Workplace safety to tighten

New law would hold owners personally liable for hazardous conditions

Business owners could be charged criminally in the future if their operations have the potential for a major accident, even if no accident has occurred, according to a new guideline on work safety.

The guideline on the reform and development of workplace safety, which was made public by the central government on Sunday, said lawmakers will consider amendments to the criminal law to punish company behaviors that could lead to an accident.