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Photo courtesy of POSCO E&C |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of South Korea announced on August 7 that it has launched a comprehensive safety inspection of approximately 100 construction sites nationwide operated by POSCO E&C. The probe began in late July in response to a series of fatal accidents at POSCO E&C sites earlier this year.
The action follows President Lee Jae-myung’s strong condemnation during a Cabinet meeting on July 29, where he referred to the repeated incidents as “murder by willful negligence.” In response, POSCO E&C declared an indefinite suspension of operations at 103 of its construction sites, including major developments in Seoripul and Noryangjin.
MOLIT stated that the investigation is expected to conclude by the end of August. Starting next week, the Ministry will conduct joint inspections with the Ministry of Employment and Labor to identify any illegal subcontracting practices or delayed wage payments at the sites. Authorities warned that any confirmed violations will result in stricter penalties against the company.
Earlier, the presidential office ordered a review of disciplinary actions against POSCO E&C, including the potential revocation of its construction license and restrictions on participation in public tenders.
Three workers have died in separate incidents involving falls and collapses at POSCO E&C sites in January and April. On July 28, a man in his 60s died after being caught in a drilling machine, and on August 4, a Myanmar national suffered cardiac arrest following a suspected electrocution on site.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
