On August 25, 2025, the Guri City Industrial Complex Corporation made a significant move toward workplace safety, announcing the installation of a new smart safety management system at its bustling Guri Complex. The initiative, which has already seen the deployment of the 'LED Road LED Safety System' on 10 of the complex’s busiest roads, marks a determined effort to modernize safety protocols and reduce the risk of industrial accidents for both workers and visitors.
Forklifts are a common sight in industrial settings across South Korea, especially in wholesale markets like those in Guri. Yet, as familiar as they are, these machines carry a troubling safety record. According to the South Korea Industrial Safety and Health Agency, there were 1,396 forklift-related accidents in 2021 and 1,163 in 2022. Of those, 21 workers lost their lives in 2021, while 11 died in 2022. That’s an average of about 1,200 forklift accidents per year—a sobering figure that underscores the urgency of the new safety measures.
The main culprits behind these incidents? The hazards are as varied as they are preventable. Data from the agency highlight that 23.8% of accidents stem from the terrain or structures along forklift routes—think steep slopes, sharp curves, uneven flooring, or unstable ground. Other leading causes include the misuse of forklifts for unintended tasks (18.8%), imbalanced cargo (13.9%), poor visibility for operators (11.9%), and failing to secure the vehicle when the operator steps away (5.9%). There are also issues like operator error, inadequate communication among workers, and the ever-present danger of blind spots.
Recognizing these risks, Guri City Industrial Complex Corporation has turned to technology for solutions. On August 25, the corporation began a pilot program, equipping 10 forklifts—two from each of the five wholesale market corporations operating within the complex—with a cutting-edge safety device: the 'Laser Beam LED Safety Light.' This device is attached to both sides and the rear of each forklift, projecting a bright rectangular light onto the ground. The illuminated area clearly marks the vehicle’s path and its no-go safety zone, making it instantly visible to anyone nearby.
According to 농수축산신문, the system is designed to "visually indicate dangerous conditions and safety levels on the roads in the complex." This innovation allows pedestrians to quickly and easily recognize where they should avoid walking, thus significantly reducing the risk of collisions. The visual cues are especially vital in environments where night shifts are common and forklifts often carry heavy loads stacked high—conditions that can make it difficult for operators and pedestrians alike to spot potential hazards.
Kim Jin-su, president of Guri City Industrial Complex Corporation, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety. “Customer safety is our top priority,” he stated, as reported by kenews.co.kr. “The installation of this smart safety device is part of our effort to create a safe working environment for forklift operators and to realize an accident-free, disaster-free wholesale market.”
The pilot installation of the LED safety system is just the first step. The corporation plans to closely monitor the effectiveness of the new devices and analyze the results of the trial run before deciding whether to expand the program to more forklifts and other parts of the complex. As Kim Jin-su explained, “We will analyze the results and effectiveness of this pilot operation and consider whether to expand the installation.”
The broader safety initiative doesn’t stop at forklifts. The 'LED Road LED Safety System' also covers 10 main roads within the Guri Complex, using LED lights to highlight safety levels and alert workers and visitors to hazardous conditions. These visual signals are intended to help everyone in the complex—whether they’re operating heavy machinery or just passing through—stay aware of their surroundings and avoid danger.
Safety experts say that these kinds of visual warning systems can make a real difference. By projecting clear, unmissable boundaries on the ground, LED safety lights help compensate for the limited visibility that often plagues forklift operators, especially when carrying tall or bulky loads. Moreover, they provide a universal cue that doesn’t rely on language or prior training, making them effective even for new workers or visitors.
Still, the statistics show that there’s a long way to go. Even as the number of industrial accidents in South Korea has been decreasing, serious accidents continue to occur, particularly in large industrial complexes like Guri. In 2023 alone, the complex saw 21 fatalities and 11 injuries related to workplace accidents, according to the South Korea Industrial Safety and Health Agency. While these numbers represent a decline from previous years, they highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and innovation in workplace safety.
Industry observers have welcomed the Guri initiative as a promising example of how technology can be harnessed to protect workers. The hope is that, by making hazards more visible and giving both operators and pedestrians clear cues about where it’s safe to move, the new system will lead to fewer accidents and a safer environment for everyone.
Of course, no safety system is foolproof. The effectiveness of the LED safety lights will depend on how well they’re maintained, how consistently they’re used, and whether workers and visitors heed the visual warnings. But as a step toward a safer, more modern industrial complex, the project has already made waves.
Looking ahead, Guri City Industrial Complex Corporation is keeping its options open. The current plan is to analyze the results of the pilot program carefully, gathering data on accident rates, worker feedback, and overall safety improvements. If the results are positive, the corporation is prepared to expand the system to cover more forklifts and possibly other types of equipment or areas within the complex.
For now, the LED safety lights serve as a beacon—both literally and figuratively—for the future of workplace safety in South Korea’s industrial sector. By embracing innovation and prioritizing the well-being of workers and visitors, Guri is setting a standard that other complexes may soon follow. And with every bright line cast on the ground, the hope is that one more accident will be prevented, and one more worker will return home safely at the end of the day.
