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(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Jae Heon Lee – POSCO, South Korea's leading steelmaker, has dismissed the head of its Pohang Steelworks after two safety incidents occurred at the facility this month. The company also replaced the head of its Group Safety Special Inspection Task Force, which reports directly to the chairman.
According to POSCO Group on the 21st, Lee Dong-ryul, head of Pohang Steelworks, was relieved of his duties effective immediately. The decision follows a fatal accident on November 5, when a subcontractor employee died from exposure to hazardous substances at the Pohang plant, and another gas leak incident at the STS 4 steelmaking plant on the previous day. The personnel changes are seen as disciplinary measures in response to these incidents.
The appointment of a new Pohang Steelworks chief will be postponed. POSCO President Lee Hee-geun will concurrently serve as acting head and oversee the implementation of safety measures going forward.
In an official statement, President Lee said, "As CEO, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the series of safety accidents that have occurred this year and the concern they have caused. We will conduct a thorough review and establish fundamental measures to prevent recurrence, mobilizing all company resources to ensure such incidents do not happen again."
On the same day, POSCO Group appointed Yoo In-jong, CEO of POSCO Safety Solution, as the new head of the Group Safety Special Inspection Task Force, which reports directly to the chairman. Previously, this position was held concurrently by Song Chi-young, CEO of POSCO E&C.
POSCO Safety Solution, established in September, is a subsidiary specializing in safety management. The appointment of Yoo, who previously led the safety technology team at Samsung C&T and served as vice president of safety at Coupang, is intended to strengthen the group's safety protocols.
The task force is expected to lead the development of comprehensive measures to prevent future accidents across the group. POSCO Group stated it will enhance effective, field-oriented safety measures through close communication with its affiliates.
jhlee2@yna.co.kr
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