The South Korean government, through its Ministry of Employment and Labor and other agencies, has officially initiated a 'Total Care for Returning to Work' program aimed at providing extensive support for workers injured in industrial accidents from the moment their injury is recognized until they successfully reintegrate into the workforce. This program is characterized by an extension in the support period compared to previous initiatives and includes assistance for workers seeking re-employment in different workplaces. It encompasses various support measures tailored to individual health conditions and job characteristics, including psychological counseling, the creation of return-to-work plans, enhancement of job skills, and job retention monitoring for three months post-recovery.

Officials emphasize that this program is a shift toward early intervention, with support now available even during the treatment phase, which aims to foster psychological stability among workers recovering from industrial injuries. They further elaborate that if returning to their original workplace becomes unfeasible, collaboration with private institutions will facilitate necessary vocational training and skills enhancement for securing new employment. This initiative aligns with the broader government objective of reinforcing national responsibility for industrial accident insurance, ensuring that affected workers can reintegrate into their daily lives and workplaces as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

In discussions surrounding the program, officials express their commitment to offering essential support without reservation, highlighting the goal of reducing job insecurity and feelings of loss for injured workers. By prioritizing early, comprehensive assistance, the government hopes to create a more robust safety net for those impacted by workplace injuries, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall employment rates and mental wellbeing of such individuals as they transition back to their professional lives.