Safety lapses raise concerns as Korean manufacturers expand footprint in the U.S. South
Two men lost their lives this week in unrelated but chillingly similar workplace accidents at two major industrial sites in Georgia — both operated by Korean manufacturers riding the wave of clean energy and electric vehicle investment in the American South.
The first fatality occurred Tuesday at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County. Just a day earlier, another man died at a Hanwha Qcells facility in Cartersville. Both accidents are now under investigation as families, workers, and the broader community reel from the back-to-back tragedies.
Hyundai’s Georgia Megaplant Sees Tragedy Months After Opening
The Hyundai Metaplant — a sprawling $8 billion facility hailed as the cornerstone of the company’s U.S. electric vehicle strategy — is still in its early days. It officially opened in late March. But on Tuesday morning, the state-of-the-art site turned deadly.
Allen Kowalski, a 27-year-old contractor, was killed when cargo reportedly fell from a forklift and struck him while he was working near a truck being loaded.
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched around 10:50 a.m. Emergency services rushed to the site, but Kowalski could not be saved.
Hyundai Motor North America issued a brief but solemn statement.
“Together with the subcontractor and relevant authorities, we are fully supporting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to help prevent such accidents in the future. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
This is not the first incident linked to the site. In March, a construction worker died after being hit by a forklift while working on the plant’s joint battery facility with LG Energy Solution.
At Hanwha Qcells, a Suspected Nitrogen Leak Turns Deadly
Roughly 200 miles away, the Hanwha Qcells solar panel factory in Cartersville was the site of another fatal accident just a day before the Hyundai incident.
Around 7:15 p.m. Monday, fire crews were dispatched to the scene. The man — whose name has not been released — was found unresponsive on top of a tank. Investigators suspect a nitrogen leak may have been involved.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that oxygen levels inside the tank where the man was found had dropped to just 15 percent — far below the threshold needed to sustain life.
So far, no additional injuries or leaks have been reported. The cause remains under investigation by local authorities and federal workplace safety regulators.
Safety Under Scrutiny as Korean Giants Expand in the U.S.
Georgia has become a hub for Korean investment in recent years. Hyundai, Hanwha, SK On, and LG Energy Solution have poured billions into the state, lured by tax incentives, access to ports, and proximity to major auto markets.
But rapid construction and manufacturing ramp-ups can lead to growing pains — and serious risks for workers.
According to OSHA data, warehouse and manufacturing-related deaths in Georgia have increased by over 18% from 2020 to 2024, raising eyebrows among labor advocates who say companies are struggling to keep up with the safety needs of rapidly expanding operations.
Forklifts and Gas Leaks: Two Accidents, One Troubling Pattern
On paper, the two accidents appear unrelated — one involving a forklift at a vehicle plant, the other possibly caused by a gas leak at a solar factory. But both point to familiar hazards that have long plagued industrial operations: heavy machinery and hazardous materials.
Let’s pause for a second.
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Forklift-related deaths in the U.S. average about 85 per year, per Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Exposure to gases like nitrogen — which displaces oxygen — is one of the most common causes of confined space deaths in industrial settings
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Contract workers face a 50% higher risk of fatal injury than full-time staff, per a 2023 NIOSH report
In both the Hyundai and Hanwha incidents, the victims were reportedly working near or with equipment involving third-party contractors. That adds a layer of complexity to safety protocols — and accountability.
Local Impact and Questions Ahead
Bryan County and Cartersville, like much of Georgia, have welcomed these projects with open arms. The economic impact is undeniable. Jobs, tax revenue, and national headlines have followed.
But now, the communities face hard questions.
Why were safety protocols not enough? Were subcontractors properly trained? Are these just unfortunate accidents, or signs of something more systemic?
One local official, speaking anonymously, said, “These plants bring hope and jobs, but also risk. We’ve got to make sure the companies aren’t cutting corners to move faster.”
Short paragraph here to let it breathe.
Workers are shaken. OSHA has been notified in both cases. Investigations are ongoing. Families mourn. And the promise of clean energy, green jobs, and electric cars now bears the weight of loss — two men who won’t go home tonight.
