Controversy has arisen over the exclusion of migrant workers from the application of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act in a pig farm accident in Kimje, Jeollabuk-do. A civic group urged an immediate revision of the related enforcement decree to ensure the safety of workers in the agriculture and livestock industries.

According to the Jeollabuk Migrant Workers' Rights Network, on January 12, a migrant worker fell from a height of about 3 meters while performing maintenance work on a screen at a pig farm in Kimje, resulting in a brain injury. However, the worker is not eligible for industrial accident compensation insurance coverage under the current enforcement decree of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act Article 2, Paragraph 6.

The problematic clause excludes "businesses of individuals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and hunting with fewer than 5 regular workers" from the coverage of industrial accident compensation insurance. As a result, unlike other industries where industrial accident insurance is mandatory regardless of the number of workers, many small-scale farm workers are being excluded from legal protection in the agricultural sector.

The Jeollabuk Migrant Workers' Rights Network pointed out, "Although Nonghyup and Suhyup operate separate accident insurance, the coverage is limited, creating blind spots, and in the event of a major accident, it imposes a significant burden on both farm owners and workers."

In particular, in livestock farms, there are many risk factors such as the use of heavy equipment, high-altitude work, and exposure to chemicals, which could lead to major accidents. The group stated, "Excluding workers from industrial accident coverage solely based on having fewer than 5 regular workers in hazardous workplaces goes against the fundamental purpose of the system."

The group issued a statement on the 23rd urging the government to abolish Article 2, Paragraph 6 of the enforcement decree of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. They also argued that there is a need for system improvements to protect both workers and farm owners by encouraging small and subsistence farms to join industrial accident insurance through government support.

The Jeollabuk Migrant Workers' Rights Network emphasized, "Although the government has repeatedly promised 'safety for all workers,' in reality, the most vulnerable workers in the most dangerous workplaces are left in legal blind spots," and stressed that the agricultural sector also needs an unwavering labor safety system.