Safe Summer at POSCO Pohang Steelworks... All-Out Efforts to Protect Employees' Health Amid Heatwave

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
Providing Supplies and Rest Areas During the Peak Heat Season

As heatwave advisories continue nationwide, POSCO Pohang Steelworks is making company-wide efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses among its employees.

This year, following a short monsoon season, the early onset of hot weather has led to an increase in the number of people suffering from heatstroke and heat exhaustion compared to previous years.

POSCO Pohang Steelworks employees are taking out water under the shade tent. Photo by POSCO

In response, the steelworks has made protecting workers' health during the peak heat season its top priority, implementing a range of preventive measures to ensure a safe summer for all employees.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the company is focusing on four key strategies: sending out summer heat alert text messages, strengthening frequent inspections of worksites, operating on-site management guidelines according to risk level, and enhancing employees' safety awareness while improving the work environment.

Additionally, by strengthening frequent worksite inspections, supervisors are required to record perceived temperatures on site and ensure that rest times are strictly observed, based on preventive guidelines.

In particular, before work begins, supervisors check workers' health conditions and install shade tents to provide constant rest areas. They also supply heat illness prevention items such as ice boxes, bottled water, cooling fans, and portable cooler bags to help create a comfortable working environment.

Yoo Haeseong, head of the Pohang Steelworks Industrial Health Center, said, "We have prepared various measures such as air conditioning, rest, and health management to prevent heat-related illnesses during the hot summer," adding, "We will actively support the creation of a safe work environment so that all employees can stay healthy throughout the summer."

POSCO Pohang Steelworks plans to continue prioritizing the health and safety of its employees and will maintain its efforts to ensure a safe working environment even during the heatwave.