Gwangmyeong: POSCO E and C, the construction division of South Korea's POSCO Group, has initiated an emergency management system and temporarily halted new infrastructure orders. This decision follows a series of fatal industrial accidents at construction sites managed by the company.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the company emphasized that expanding business operations is futile without first regaining public trust. The announcement came shortly after a Myanmar national in his 30s suffered critical injuries in a suspected electrocution incident at an expressway construction site in Gwangmyeong, located approximately 20 kilometers south of Seoul. This incident marks the fourth fatal accident at POSCO E and C sites this year, leading to the resignation of former CEO Jeong Hee-min on Tuesday.
POSCO E and C also plans to consult with experts to develop institutional reforms to improve its subcontracting structure, a persistent issue in the construction sector. On Wednesday, the new CEO, Song Chi-young, made his first public appearance by visiting the Gwangmyeong construction site where the recent accident occurred, foregoing a formal inauguration ceremony.
During his visit, Song evaluated the site's safety management practices and committed to preventing future accidents. He stated, "With a deep sense of responsibility, we will fundamentally overhaul our company-wide safety management system to eliminate accidents at their root, and establish an effective, field-oriented safety culture."