HD Hyundai vice chair inspects shipyard to ensure safety

HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, left, speaks with officials from HD Hyundai Samho's shipyard in Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, during a safety inspection, Thursday. Courtesy of HD Hyundai

HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun on Thursday inspected its shipyard in the nation’s southwestern county of Yeongam to raise awareness of its safety-driven growth.

During the visit to HD Hyundai Samho’s shipyard in South Jeolla Province, Chung pledged to increase the budget for safety management.

“We will never trade safety for anything,” Chung said during a meeting with HD Hyundai Samho’s top executives and safety officials, including CEO Kim Jae-eul and staff responsible for overseeing safety at the facility.

“Under any circumstances, we will place the highest priority on the lives of our employees."

He also urged the firm’s executives to carry out their management activities in the field.

“Any decisions and actions by leaders have a significant influence on building a safety-driven corporate culture,” Chung said.

Toward that end, the company pledged to invest 3.5 trillion won ($2.51 billion) by 2030 to enhance the safety of its production lines. The budget will be spent on establishing advanced safety systems and facilities, HD Hyundai said.

The company also plans to raise safety awareness across its affiliates and partner firms by providing them with relevant education programs.

HD Hyundai said it will continue to dedicate itself to strengthening its safety-focused management.

In November, the firm will host the HD Hyundai Safety Forum, inviting not only its employees but also government officials and safety experts. The company said it will share its long-term safety vision during the upcoming event to build a more reliable, safety-driven corporate culture.