KB Financial Group said on April 12 it selected 50 safety-technology supplier companies for the "SME Industrial Safety Infrastructure Support Program" it is running with the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.

Industrial sites at small and medium-sized enterprises are seen as an area where the need for prevention-focused support is high because safety facilities and management systems are relatively inadequate compared with large companies. In particular, an analysis says tailored support is required for companies outside the capital region, as their access is limited to industrial safety information, professional capabilities and opportunities to improve on-site conditions.

The programme is designed to provide suppliers that have industrial safety technologies and products with opportunities for technology verification and business expansion. It also supports demand companies that need safety-environment improvements by helping them enhance working conditions and strengthen safety capabilities. The goal is to raise safety levels at industrial sites and reinforce a foundation for sustainable growth for small and medium-sized enterprises.

KB Financial Group and the agency made a final selection of 50 suppliers from 102 applicant companies, consisting of 24 in the capital area and 26 in other regions, and will provide 3.3 billion won. The selected group includes companies with technologies to prevent major industrial accidents such as fires, entrapment, collisions and falls. They set the share of non-capital-area companies at more than half, taking balanced regional development into account.

The programme applies a performance-based social contribution model in which follow-up support is provided based on results. It is designed so support can be concentrated on companies and sites where actual accident-prevention effects are confirmed.

The selected companies will provide tailored support to matched demand companies, including supplying safety products, on-site inspections, safety consulting and safety training. The plan is to build a structure in which the growth of safety-technology companies and improvements at industrial sites take place at the same time.

A KB Financial Group official said, "Building a safe working environment is directly linked not only to corporate competitiveness but also to the sustainability of local economies." The official added, "We will continue to expand on-site support so small and medium-sized enterprises can continue innovation and growth in a more stable environment."