DN Automotive apologizes for allegations of concealing lead levels... “I will cooperate with the investigation.”

Ministry of Labor requests investigation into charges of obstruction of business... President Lee orders "severe action"

(Ulsan = Yonhap News) Reporter Jang Ji-hyun = DN Automotive, which is suspected of concealing blood lead levels by administering injections to promote lead excretion to workers at its Ulsan plant, apologized on the 12th.

In a statement posted on its website that day, the company said, "We deeply reflect on the fact that the principle that the safety and health of employees is the top priority was not thoroughly observed and implemented," and "We bow our heads in apology for causing deep concern to our citizens and executives and employees."

He then promised, "We will thoroughly and actively cooperate with all procedures, including investigations by government agencies, health examinations by experts, safety and health examinations, and epidemiological investigations, which are currently underway or will be conducted in the future," and "We will accept the results of discussions by a committee launched by nine external experts recommended by labor, management, and government to improve the working environment under the guidance of the Ministry of Employment and Labor."

He added, "We will make proactive investments, strengthen health measures for employees, and cooperate with the labor union, government, and expert groups to fundamentally improve the working environment in the factory and quickly implement measures to prevent recurrence."

This suspicion was first raised at a press conference held by the Ulsan branch of the National Metal Workers' Union and the Workplace Safety Education Support Center in February.

At the time, the union claimed that the company distorted the test results by informing some workers about to undergo special health examinations that they were vitamin injections, requiring them to take 'chelation' injections that promote lead excretion, and having them undergo examinations after their lead levels were lowered.

Accordingly, the company stated that it manages the health of its employees according to its own standards, which are stricter than the legal standards, and that injections are a treatment that employees voluntarily choose.

Afterwards, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which carried out close supervision of this factory, discovered a total of 68 violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, booked and forwarded them, and imposed a fine of 46.2 million won.

In addition, the company was requested to investigate by the police on charges of obstruction of business for administering an injection to promote lead excretion before a special health examination.

This case is being investigated by the Ulsan Police Agency.

President Lee Jae-myung ordered strict action on the issue of administering injections to workers to release heavy metals, saying it was unacceptable.