Construction works safety inspection in Korea

A periodic safety inspection of construction works is carried out at each stage of the work according to the timing and frequency set in the MOLIT notice by type and size of project, while a detailed safety inspection follows when a periodic inspection finds physical or functional defects that require repair or reinforcement. The periodic inspection evaluates the construction condition through basic surveys such as visual inspection and non-destructive testing, whereas the detailed inspection investigates the causes of defects, assesses safety through structural calculations or load-bearing tests, and proposes repair and reinforcement methods. Both are carried out during construction under Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act and its subordinate rules, and differ from the inspection system for completed facilities in use under the Special Act on the Safety Control and Maintenance of Establishments. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Enforcement Rules of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 59 (Periodic safety inspections and detailed safety inspections) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286885&joNo=0059&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Yes. Periodic safety inspections of construction works may be performed only by institutions specializing in safety examinations registered under the Special Act on the Safety Control and Maintenance of Establishments, or by the Korea Authority of Land & Infrastructure Safety (KALIS). The contractor does not choose the institution directly; the inspection is commissioned to the institution designated by the project owner, or by the head of the permitting authority when the owner is not a public ordering agency. Affiliates of the companies that ordered, designed, built or supervised the project, or that performed construction project management, may not be commissioned, and the inspection is led by a special-grade engineer in the relevant field who has completed safety inspection training. HomeCheck is a registered institution specializing in safety examinations that meets the requirements of both the Special Act and the Construction Technology Promotion Act, and special-grade and advanced-grade engineers carry out the inspections. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Yes. The initial inspection is carried out immediately before the completion or temporary use of construction works for Type 1 and Type 2 facilities, and differs in timing and purpose from the periodic safety inspections carried out at each stage of the work. The law requires it to be at least at the level of a periodic safety inspection, and the Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works require it to be carried out at the level of a detailed inspection to obtain baseline values for future inspections and diagnoses. In principle it is completed before completion of the works; where that is difficult, it may be carried out within 3 months after completion with the project owner's approval. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

No. It is difficult to carry out a periodic safety inspection for a stage that has already passed and have it count as an inspection at that time. A periodic safety inspection on a construction site directly checks temporary structures and the construction condition while the relevant work is in progress, so parts covered by subsequent work cannot be viewed again under the same conditions. A contractor that fails to carry out a safety inspection required by the safety management plan may be subject to imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to KRW 20 million under the Construction Technology Promotion Act. When an omission is discovered, notify the project owner and the construction supervisor immediately, agree the inspection and additional survey scope possible at the current stage, and keep a record. Sources: Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 88 (Penalties) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=276921&joNo=0088&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

The number of periodic safety inspections depends on the type and size of the project. Table 1 of the Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works sets the timing by type of structure, and the public ordering agency or permitting authority may adjust the timing and frequency to the project's size, duration and site conditions when reviewing the safety management plan. For this reason the number of rounds differs from site to site even for the same type of building, and HomeCheck first confirms the rounds and timing by reviewing the approved safety management plan and the construction schedule before work begins. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

The actual site is checked item by item against the approved safety management plan. During the periodic safety inspection, we check that the specifications of temporary structures in the plan match the materials installed on site, and that fall protection nets, guardrails and opening covers are installed as planned. We evaluate whether the risk prevention plans for each stage are being operated in line with site conditions, check how the items pointed out in the previous inspection were addressed, and record items for improvement in the result report. Sources: Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 62 (Safety management of construction works) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=276921&joNo=0062&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

The safety of temporary structures whose failure leads to serious accidents, such as formwork and shoring, scaffolding and earth retaining structures, is checked first. The statutory inspection items for periodic safety inspections are the safety of temporary construction methods, the quality and construction condition of the works, safety measures around the site including neighboring buildings, and safety measures for the installation and dismantling of construction machinery such as tower cranes. At the structural frame stage, rebar sizes and spacing, concrete placement and curing management and the dimensions of major members are checked against the design drawings. Sources: Enforcement Rules of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 59 (Periodic safety inspections and detailed safety inspections) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286885&joNo=0059&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

A low inspection grade does not mean construction stops immediately; repair, reinforcement or reconstruction measures appropriate to the defect are taken. If a serious defect is found in the periodic safety inspection, the inspection institution immediately notifies the project owner and the chief safety officer. The owner and the officer promptly assess the defect on site, begin emergency measures and, if necessary, carry out a detailed safety inspection. Work in the hazardous section may resume only after the safety measures are completed and the condition has been confirmed. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Yes. Remodeling of buildings with 10 or more stories and vertical-extension remodeling under Korea's Housing Act require a safety management plan and are therefore subject to periodic safety inspection of construction works. Even below 10 stories, projects that excavate 10 m or more underground, use drilling rigs, pile drivers or pile extractors 10 m or more in height or tower cranes, or use temporary structures specified by law are covered. Projects that the project owner separately deems to need safety management are also included, so the decision is made by looking at the work content and the equipment used together. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 98 (Establishment of safety management plans) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0098&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 62 (Safety management of construction works) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=276921&joNo=0062&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR

The cost is calculated by applying the safety inspection fee rates in the Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works, a MOLIT notice, to the construction cost, and may be increased by up to 10 percent according to the characteristics and difficulty of the project. This amount is included in the project cost by the owner as a safety management cost item, so the approximate scale can be seen from the safety inspection cost in the approved safety management plan. If a detailed safety inspection is added because of a defect, that cost is calculated separately under the engineering service fee standards. Sources: Enforcement Rules of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 60 (Safety management costs) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286885&joNo=0060&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Initial inspection data serves as the baseline for comparison in inspections and diagnoses during maintenance of the facility after completion. The initial inspection prepares a visual inspection map of the entire structure and, for buildings, measures baseline values such as the tilt of major exterior columns and the deflection of major floor members. Measuring the same locations again later and comparing them with these values shows whether cracks or deformation are progressing, and the collapse-triggering members and vulnerable parts identified by the inspection institution become priority items for the managing entity. The comprehensive safety inspection reports for Type 1 and Type 2 facilities are kept by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the life of the facility, and the managing entity may request access to them. Sources: Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960 Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 101 (Preparation and retention of comprehensive reports on safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0101&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR

Because the timing of each inspection round is set in advance according to the construction schedule, a periodic safety inspection does not significantly disrupt the normal flow of work. From the time the owner designates the inspection institution, the contractor's major schedule plan and planned start date are included in the notice, so the institution takes part on a schedule aligned with the work. If the site is subject to a hazard prevention plan under Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Act, the timing of the periodic safety inspection can be notified in advance to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) so that the two proceed together. Finding risks early also helps prevent long stoppages caused by accidents. Sources: Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Yes. If the defect found requires repair or reinforcement, a detailed safety inspection must be commissioned to a construction safety inspection institution. The detailed safety inspection re-examines the parts pointed out in the periodic inspection in detail and reports the defect status and causes, the structural safety analysis results, and repair, reinforcement or reconstruction measures. Minor findings are closed by the contractor recording the measures taken and obtaining confirmation from the project owner or the construction project management engineer. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

The construction safety inspection institution notifies the results to the project owner and the contractor within 30 days of completing the inspection, and also to the head of the permitting authority when the owner is not a public ordering agency. The contractor that receives the results must submit them to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport through Korea's construction safety management information network within 15 days. The owner or permitting authority that receives the notice may request the contractor to take necessary measures such as repair and reinforcement, and for periodic safety inspections commissioned to HomeCheck, HomeCheck handles the process through to report issuance and notification of the results. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Under Article 98 of the Enforcement Decree of the Construction Technology Promotion Act, projects that must establish a safety management plan are subject, and for new buildings this covers all buildings with 10 or more stories. Buildings with 10 to 15 stories are specified directly by story count in the Enforcement Decree, and those with 16 or more stories qualify as Type 1 or Type 2 facilities. Even with fewer stories, buildings classified as Type 2 facilities, such as retail or medical facilities with a total floor area of 5,000 m² or more, are covered, as are projects using explosives where facilities exist within 20 m or livestock are raised within 100 m and effects are expected. HomeCheck has carried out periodic safety inspections of construction works on many sites, including new office building construction and hospital and factory extensions. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 98 (Establishment of safety management plans) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0098&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Enforcement Decree of Korea's Special Act on the Safety Control and Maintenance of Establishments, Table 1 (Types of Type 1 and Type 2 facilities) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsBylInfoP.do?bylSeq=18451819&lsiSeq=289677&efYd=20260915&directYn=Y

The timing is set by type of structure in Table 1 of the Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works; for buildings, the first round is before concrete placement for the foundation work, the second in the early and middle stages of structural frame work, and the third in the final stage of structural frame work. For excavation 10 m or more deep, inspections take place before concrete placement during temporary works and foundation construction and after backfilling is completed; tower cranes are inspected at installation, each time they are climbed, and at dismantling. For types of work not listed in Table 1, the contractor sets the timing of each round, which is confirmed by the construction project management engineer and approved by the project owner, and even then at least 2 inspections are carried out. HomeCheck measures the construction condition of the relevant work on site at each round and issues a result report. Sources: Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works, Table 1 (Timing of periodic safety inspections) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/admRulBylInfoPLinkR.do?bylSeq=2559691&admRulSeq=2100000216960 Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

Under the Construction Technology Promotion Act and its subordinate rules, there are five types of construction safety inspection: self-inspection, periodic safety inspection, detailed safety inspection, initial inspection and pre-resumption safety inspection. Of these, the self-inspection is carried out daily by the contractor for each type of work during the construction period, and the other four are commissioned to a construction safety inspection institution such as HomeCheck. The detailed safety inspection follows when a periodic inspection finds a defect requiring repair or reinforcement, and the initial inspection is carried out immediately before completion of Type 1 and Type 2 facility projects. A facility left unattended for 1 year or more after work was suspended is inspected at the level of a periodic safety inspection before work resumes, and work restarts after measures are taken according to the results. Sources: Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 100 (Timing and method of safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0100&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Korea's Guidelines for Safety Management of Construction Works (MOLIT Notice No. 2022-791) — https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000216960

When construction works that required a safety management plan are completed, the contractor prepares the comprehensive safety inspection report and submits it to the public ordering agency, or to the head of the permitting authority when the owner is not a public ordering agency, as in private projects. The report contains the safety inspections carried out during construction and the measures taken as a result. For Type 1 and Type 2 facility projects, the ordering agency or permitting authority that receives it resubmits it to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport within 3 months after completion, and comprehensive reports for other projects are kept by the ordering agency or permitting authority until the end of the defect warranty period. The periodic safety inspection reports HomeCheck issues for each round are used as basic material when preparing this comprehensive report. Sources: Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 62 (Safety management of construction works) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=276921&joNo=0062&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR Enforcement Decree of Korea's Construction Technology Promotion Act, Article 101 (Preparation and retention of comprehensive reports on safety inspections, etc.) — https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsSideInfoP.do?lsiSeq=286847&joNo=0101&joBrNo=00&docCls=jo&urlMode=lsScJoRltInfoR