Ministry of Employment and Labor and Police Conduct Search and Seizure at POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks

Onsite Offices of POSCO and Demolition Contractors Targeted

The Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Jeollanam-do Provincial Police Agency conducted a search and seizure operation at the Gwangyang Steelworks and related sites from around 9 a.m. on the 24th, in connection with the fatal accident on the 14th in which a worker fell to his death while dismantling dust collector pipes at a steel mill in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do.

Approximately 30 labor inspectors and police officers participated in the search and seizure. They are conducting searches at the onsite offices of POSCO's Gwangyang Steelworks, as well as the headquarters and onsite offices of the demolition contractor.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor will examine the causes of the collapse of the structure slated for demolition, whether a safe demolition plan was established to prevent the risk of collapse, and compliance with safety regulations. The ministry will also closely investigate whether POSCO held the status of a principal contractor.

The Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office plans to quickly investigate the cause of the accident based on the evidence obtained, and will promptly look into possible violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.