Gwangyang Steelworks Uses AI to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses on Site During Peak Summer

Development of a Rest Supply Request System Reflecting Onsite Needs

"Enhancing Worker Convenience and Onsite Responsiveness"

POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (headed by Ko Jae-yoon) has developed an AI-based rest supply request system to prevent heat-related illnesses during the peak summer season.

This new system significantly enhances convenience for workers by automating the entire process—from applying for rest supplies to approval and delivery notifications.

Workers at Gwangyang Steelworks are cooling off the heat by drinking bottled water applied for and delivered through the new system. Photo by Gwangyang Steelworks

The system was developed as part of POSCO’s ongoing AX (AI Transformation) strategy. The focus during development was to reduce the inconveniences of the previous request method and to more accurately reflect the unique needs at each worksite.

Previously, employees had to fill out and submit a predetermined form via email to the person in charge, making it difficult to flexibly input quantities, locations, or options. It was also inconvenient for both applicants and managers to immediately check the status of each request.

However, the newly developed system has been improved so that items, quantities, dates, and delivery locations can be entered in detail by category, greatly enhancing the ease of use for both input and confirmation. Additionally, automated notifications have been added for each stage of the process—such as receipt, approval, and delivery completion—and, for bottled water, options such as purified or ice water can also be selected.

The application procedure has also been simplified. Users enter the required items by category in the system, and after the person in charge reviews and approves the request, delivery details are automatically provided. Furthermore, applicants can modify or cancel their requests in the system at any time before final approval, so any changes are immediately reflected. With this shorter and clearer procedure, workers can now obtain summer rest supplies more quickly than before.

In particular, by using AI to automatically aggregate applications by department, the system can immediately identify worksites where applications are missing or contain errors, allowing for more appropriate support tailored to each site’s needs.

The variety of supplies provided for heat illness prevention has also been expanded. Tents for rest, windbreaks for tents, tables and chairs, as well as bottled water, ice boxes, and water coolers are provided to help workers cool off in the heat.

A Gwangyang Steelworks representative stated, “The introduction of this dedicated request system has strengthened both worker convenience and onsite responsiveness,” adding, “We will continue to provide support so that workers can work more safely and comfortably, even during the hottest periods of the year.”

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