Seoul: The government will show "zero-tolerance" to safety accidents at state-run companies, the industry minister announced, following a series of industrial accidents this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated during a meeting with state-run companies, including the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy would impose the strongest penalties within its authority on fatal industrial accidents at state-run energy firms. This action would be in addition to the legal consequences outlined under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
Minister Kim emphasized that the ministry would respond with zero tolerance to illegal practices, such as illicit subcontracting, that could lead to industrial accidents. He urged state-run entities to "set an example" for private companies by adhering to stringent safety standards.
The minister's remarks followed a call from President Lee Jae Myung last week for stronger workplace safety measures. This call came in response to a series of fatal accidents at construction sites operated by POSCO E and C Co., a subsidiary of the steelmaker POSCO.