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On December 18, 2025, rescue operations are underway after a cave-in accident trapped seven workers at the Shinansan Line construction site near Yeouido Station in Seoul. / Courtesy of Yonhap News

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a forced investigation into the main contractor, POSCO E&C, and others regarding a fatal fall accident that occurred at the construction site of the Shinansan double-track railway line. As accidents resulting in the deaths of four workers have repeatedly occurred at the Shinansan Line construction sites since 2024, the ministry appears to be speeding up efforts to determine accountability by conducting raids and special safety audits simultaneously.

The Seoul Nambu District Office of the Labor Ministry announced on the 26th that it is currently conducting raids on the site offices of both the primary contractor and subcontractors in connection with the fatal fall that took place at the Shinansan double-track railway construction site located in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul.

Approximately 20 labor inspectors from the Ministry were deployed for these raids. The ministry plans to secure materials such as cellular phones and PC data from relevant officials to examine whether sufficient safety measures were in place to prevent worker falls.

Earlier on the 9th, at a Shinansan Line construction site in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, a worker in his 30s employed by a subcontractor fell 15 meters to his death while working. The worker reportedly met with the accident while performing electrical work to expand an opening for cable tray installation.

A total of four fatal accidents have occurred at Shinansan Line construction sites since 2024. The Labor Ministry plans to pinpoint the cause of the accident based on the evidence secured through these raids and strictly hold parties accountable if violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act are confirmed.

The Labor Ministry, in joint cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is currently auditing safety management conditions at seven Shinansan double-track railway construction sites where fatal accidents have been heavily concentrated. The ministry has also decided to designate dedicated inspectors for each site to ensure intensive management.

Special targeted audits on the builder’s headquarters and its construction sites nationwide were also announced. The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to look into whether the safety and health management system is operating properly across POSCO E&C's headquarters and all its ongoing construction sites across the country.

Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon had previously met with top management, including POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa and POSCO E&C CEO Song Chi-young, on the 15th to urge intense management overhaul and the formulation of countermeasures at the group level to prevent the recurrence of serious disasters.

The Labor Ministry stated, "If fatal accidents repeatedly occur due to a failure to observe even the minimum safety rules, we will respond stringently by actively utilizing forced investigations, including raids."

                                                                                                        Kim Nam-hyeong