"Multi-Tiered and Illegal Subcontracting Issues...
Improvements Will Be Made"
The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Democratic Party's Industrial Accident Prevention Task Force (TF) held a meeting of CEOs from the top 20 construction companies to eradicate major accidents in the construction industry on August 14 at the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training in Jung-gu, Seoul.
The agenda of the meeting included: requests to reduce major accidents and wage arrears in the construction industry; a presentation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on strengthening construction investment centered on local governments; presentations of outstanding safety management cases by leading construction companies (Samsung C&T and Hoban Construction); and a discussion on measures to reduce major accidents and wage arrears. CEOs from the top 20 construction companies by construction performance, including Samsung C&T, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, DL E&C, and GS Engineering & Construction, attended the event.
Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, is speaking at the meeting of CEOs from the top 20 construction companies to eradicate major accidents in the construction industry, held on the 14th at the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Ministry of Employment and Labor
At the meeting, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon stated, "Last year alone, more than 600 (589) workers lost their lives at industrial sites, and nearly half of them (276) died at construction sites." He also pointed out, "The construction industry faces problems such as multi-tiered and illegal subcontracting, where money decreases but risks are passed down the chain." He added, "We will continue to inspect sites in cooperation with relevant ministries and improve systems to bring about change."
Minister Kim emphasized, "We must not confuse the causes and results of accidents. We need to identify the fundamental and structural 'real' causes." He continued, "The actions of accident victims are merely the outcome. Effective solutions begin with an accurate identification of the root causes." He further noted, "Workers are not just subjects of safety management, but active agents. Please guarantee workers' right to know, the right to participate, and the right to avoid danger, as they are the ones who best understand the risks and how to respond on site."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Minister Kim visited the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), where he explained the purpose and details of the proposed amendments to the Yellow Envelope Law (Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act) and listened to the concerns of businesses, exchanging views on labor issues.
Minister Kim stated, "By collecting diverse opinions through a regular communication channel with the business community, we will prepare more detailed manuals and guidelines during the six-month preparation period. We will do our utmost to resolve uncertainties at worksites." He added, "We will also operate a permanent task force (TF) to maintain ongoing communication with the business community and reflect their feedback."
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