Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzed the safety and health responsibilities in industrial sites, which were emphasized after the comprehensive revision of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, from a legal perspective. Research design, data and methodology: It will present an analysis of the obligations regarding safety and health measures and the legal responsibilities for violations under the Industrial Safety and Health Act through normative analysis, case studies, and examination of precedents. Results: Employers and safety and health stakeholders face a high risk of incurring both criminal liability and civil damages for violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. The 2020 amendment to the Act has strengthened the preventive measures obligations of contractors, confirming that policy changes, such as bidding restrictions for commissioning organizations, have expanded the scope of responsibility. Conclusions: To prevent industrial accidents, it is essential to strengthen legal education for safety and health stakeholders, improve the accident investigation system, and clarify responsibilities. At the same time, the need for institutional improvements to enhance the fairness and predictability of legal applications is emphasized to resolve the controversy over excessive criminal penalties. The cultivation of personnel equipped with technical and legal practical capabilities in safety and health management, along with the establishment of proactive cooperation systems, is proposed as a key task for creating a no-accident working environment.