Choi Jung-woo "Safety is the Highest Value"... POSCO Distributes Smartwatches to High-Risk Workers

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] POSCO has introduced smartwatches that immediately send distress signals when detecting abnormal physical conditions of on-site workers.

On the 8th, POSCO distributed smartwatches to about 1,200 on-site workers performing high-risk tasks at the Pohang and Gwangyang steelworks. The smartwatches detect real-time physical abnormalities such as falls, irregular heartbeats, or falls from heights, and immediately send distress signals to nearby colleagues, securing the golden time for rescue.

For example, if an employee collapses due to an irregular heartbeat while patrolling the site for equipment inspection, the smartwatch detects the abnormal symptoms and automatically requests emergency rescue from nearby colleagues. This system complements the existing method where employees periodically contact each other or monitor safety via CCTV during on-site work.

Given the large-scale nature of the steelworks (Pohang site is about three times Yeouido, Gwangyang site about five times Yeouido), timely response to unexpected situations during work can be difficult. POSCO completed system development last year and conducted a two-month pilot application at some plants, receiving feedback from on-site workers that it is especially useful for responding to safety accidents during solo work.

Chairman Chey Jong-woo emphasized to employees, "Safety is the highest value that cannot be exchanged for anything else," and added, "Even if it is somewhat inconvenient for all executives and employees, we must prepare in advance and collectively gather wisdom to ensure the entire industrial ecosystem is safe."

When recently receiving the report on the completion of the smartwatch development, Chairman Chey also instructed, "Distribute them to the relevant on-site workers, including partners, as soon as possible so that employees can work in a safe workplace."

Meanwhile, before introducing the smartwatches, POSCO has been integrating advanced technologies on-site such as gas leak monitoring systems, smart fire surveillance, smart safety helmets, drone-based unmanned equipment inspections, and VR safety training. They have also expanded CCTV installations to eliminate blind spots, creating a smart safety environment where employees can work with peace of mind. Going forward, POSCO plans to actively introduce the latest technologies such as intelligent CCTV high-risk alarms at the steelworks sites.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.