Lee tells Kim Young-hoon, who delivered on his vow to risk his job to cut workplace accidents: “This is the effect of having a worker serve as minister”

[Financial News] On the 20th, President Lee Jae-myung praised Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon for the reduction in fatal accidents, saying, “I think this may be the effect of having a worker serve as labor minister.” Kim had said he would stake his job on reducing workplace accidents.
At the 45th Cabinet meeting, held that day at the main building of the Blue House, President Lee told Kim, “You said you would put your job on the line and try to reduce workplace accidents. It seems it’s been almost a year.” When Kim replied, “I think it’s a small achievement after one year,” Lee encouraged him, saying, “You’ve achieved a major result,” and, “This is truly a groundbreaking achievement.”
Kim reported that 366 people had died in accidents subject to investigation from January through September this year, 91 (19.9%) fewer than in the same period last year. He explained that it was “the lowest figure for the third quarter since statistics began being compiled.”
When President Lee suggested a round of applause to encourage on-site labor inspectors and others, those attending also applauded. He then said, “Applause alone won’t get the job done,” prompting Prime Minister Han Seong-sook to ask, “Shall we give them an award too?” Lee replied, “Give them awards and encouragement,” and urged that they be recognized “without waiting until the end of the year.”
However, President Lee pointed out, “The fact is that 366 people who didn’t have to die died while working during the third and fourth quarters,” adding, “That’s not a small number.”
By industry, deaths in construction fell by 60 (28.6%), while those in other industries declined by 44 (34.4%). Manufacturing deaths rose by 13, influenced by a fire at a Daejeon manufacturing company and an explosion at a defense contractor, among other incidents. Deaths from falls declined across all industries, down by a total of 75 (37.7%).
President Lee also reviewed progress on imposing financial penalties on companies that fail to implement safety measures. He stressed, “Penalties should be tougher when safety measures aren’t taken in advance,” adding, “It’s necessary to make the companies themselves bear an even greater financial burden.”
When Minister Kim reported that the relevant bill had yet to pass the National Assembly, President Lee expressed frustration, saying, “I’ve been talking about this since last year.” He continued, “The legislative process in the National Assembly is frustrating too,” and urged him to “make every effort and go plead with them to get it done quickly.” When Lee asked, “Even begging won’t work, will it?” Kim replied, “I’m begging hard. I’ll beg even more.”
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter