President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on the 12th the need for strict measures and preventive measures regarding industrial accident incidents. In particular, he stated, "If necessary safety measures are not implemented when working on industrial sites, it must be strictly sanctioned," reiterating his strong commitment to eradicating industrial accidents.
On the same day, President Lee chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office and raised his voice, saying, "The workplace, which one goes to in order to live, must never become a place of death."
He further criticized the industrial accidents resulting from inadequate safety measures, calling it "attempted murder with foreknowledge or social murder."
He stressed that a fundamental solution is to make it clear that, "Not implementing safety measures to save on expenses while working is a foolish act. It should be made to feel that it will end up causing greater losses."
President Lee emphasized, "I mentioned a 'special forces' approach. If necessary safety measures are not implemented during routine checks of industrial sites, shouldn't it be strictly sanctioned?"
He also referred to the 'outsourcing of risk,' stating, "It is never desirable to subcontract or outsource dangerous work. It is wrong to expect to enjoy profits while avoiding responsibility," and requested, "Please take maximum measures within the existing system."
He emphasized, "If necessary, we will have to amend the relevant laws to ensure that we definitely break away from being a backward republic of industrial accidents."
The Ministry of Employment and Labor is scheduled to report on the status of industrial accidents and measures to prevent recurrence at the Cabinet meeting. President Lee stated, "This is one of the topics for today's meeting, and I will check what is actually possible."
Earlier, President Lee pointed to POSCO E&C after a series of industrial fatalities during the summer vacation, ordering a review of strict measures against companies with frequent serious accidents, including 'revocation of construction licenses, prohibition on public bidding, and punitive damages.'
Meanwhile, President Lee urged the relevant authorities to take measures and institutional remedies against human rights violations and unfair discrimination against social minorities, including foreigners.
President Lee stated, "As the world becomes enthusiastic about K-culture and watches us, it is clear that it will negatively affect the national interest and national pride of Korea," and directed that necessary measures be thoroughly taken to prevent unfair discrimination and human rights violations against migrant workers, foreigners, and social minorities, and to prepare institutional remedies if needed.