S. Korea makes illness due to workplace harassment eligible for compensation

South Korea will make sickness and death caused by workplace harassment eligible for compensation under the Accident Compensation Act for Public Servants.

According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, the revision of the Accident Compensation Act for Public Servants has passed the Cabinet meeting to set a legal foundation for compensation for public servants who suffer from illnesses due to workplace harassment.

Based on the ministry's administrative regulation on occupational diseases for public servants, the government has so far paid compensation for illness, disability, and death caused by workplace harassment.

However, the change will pave the way for compensation following the Accident Compensation Act for Public Servants.

The revision, according to the ministry, is intended to enhance national responsibility and ensure greater protection for public employees who suffer from workplace abuse that might result in mental trauma.

Gabjil 119, an advocacy group for workplace bullying victims, analyzed that nine out of 18 workers who died following workplace harassment last year were affiliated with public institutions.