One Year Since Implementation: Review Underway
'No Preventive Effect, Focused on Post-Punishment' Diagnosis
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The People Power Party stated that it is time to reconsider the Serious Accident Punishment Act (Act on the Punishment of Serious Accidents, etc.) as the law marks its one-year anniversary since enforcement.
On the 27th, Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, met with reporters after the floor countermeasure meeting and said, "It seems to be a stage of discussing achievements and issues," adding, "Experts' opinions are mainly focused on post-punishment, so there are views that the preventive effect is not being achieved."
Earlier in the meeting, Floor Leader Joo explained, "Analyzing the results of the enforcement of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, the number of serious accidents actually increased by eight in workplaces with 50 or more employees, which are subject to the law," and added, "Out of the investigations initiated related to serious accidents, only 5% or 11 cases were actually prosecuted, and none have resulted in a verdict yet."
He continued, "It takes eight months from the occurrence of an incident to prosecution. It is not that the prosecution has been negligent, but it is difficult to proceed quickly. When investigations take this long, small and medium-sized enterprises face difficulties as a whole, and it becomes a source of instability in business management not only for the executives but also for all workers," emphasizing, "From January 27 next year, the law will also apply to workplaces with fewer than 50 employees. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the enforcement process to ensure it helps prevent accidents and to establish a legal system that allows for prompt handling."
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