Korea to add eight reproductive toxic substances to list “hazardous substances subject to management”

On April 25, 2022, the Ministry of Employment and Labor of South Korea announced the proposed amendment to the Rules on Occupational Safety and Health Standards, explaining that it will add eight reproductive toxic substances such as dibutyl phthalate, sodium tetraborate, and formamide as “hazardous substances subject to management” and partially amend safety standards for mobile cranes, tower cranes, and excavators in order to prevent industrial accidents. “Hazardous substances subject to management” are defined as “substances including raw materials, gases, vapors, and dusts specified in Appendix 12 which may cause considerable damage to workers’ health and for which health precautionary measures are required” .Currently, 117 organic compounds, 24 metals, 17 acids and alkalis, and 15 gaseous substances are designated as hazardous substances subject to management. When handling hazardous substances subject to management, it is mandatory to take the health measures specified in the Rules, such as installing local exhaust ventilation systems in the work area.