Procedures after a workplace death

It is the hardest of times, but missed procedures mean lost rights. Don't do it alone.

Immediate steps

1. Call 119 and give first aid at the scene.
2. The police and the Ministry of Employment and Labour are notified — the employer has a reporting duty.
3. Ask that the scene is not cleared — it is needed for the investigation.
4. Secure photographs and witness details.
5. The family should contact a support organisation at once. Don't handle it alone.

What the family can claim

• Survivor benefits — paid to the family if recognised as an industrial accident.
• Funeral costs
• The findings of the investigation into the cause of death
• A damages claim where the employer was at fault. See compensation-lawsuit.
• Support with repatriation — discuss with the embassy. See embassy-contacts.

The process

1. Claim survivor benefits from the Workers' Compensation Service (1588-0075).
2. Prepare the documents — death certificate, proof of family relationship (home-country documents may need an apostille or legalisation). See apostille-documents.
3. Obtain the Ministry of Employment and Labour's investigation findings.
4. If a settlement is offered, take legal advice before signing — 132.
5. Contact the embassy about repatriation and documentation.

Where to go

• 1588-0075 Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (survivor benefits, funeral costs)
• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (accident investigation)
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (settlements, damages)
• Your embassy or consulate
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• Local migrant workers' support centres — interpretation and accompaniment

Questions people ask

The family is in our home country. Check the delegation procedure through the embassy. Local migrant organisations can help prepare documents. See ngo-support.

The company says "take a settlement and let's close it". Always consult 132 before signing. A settlement can bar later claims.

I don't know whether it will be recognised as an industrial accident. Explain the circumstances to 1588-0075. Recognition is decided by investigation.

Who pays for repatriation of the body? Discuss it with the embassy, and check industrial accident cover, insurance and support schemes together. Ask 1577-0071 as well.

Take care

Never sign any document in haste. A settlement containing "I will raise no further claim" cannot be undone. Decide only after interpretation and legal advice. Bereaved-family support organisations help free of charge.

Related

industrial-accident-basics · industrial-accident-benefits · compensation-lawsuit · funeral-support · embassy-contacts

Source

Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service www.comwel.or.kr / As of 2026-08