Procedures after a workplace death
It is the hardest of times, but missed procedures mean lost rights. Don't do it alone.
Immediate steps
- Call 119 and give first aid at the scene.
- The police and the Ministry of Employment and Labour are notified — the employer has a reporting duty.
- Ask that the scene is not cleared — it is needed for the investigation.
- Secure photographs and witness details.
- 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
- Claim survivor benefits from the Workers' Compensation Service (1588-0075).
- Prepare the documents — death certificate, proof of family relationship (home-country documents may need an apostille or legalisation). See apostille-documents.
- Obtain the Ministry of Employment and Labour's investigation findings.
- If a settlement is offered, take legal advice before signing — 132.
- 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