This article was displayed on the ChosunBiz RM Report site at 3:55 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2025.
The government is reportedly reviewing a plan to include wastewater treatment, port stevedoring, and sewer management among the industries whose operations can be suspended when a serious accident occurs, as of the 18th. Earlier, on the 15th, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced a "comprehensive labor safety plan," saying, "We will allow serious accidents in industries other than construction to be grounds for revoking permits or registrations or suspending business."
The Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Government Legislation plan to finalize and announce by year-end the industries for which operations can be suspended if they cause a serious accident. Because legal amendments are needed, the Ministry of Government Legislation has been reviewing the matter, checking 280 laws related to various industries that can operate only with government permits or registrations.
Through this, the government is said to be reviewing a plan to include industries such as wastewater treatment, port stevedoring, and sewer management among those subject to operational suspension in the event of a serious accident. The decision reflects the view that in these industries, workers have previously died in serious accidents or there is a high likelihood of similar accidents in the future. In the sewer management industry, for example, in July in Incheon, two workers died while surveying a wastewater pipe below a manhole.
Going forward, the government plans to amend the laws related to those industries. It intends to add basis provisions such as "If a serious accident occurs, permits or registrations may be revoked" and "If requested by the Minister of Labor, operations may be suspended."
A government official said, "Currently, 33 laws under 11 central ministries have been selected for amendment."