President Lee Jae-myung Directs Strong Measures to Reduce Industrial Accidents

President Lee Jae-myung has expressed a strong commitment to reducing industrial accidents.

At the 33rd Cabinet meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 29th, President Lee issued a strong directive to Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon to commit to reducing industrial accidents.

During the meeting, President Lee checked on the progress of the previously instructed increase in labor inspectors.

He then questioned Minister Kim by asking, “Are inspections being conducted?” and “Are surprise inspections continuing?” He emphasized that labor inspectors should be considered as “a special unit that protects human lives and must conduct thorough inspections.”

"Labor inspectors should be considered as a special unit that protects human lives and must conduct thorough inspections."

When Minister Kim professed that he would “put his position on the line,” President Lee responded, “If industrial accidents do not significantly decrease during this period, you should really consider resigning.”

Discussion on Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Serious Accident Punishment Act

During the Cabinet meeting, measures to enhance the effectiveness of the Serious Accident Punishment Act were also discussed. President Lee pointed out the limitations of the current Serious Accident Punishment Act and mentioned the need for improvements.

President Lee stated, “There are voices from the business community questioning the Serious Accident Act, and there are doubts about its effectiveness,” highlighting issues in the current system.

He particularly noted, “Most cases end up with a suspended sentence, and there is a significant disconnect between the parties that benefit from not implementing safety measures and those who actually face punishment.”

He remarked, “Criminal penalties do not seem to serve as a decisive measure; instead, we need to increase expenses,” suggesting, “If the same habitual, repetitive fatal accidents continue to occur, we should consider introducing punitive damages for such cases.”

“If the same habitual, repetitive fatal accidents continue to occur, we should consider introducing punitive damages for such cases.”

In response, Minister Kim stated, "We will consider ways to impose practical sanctions when a fatal accident occurs."

He also added, “Along with criminal penalties, we will consider economic sanctions such as punitive damages, restrictions on public bidding participation, and temporary business suspension.”

Image source: President Lee Jae-myung / News1, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon / News1