Allegations of Industrial Accident Cover-up in Miryang
Allegations have been raised that a worker at a metal factory in Miryang, who injured their shoulder on the job, was asked by the company to fill out documents to avoid reporting it as an 'industrial accident,' and that the company then tried to use this as a pretext for termination.
Kim Jae-young (pseudonym, 30s), who joined the factory last November, performed tasks involving repeatedly handling heavy molds weighing from at least 20 kg to over 100 kg. During this process, Kim's body was strained. On the 17th of last month, while working, Kim felt pain in their shoulder and visited a hospital. Subsequent detailed examination diagnosed Kim with 'right shoulder labral tear and impingement syndrome,' and it was confirmed that surgery and long-term treatment are necessary.
However, the company allegedly attempted to avoid recognizing Kim's injury as an industrial accident. According to Kim's claims, when they visited the company on the 2nd with a medical opinion letter, the company demanded the signing of a written pledge stating they would not apply for industrial accident compensation, conditional on self-paying for treatment and rehiring. Kim refused and filed for industrial accident compensation through the hospital the next day. Subsequently, the company notified Kim that it would proceed with termination procedures, citing 'unauthorized absence' and taking issue with the time Kim took off for hospital visits and to submit medical certificates. Kim claims company officials evaded responsibility, saying, "How are we supposed to know if you got hurt at work?" and pressured Kim to abandon the application by citing other colleagues' industrial accident cases.
In response to these circumstances, the Ministry of Employment and Labor informed Kim that they could pursue related procedures such as filing for relief against wrongful dismissal if the termination is finalized. The company denied the 'pledge claim,' stating it was groundless. A company representative stated that Kim's industrial accident application was filed on April 2nd, and there was no prior report of injury before that date. They also explained that Kim is currently not reporting to work, hence being processed as an unauthorized absentee, and that termination procedures have not yet been decided.