The 141st National Agenda Inspection and Coordination Meeting
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is presiding over the Government Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 20th. January 20, 2022 [Photo by Yonhap News]
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 20th, regarding the Serious Accidents Punishment Act set to be enforced in a week, "Although there are voices of concern from some quarters, safety negligence and backward safety management are deep-rooted evils that must be eradicated," adding, "Protecting workers and citizens is a fundamental duty that companies and the government must uphold, and strengthening penalties is clearly a minimal and unavoidable measure."
On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Government Seoul Office’s National Affairs Inspection and Coordination Meeting, stating, "Despite having learned lessons from multiple accidents so far, tragic human-caused disasters that should never happen continue relentlessly," and "In reality, risk factors at workplaces are still underestimated, safety standards are not being followed, and various warning signals are being ignored." He further said, "With the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act starting on the 27th, it will be mandatory for government agencies as well as companies to thoroughly implement safety and health measures under their own responsibility," adding, "We will conduct a final check on each ministry’s preparations."
At the meeting, the agenda item 'Preparation Status for the Enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act' was presented, and key points related to the law’s enforcement were discussed by relevant ministries including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ministry of Environment.
Additionally, regarding the high proportion of traffic accident fatalities caused by commercial vehicles such as freight trucks, taxis, and buses, Prime Minister Kim stated, "It is analyzed that this is mainly due to neglecting basic matters such as drowsy driving, improper cargo loading, and speeding," and added, "We will discuss tailored measures including improving loading methods, strengthening management of aged vehicle operations, reinforcing enforcement systems, and contents related to driver protection."
Regarding the 'Rationalization of Golf Course Usage and Innovation Measures for the Golf Industry,' Prime Minister Kim said, "Problems such as excessive golf course usage fees and unfair business practices continue to be pointed out," and added, "We will discuss measures to rationalize golf course usage prices, improve services, and support the development of related industries."
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