Pre-Inspection of High-Risk Workplaces, Preventive Supplies Provided
Protective Measures Such as Extended Breaks During Heatwave Alerts
Gwangyang Steelworks of POSCO (headed by Ko Jae-yoon) is taking proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses among its employees and staff, who are working hard ahead of the upcoming hot summer season.
Heat-related illnesses can occur when someone is exposed to excessive heat for extended periods. These illnesses require caution as they can be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and even neurological and mental disturbances.
In response, Gwangyang Steelworks has announced plans to actively lead efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect workers' health during the predicted heatwave this summer.
Gwangyang Steelworks has established step-by-step work guidelines for the prevention of heat-related illnesses, based on the five major rules designated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor: water, shade, rest, cooling equipment, and emergency measures.
First, before the hot season begins, the company will identify high-risk work areas such as furnaces, which are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They plan to provide rest areas with shade, install thermometers and hygrometers, and prepare preventive supplies such as bottled water and cooling fans. In particular, employees who are elderly or have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses will be identified in advance and given preventive care.
Additionally, during the hot season, each employee will use a self-diagnosis checklist to monitor their health status before starting work. If any abnormal signs are detected on the day of work, the company has established a system to restrict work and refer the employee for treatment at in-house or external medical facilities.
When the perceived temperature at a worksite reaches 33 degrees Celsius or higher, the company has set a standard requiring at least 10 to 15 minutes of rest per hour. For high-risk tasks such as those performed in confined spaces, an additional 5 to 20 minutes of rest is provided, which is a stricter standard than those set by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Each worksite is also equipped with a monitoring board for high-risk operations, ensuring continuous monitoring of tasks with a high potential for heat-related illnesses.
Kim Juho, head of the Industrial Health Center at Gwangyang Steelworks, stated, "Preventing heat-related illnesses is more important than ever during the hot summer season. We have thoroughly implemented the basic rules of water, shade, and rest, and prepared comprehensive measures such as pre-inspections of high-risk workplaces and the provision of preventive supplies. We place the highest value on the health and safety of our employees and will continue to strengthen field-centered preventive activities so that everyone can work safely."
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