Korean industrial accidents compensation insurance - disability benefits and survivors’ benefit

Summary

This video features an interview with Labor Attorney John, who explains the industrial accident compensation system in Korea. The system provides insurance for workers injured or affected by their work, offering two main benefits: disability and survivor’s compensation. Disability benefits are based on the severity of the injury, while survivor’s benefits provide financial support to the deceased worker’s family. The discussion also touches on how Korea’s compensation system compares to other countries and the potential for future improvements, particularly in expanding coverage to self-employed individuals and increasing support for survivors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance in Korea is a government system that helps workers who are injured or disabled while working, ensuring medical treatment and financial support during recovery.
• 😀 This insurance aims to protect workers who are unable to work due to injury or illness caused by their job, shifting the responsibility from employers to the government.
• 😀 There are two main categories of compensation: Disability Benefits and Survivor's Benefits.
• 😀 Disability Benefits are provided when an employee is permanently injured or disabled due to a work-related incident, with compensation based on the severity of the disability.
• 😀 Survivor's Benefits are provided when an employee dies due to a work-related accident, supporting the deceased worker's family with financial assistance.
• 😀 Disability Benefits are calculated based on the worker's ability to work, with 14 levels of disability leading to different types of compensation, including lifetime pensions for severe disabilities.
• 😀 Survivor's Benefits include funeral expenses and ongoing pension support for surviving family members, with the amount varying based on the number of dependents.
• 😀 The calculation for Disability Benefits and Survivor's Benefits is accessible through an app or PC, making it easier for individuals to understand their entitlements.
• 😀 The amount of compensation provided is generally sufficient to support workers and their families during medical recovery or after a worker's death, but there is room for expansion in the system.
• 😀 The Korean industrial accident compensation system is continuously evolving to include more workers, such as self-employed individuals and delivery workers, and could further expand to cover more benefits, such as rehabilitation.

Q & A

What is industrial accident compensation insurance?

Industrial accident compensation insurance is a government system in Korea designed to protect individuals who are injured or become ill while working. It covers medical treatment and compensation for workers who cannot earn income during their recovery period.

Who is responsible for industrial accident compensation in Korea?

While employers are typically responsible for treating and compensating injured employees according to labor laws, the government takes on this responsibility through industrial accident compensation insurance, which alleviates the burden on employers.

What are the two main categories of benefits under industrial accident compensation?

The two main categories of benefits under industrial accident compensation are disability benefits and survivor's benefits. Disability benefits are for workers who suffer long-term or permanent disabilities, while survivor's benefits are for the families of employees who die as a result of a work-related accident.

How are disability benefits calculated in Korea's industrial accident compensation system?

Disability benefits are based on the severity of the disability, which is divided into 14 grades. The benefits can include a lifetime pension for severe disabilities (grades 1-3), or a one-time lump sum or lower pension for less severe disabilities (grades 4-14). The amount depends on the worker’s daily wage and the disability grade.

What are survivor's benefits in the context of industrial accident compensation?

Survivor’s benefits are provided to the family of an employee who dies due to a work-related accident. These benefits include funeral expenses and a survivor's pension, which is paid to the family members, typically up to four people, such as a spouse and children.

How is the survivor’s pension calculated?

The survivor’s pension is calculated based on the employee's death and the family’s need. The surviving family members, including a spouse and children, can receive a monthly pension. The amount varies depending on the number of surviving dependents, but generally, it provides financial support for the family’s livelihood.

What are the funeral expenses covered under industrial accident compensation?

Funeral expenses are part of the survivor’s benefits, where the government compensates the family with an amount of about 17 million Korean Won to cover the costs of the funeral when an employee dies due to a work-related accident.

Is the industrial accident compensation system applicable to self-employed individuals?

Currently, the industrial accident compensation system primarily applies to workers employed by companies. However, the government is gradually expanding the coverage to include self-employed individuals, such as delivery workers and gig economy workers, to ensure they also receive protection in case of a work-related accident.

How does Korea’s industrial accident compensation system compare to other countries?

Compared to Western nations, Korea’s industrial accident compensation system is relatively advanced, but there is still room for improvement. For example, while it provides basic medical and disability support, it is expanding to cover a broader range of workers, including self-employed individuals, and to offer additional rehabilitation and long-term care.

How can industrial accident compensation be improved in Korea?

Improvements could include expanding coverage to more workers, including self-employed and gig economy workers. Additionally, providing more comprehensive rehabilitation services, and offering better support for the surviving family members, would strengthen the system’s effectiveness and social welfare.