South Korea launches probe into builder after worker's fatal fall

A fatal fall at a construction site for the Sinan-san Line railway has prompted a government crackdown on the builder, Posco E&C. A worker in his 30s died on June 9 after falling from an opening during expansion work.

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We will demand fundamental measures.

This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal accidents at the site. Two workers died in 2024 and another two in the previous year. The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced it would conduct a special inspection of Posco E&C's headquarters and all its construction sites nationwide.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating, "We will demand fundamental measures." The ministry will jointly inspect safety management at seven Sinan-san Line construction sites with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. If risks are identified, safety diagnosis orders will be issued, and dedicated supervisors will be assigned.

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Falls are caused by a failure to implement basic safety measures.

Posco Group has seen 18 industrial accident deaths since the Serious Accidents Punishment Act took effect. The ministry plans to summon the CEOs of Posco affiliates with past fatal accidents upon the minister's return from the International Labour Organization's general assembly. "Falls are caused by a failure to implement basic safety measures," Kim said, questioning Posco E&C's effectiveness in preventing accidents. "We will pursue accountability for any violations to the end."

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We will pursue accountability for any violations to the end.