Labor ministry orders expansion of shared rest areas at Gimpo Airport

The labor ministry said Saturday it had ordered related agencies to expand shared rest facilities for Gimpo Airport ground-handling workers after an unannounced heatwave inspection found some existing spaces too remote or small.

The visit was part of strengthened outdoor-workplace safety management after the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters activated its Level 2 heatwave response on Aug. 2. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon visited the airport to inspect conditions on the apron, in baggage-handling areas and at ground operators' rest facilities.

He checked compliance with five basic heat-safety rules covering cool water, cooling equipment, breaks of at least 20 minutes every two hours, cooling gear and a system for reporting emergencies to 119.

Ground handlers work mainly outdoors, guiding and towing aircraft and loading and unloading baggage and cargo. The apron has little shade, and radiant heat has compounded conditions as runway-surface temperatures recently climbed above 50 degrees Celsius. At a perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or above, all outdoor work except that essential for aviation safety should stop, while unavoidable ground handling should use relief staff, shorter work periods and sufficient breaks.

Although water, cooling gear and some air-conditioned rest facilities were available, workers on the dispersed apron lacked adequate rest spaces nearby, with some distant or too small for adequate breaks during concentrated aircraft arrivals and departures.

"It is not enough for a rest facility simply to exist," Kim said. "During a heatwave, workers must be able to use it immediately near their workplace when needed and stop work to lower their body temperature."

The ministry had discussed expanding facilities with Korea Airports Corporation, airlines and ground-handling companies, but differences over sites, costs and management responsibilities delayed progress. Kim ordered them to define their roles. Korea Airports Corporation will support installation sites and infrastructure, while airlines and ground-handling companies will share installation and operating costs and develop management plans. All parties will produce a detailed action plan promptly.

"Ground handling must continue to ensure safe aircraft operations, so staffing and rest measures need to become more comprehensive to protect workers as heat intensifies," Kim said.