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Song Chi-young, CEO of POSCO E&C, visits the construction site of the Shinansan Line and apologizes following a fatal accident on Dec. 18 last year. (Photo by Yonhap News Agency) |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] A construction worker has died in another accident at a Shinansan Line railway project site built by POSCO E&C, renewing concerns over safety management.
In a statement released on June 10, POSCO E&C expressed condolences and apologized following the fatal incident, saying, “We offer our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family who have lost a loved one. We sincerely apologize.”
According to authorities, the accident occurred at around 5:26 p.m. on June 9 at a construction site in Gwanak District, Seoul. A subcontracted worker in his 30s fell approximately 15 meters to his death while carrying out work to expand an opening for the installation of a cable tray.
The Shinansan Line project has seen multiple fatal incidents over the past year. In April last year, a tunnel collapse in Gwangmyeong left one worker dead and another seriously injured. In December, another worker died at a site near Yeouido Station after a bundle of reinforcing bars collapsed.
POSCO E&C acknowledged shortcomings in its safety measures, stating that although it had conducted inspections with external experts, “it has become clear that these efforts were still insufficient.” The company added it would take all necessary steps, including halting operations, until safety is fully secured.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor ordered an immediate suspension of work at the site and launched an investigation. Authorities, including regional labor offices and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, are examining whether violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act occurred.
The company’s construction sites recorded five worker fatalities last year. A government safety inspection in January also found 258 violations at construction sites nationwide and 145 violations at the company’s headquarters.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
