SME Sector Urges Inclusion of Their Opinions in Implementation of Comprehensive Labor Safety Measures

SME Sector’s Response to the Announcement of the “Comprehensive Labor Safety Measures”

The small and medium-sized business sector emphasized that both labor and management must focus on prevention in response to the "Comprehensive Labor Safety Measures" announced by the government on September 15.

The Korea Federation of SMEs stated on the same day, "Despite various efforts to reduce industrial accidents, the number of fatal accidents has not decreased, highlighting the need for structural and fundamental solutions." The organization added, "We expect that the inclusion of key measures long requested by the SME sector-such as facility support for small-scale workplaces and expanded incentives for industrial accident prevention activities-will contribute to creating safer workplaces."

However, the industry expressed concerns, saying, "The immediate punishment, economic sanctions, and relaxed requirements for work stoppages following inspections of workplaces lacking the capacity to prevent industrial accidents, as stipulated in some of the newly legislated measures, are expected to cause significant difficulties for SMEs." They further warned, "An excessively punitive approach, including strict supervision and sanctions beyond what is necessary, could lead to serious side effects such as decreased production, delayed deliveries, and reduced export competitiveness for companies."

The industry also pointed out, "Simply emphasizing employer responsibility, as included in these measures, is unlikely to provide a fundamental solution." They stressed, "To achieve a real reduction in industrial accidents, it is necessary to improve systems and expand government support to encourage not only employers but also employees to comply with safety regulations and take responsibility."

They argued that sanctions that could undermine companies' capacity to invest in safety and hinder business operations should be kept to a minimum, and efforts should be focused on supporting prevention in workplaces vulnerable to industrial accidents. The Korea Federation of SMEs added, "The government must fully reflect the opinions of the SME sector when implementing the comprehensive labor safety measures," and stated, "The SME sector will also participate in creating safer workplaces."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.