Labor minister urges tougher action on industrial accidents

Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon urged officials to take a more proactive approach in preventing industrial accidents and safeguarding workers. During an emergency teleconference with senior labor officials nationwide, he stressed the importance of prioritizing workplace safety, stating that it cannot be postponed. Kim emphasized that companies must bear significant responsibility when accidents of serious nature occur, urging officials to closely monitor businesses where such accidents persist.

He also advocated for stringent measures against employers who prioritize profit over safety by reducing safety spending. Kim made it clear that if business owners continue to prioritize cost-cutting over worker safety even after a worker's death, they will face severe consequences. He pledged to collaborate closely with the ministry's regional offices, noting that under the upcoming Labor Inspector Act, set to commence on December 8, some of the ministry's inspection authorities will be transferred to local governments.