“Police and labour ministry conduct joint inspection of POSCO toxic leak that killed subcontracted worker”, 6 November 2025

The police, together with the Ministry of Employment and Labour, carried out a joint on-site inspection on 6 November in connection with the toxic chemical leak at POSCO’s Pohang steelworks. (…)

The incident occurred at around 8:50am on 5 November at the annealing and pickling facility of the stainless steel rolling department in POSCO’s Pohang steelworks, located in Dongchon-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. Four workers from a subcontractor of POSCO DX were walking across a chemical pipeline while installing electrical cables when the pipeline broke and toxic substances leaked out.

Mr A (54), who was exposed to the hazardous substance, was taken by POSCO’s internal medical team to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Three other workers in their 30s, including Mr B (33), suffered burns and were also taken to hospital for treatment. The police have launched an investigation on suspicion of gross negligence resulting in death and injury, while the labour ministry is probing potential violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

POSCO DX issued an apology, stating: “We will spare no effort in identifying the cause of the incident and ensuring that such safety accidents never recur,” adding, “We will fully support the bereaved family and do our utmost to ensure the injured workers receive proper treatment.”