Three pregnant employees in South Korea accuse Samsung of workplace accidents, seek compensation

In Seoul, the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service recognized the risks of unsafe work environments on a foetus after three Samsung Electronics Co. employees claimed their children’s congenital diseases should be covered by workplace accident compensation. The committee acknowledged the causality between their work and their children’s conditions, marking the second case since the revised Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act.

The decision came three years after the women filed for compensation in 2021, citing congenital diseases in their children, including kidney, throat, and bladder issues. This recognition highlights the importance of ensuring a safe work environment for pregnant employees to protect the health of both the mother and the developing foetus.

South Korea has now acknowledged a total of eight cases of children born with congenital diseases due to their mothers’ unsafe work environments. This latest decision reflects a growing awareness of the impact of workplace conditions on the health outcomes of pregnant employees and their children. Investigations into two other cases are currently ongoing, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in ensuring workplace safety for all employees.

The Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service’s recognition of the risks posed by unsafe work environments on foetuses is a significant development in upholding the rights and well-being of pregnant employees. By acknowledging the link between workplace conditions and congenital diseases in children, the agency is sending a strong message about the importance of prioritizing safety measures for expectant mothers in the workplace.