Daejeon, South Korea - In a proactive move to bolster workplace safety and prevent industrial accidents, the Daejeon Metropolitan City Government has launched the 'Private Business Safety and Health Consulting Support Project.' This initiative aims to provide comprehensive, tailored safety and health consultations to small-scale private businesses within the city, with the entire cost being covered by the municipal government.

The program specifically targets businesses employing between 5 and 49 individuals, offering them expert guidance in establishing robust and systematic safety and health management systems. This support comes at a crucial time, particularly with the expanded application of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which places greater responsibility on businesses to ensure a safe working environment.

For the current year, Daejeon City plans to select a total of 10 businesses to participate in the program. These businesses will receive in-depth assessments of their current safety management practices from qualified private expert organizations. Based on these assessments, the consulting firms will develop and propose practical, site-specific improvement plans designed to mitigate risks and enhance overall workplace safety.

The initial phase of the project will prioritize the first five eligible businesses that submit their applications. The city is currently in the process of selecting the private sector partners who will conduct the consultations.

An additional five slots are now open for application on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses meeting the criteria (5 to 49 employees and located in Daejeon) are encouraged to apply through the official Daejeon City website. The deadline for these additional applications is April 30th.

This initiative builds upon successful previous efforts by Daejeon City. In 2023, five businesses benefited from similar consulting support, followed by ten businesses in 2024. These past projects have demonstrably contributed to establishing a stronger foundation for industrial accident prevention within the participating companies.

Yoo Se-jong, Head of Daejeon Metropolitan City's Civil Safety Office, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "We are committed to providing substantial consulting that will offer tangible assistance to private businesses navigating the challenges of the expanded Serious Accidents Punishment Act." He further urged small businesses within the 5 to 49 employee range to actively participate in this valuable opportunity to enhance their safety protocols and protect their workforce.

This fully funded consulting program represents a significant investment by Daejeon City in fostering a safer working environment for its small businesses, ultimately contributing to the well-being of its citizens and the overall economic health of the region. Businesses interested in learning more or applying for the program should visit the Daejeon Metropolitan City website for detailed information and application procedures.