From Prevention to Treatment and Return: Gyeongnam Office of Education Implements Comprehensive Lung Cancer Management Plan for Meal Workers

On July 21, the Gyeongnam Office of Education announced the implementation of the "Comprehensive Plan for Lung Cancer Management for School Meal Workers," aimed at preventing and treating lung cancer among school meal staff and creating a healthy work environment.

This plan was established to systematically support and manage the entire process from lung cancer prevention, treatment for those affected, return to work, and retirement, by connecting related policies that the provincial office of education had previously promoted separately by department.

In particular, the goal is to establish a comprehensive protection system for meal workers, including customized health management for those with lung cancer, support for returning to work, and support systems for retirement, while also creating a safe and healthy working environment.

Gyeongnam Office of Education. Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

According to this plan, starting next year, the provincial office of education will conduct annual health checkups for all 6,000 meal workers in both public and private schools in the province.

If there are suspected findings of lung cancer, the costs of detailed examinations will also be covered.

For those diagnosed with lung cancer, the plan provides health management, support with the process for approval of industrial accidents, and streamlined procedures for medical leave. Upon return to work, support will be provided through assessments of job suitability, special transfer provisions, and assignment of dedicated replacement staff.

After returning to work, up to 20 days of paid lung cancer recuperation leave will be guaranteed.

A new "Lung Cancer Recuperation Retirement Lump Sum Payment System" will be introduced, under which those who retire before the statutory retirement age due to occupational lung cancer will receive a lump sum severance payment equivalent to 12 months' salary.

Additionally, the project to improve ventilation facilities in all school cafeterias in the province, which began in 2022, will be completed by 2027. Schools where improvements have been completed will undergo regular annual inspections and receive training on how to use the ventilation facilities.

Superintendent Park Jonghoon stated, "Creating a workplace where meal workers can work healthily and safely is the way to enhance the trust and satisfaction of the entire educational community," and added, "The provincial office of education will fulfill its responsibility in this regard."