In July 2021, POSCO established the Health Advisory Committee to provide expert guidance and strengthen its occupational health management system. In August 2024, the committee was expanded and restructured into the Future Health Committee, with a renewed focus on proactive strategies for promoting employee health from a preventive perspective. 

The Future Health Committee supports improvements in workplace environments and advances in health promotion systems and programs by drawing on insights from experts across multiple fields. Its members include representatives from employee organizations—such as the Labor Union and Labor Council—as well as the heads of the Labor & Cooperation Office and the Safety & Health Planning Office. The committee plays a key role in ensuring that expert and employee perspectives are reflected in the company’s decision-making on occupational health.

POSCO fully subsidizes health checkup costs for all employees, including contingent employees with at least one year of service. In 2022, we launched a health screening program in partnership with designated tertiary hospitals, offering one of the most advanced comprehensive checkup services available in Korea. Since 2013, we have also covered the full cost of health screenings for employees’ spouses, with a cumulative total of 37,077 beneficiaries as of 2024. In addition, we provide cost discounts for parents and children through health check-up discount agreements.

POSCO operates the Mindfulness Center, an in-house counseling facility staffed by certified mental health professionals. The center provides one-on-one counseling and tailored programs based on psychological assessments and EEG results. In addition to in-center services, counselors visit worksites to deliver workshops on topics such as MBTI-based communication, TKI-based conflict resolution, and stress management. To foster a culture where employees feel safe and supported in seeking help, POSCO maintains strict confidentiality in all sessions and engages external counselors when necessary. In 2024, the center conducted a total of 3,641 one-on-one counseling sessions, including 2,521 for POSCO employees, 773 for their dependents, and 347 for partner company employees. In the same year, POSCO also launched company-wide mental health awareness initiatives, such as the Respect-for-Life Culture Training for all employees and Gatekeeper Training for supervisors to promote early identification and intervention in mental health crises.

POSCO launched a personalized one-on-one blood sugar management program to help prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This 12-week program targets employees diagnosed with diabetes or identified as high-risk through routine health checkups. Participants wear a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that tracks real-time blood sugar levels 24/7. Data is automatically synced to a dedicated mobile app, where participants also record exercise, diet, and other lifestyle factors. Medical specialists and clinical nutritionists then analyze this data to provide personalized health guidance and support. In 2024, 251 out of 255 participants completed the program, with 86.9% showing improvement in their chronic health indicators—57% in diabetes, 56% in hyperlipidemia, and 67% in obesity.

POSCO is committed to providing a safe and comfortable work environment by investing in health-related projects and initiatives and conducting thorough monitoring of confined spaces, personal protective equipment (PPE), and chemical management practices. We strictly comply with the standards set by the government, including the Industrial Safety and Health Act and notifications from the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

To prevent heat-related illnesses during heatwaves, we have implemented temperature-specific work protocols, adjusted break schedules, and provided tailored guidance for vulnerable groups. Special heatwave monitoring reports and site patrols are also carried out, alongside active distribution of supplies such as sunshades and bottled water. In addition, we promote awareness of heat-related illness prevention through on-site medical visits, informational postings, banners, and posters across work locations.

As designated monitoring sites by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), the Pohang and Gwangyang Works conduct biannual assessments of hazardous substance exposure levels. Based on these findings, we implement targeted reduction measures to mitigate workplace risks. To strengthen our response, we have established internal control standards set at 50% of the legal exposure limits for chemical substances. 

We are carrying out facility upgrades and other necessary improvements based on comprehensive chemical risk assessments. Additionally, we operate a prohibited substance management system to prevent the introduction of high-risk chemicals into the workplace. Before initiating any work, employees are provided with information on the health impacts of relevant chemicals, required personal protective equipment (PPE), and control procedures. Where applicable, task-specific chemical handling training is conducted to ensure safe and informed operations.