Nat'l Assembly passes bill introducing profit-based penalties over workplace deaths

The National Assembly in South Korea has approved a revised bill that imposes financial penalties on companies in the event of fatal workplace accidents, with the aim of enhancing worker protection and improving workplace safety. The bill, which passed with a vote of 161-52, would introduce a fine of up to 5% of a company's operating profit in cases where three or more workers lose their lives in industrial accidents within a year.

The opposition People Power Party (PPP) initially objected to the bill, arguing that the 5% threshold could impose undue financial burdens on companies. However, the Democratic Party (DP) countered that the opposition was protecting corporate interests rather than prioritizing worker safety. Despite concerns from the PPP, the DP emphasized that the fine would have a cap and be based on operating profit rather than sales, dismissing claims that the fines could reach hundreds of billions or trillions of won.

The National Assembly also passed a revision to the Emergency Medical Service Act, which would enable medical authorities to designate a hospital for critically ill patients if paramedics are unable to find an accepting institution. The designated hospitals would also be required to provide valid reasons for refusing treatment.