zones across the apron left nearby rest spaces insufficient; some were too distant or small for workers to halt work and rest adequately when aircraft arrivals and departures were concentrated.

"Rest facilities are not sufficient simply because they have been installed," Kim said. "During heat waves, workers must be able to use them immediately near their workplace when needed, stop work and lower their body temperature."

Disagreements over sites, costs and management responsibilities had stalled the ministry's discussions with Korea Airports Corp, airlines and ground-handling firms. Kim told the parties to define their roles and swiftly devise a joint plan.

Korea Airports Corp will support installation locations and infrastructure. Airlines and ground handlers will share installation and operating costs and management plans. "Heat waves caused by climate change are directly linked to workers' lives, so the legally required Heatwave Safety Five Basic Rules must be followed at worksites," Kim said.