South Korean lawmakers approve profit-linked fines for companies after fatal accidents

During a plenary session, the National Assembly approved a revision to the Occupational Safety and Health Act that would fine companies up to five percent of their operating profit if three or more workers die in industrial accidents within a year. The measure passed with 161 votes in favour, 52 against and six abstentions, despite objections from the People Power Party, which says the penalty is excessive. Democratic Party representatives countered that the fine is capped and calculated on profit, not revenue, and dismissed claims of massive payouts.

The legislation aims to strengthen workplace safety and hold firms more accountable for fatal incidents. In the same session, lawmakers also amended the Emergency Medical Service Act to empower medical authorities to assign hospitals for critical patients and require reasons for any refusal to admit emergencies.