Affiliates expand accident prevention, smart monitoring and resource recycling across operations
Kumho Petrochemical Group is strengthening workplace safety and environmental management across its major affiliates, introducing smarter monitoring systems, tighter chemical safety controls and resource recycling technologies.
The South Korean petrochemical group said Thursday its key subsidiaries, including Kumho Petrochemical, Kumho P&B Chemicals, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, Kumho Polychem and Kumho Resort, are expanding preventive safety measures while improving production processes to reduce waste and resource consumption.
Four petrochemical affiliates jointly operate a safety, health and environment management system, known as SHE, while implementing measures tailored to their respective operations.
Kumho Petrochemical has focused on identifying potential workplace hazards before they lead to accidents. The company conducts risk assessments covering production processes and daily operations, including near-miss incidents that could have resulted in injuries or damage.
Last year, it revised its risk assessment procedures to improve documentation and monitoring.
The company has also introduced AI-powered surveillance cameras, smart airbag systems, smart safety helmets and virtual reality training equipment. It has standardized toolbox meetings, where workers review potential hazards and safety precautions before starting their tasks.
Kumho P&B Chemicals, meanwhile, is strengthening hazardous chemical management and emergency preparedness.
The company has appointed additional hazardous chemical safety managers at its facilities and conducts regular training for managers and workers handling such substances. It also holds monthly emergency drills to prepare for potential chemical accidents.
Additional safety measures include providing workers with protective equipment and installing new detection devices to monitor hazardous chemicals.
Kumho Resort is applying similar preventive measures across its leisure facilities by setting site-specific targets to identify hazards and conducting regular risk assessments.
The company also operates a near-miss reporting system to encourage employees to identify and address potential risks before accidents occur.
Last year, its Asiana Country Club and Jeju operations obtained ISO 45001 certification, an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. The company has since been expanding certification coverage to its Hwasun and Asan facilities.
Environmental management is another priority, particularly for the group's chemical manufacturing operations.
Kumho Mitsui Chemicals has introduced an early-warning system to detect pollutants at final wastewater discharge outlets and established internal targets for managing air emissions.
The company is also using electrolysis technology to recover raw materials, including chlorine and caustic soda, from high-salinity wastewater. By reusing steam condensate and cooling water, it aims to reduce both wastewater discharge and freshwater consumption.
It has conducted life cycle assessments for all its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, products and obtained ISCC PLUS certification, supporting efforts to manage product-related carbon emissions and improve supply chain sustainability.
The company is also strengthening emergency response procedures for fires and gas leaks and conducting regular workplace inspections.
Kumho Polychem is focusing on waste management and recycling throughout its operations.
The company separates and stores waste by type and prioritizes recycling capabilities when selecting waste treatment contractors. It also regularly inspects whether contractors' facilities comply with waste disposal regulations.
On workplace safety, Kumho Polychem has incorporated a zero-accident target into employee performance evaluations and expanded safety training to include office staff at its headquarters.
It also holds regular safety consultations with contractors to encourage broader participation in accident prevention.
Kumho Petrochemical Group said it would continue improving its safety management systems and production processes, with a focus on preventing workplace accidents, reducing environmental impact and strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth.
hyejin2@heraldcorp.com
