Posco removed the head of its Pohang Steelworks on Friday as the company confronts a workplace safety crisis. The sudden leadership change highlights growing pressure on management to respond to the workplace safety crisis.
The company dismissed steelworks chief Lee Dong-ryeol after multiple fatal workplace accidents during 2024. Executives said Lee failed to prevent incidents that killed two workers and left three others in critical condition. CEO Lee Hee-geun will temporarily manage the plant until Posco appoints a new chief.
The latest accident occurred Thursday at 1:30 p.m. when toxic gas exposure caused six workers to collapse inside the Pohang facility. Emergency responders performed CPR on the victims and transported them to nearby hospitals. Two cleaning contractors and one Posco employee remained unconscious after the accident.
Police investigators believe carbon monoxide poisoning caused the sudden loss of consciousness. Authorities expanded safety inspections across additional operational units at the steelworks after receiving initial medical reports. Local officials urged Posco to introduce stronger hazard monitoring to prevent further gas-related incidents.
The Pohang plant already faced intense scrutiny after earlier industrial accidents this year. A hydrofluoric acid leak in November killed a subcontractor from Posco DX and severely injured three workers. Another worker died in March after machinery trapped him during equipment repair at the cold-rolling factory.
Labor safety experts blamed weak internal risk management and heavy outsourcing for repeated casualties. Union leaders demanded legal accountability for senior executives and called for wider reforms across Posco’s national operations.
Industry analysts expressed concerns about the long-term impact on production and global steel supply. They warned that continuous accidents could reduce investor confidence and trigger stricter government penalties.
Posco announced an emergency safety overhaul that includes new training programs and upgraded hazard detection systems. Executives also pledged transparent communication with regulators, employees, and subcontractors.
Government agencies promised fast investigations and signaled tougher industrial safety rules during 2025. Officials emphasized that Pohang Steelworks must show measurable safety improvements to protect its operating stability.
Analysts said Posco can protect its reputation only by stopping repeated accidents and reducing operational risk. They stressed that executive responsibility and meaningful prevention efforts are essential to ending the workplace safety crisis.
