The ongoing record heat wave has raised alarms across various industries. While the electronics sector, which relies heavily on indoor production, is relatively less affected, companies in steel and shipbuilding, which involve significant outdoor work, are intensifying their response to the increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
According to industry sources, heavy industries such as steel and shipbuilding are among the most impacted by the heat wave. High-temperature processes like blast furnaces and steelmaking are difficult to halt, and outdoor work is prevalent, often resulting in perceived temperatures that exceed actual temperatures.
Domestic shipbuilders HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries are currently observing their regular summer vacations, allowing workers to recharge. With forecasts indicating that the heat wave will persist post-vacation, these companies are focused on implementing safety measures for extreme heat.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been operating a system to extend rest periods during heat-related work since last year, becoming the first in the shipbuilding industry to do so. This year, from July to September, when the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius, rest periods will be increased from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries are also extending rest times and providing cooling supplies, rest areas, and nutritious meals to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The steel industry, which operates blast furnaces 24 hours a day, is applying its own rest standards that are stricter than government guidelines. POSCO has implemented a policy of 15-minute breaks after 45 minutes of work when the perceived temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, and 10-minute breaks after 50 minutes of work when it exceeds 31 degrees Celsius. This is a more stringent standard than the newly established occupational safety and health guideline requiring a 20-minute break every two hours when the perceived temperature is above 33 degrees Celsius.
Hyundai Steel also provides at least 10 minutes of rest within an hour when the perceived temperature exceeds 31 degrees Celsius, and more than 15 minutes when it exceeds 35 degrees Celsius. Dongkuk Steel Mill has designated a special management period for heat-related illnesses from August 3 to 14, offering breaks of at least 20 minutes every two hours when the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius.
The automotive industry is also taking steps to manage working conditions in response to the prolonged heat wave. Hyundai Motor Group has entered its summer vacation from August 3 to 7, temporarily halting operations at major production sites, including the Ulsan plant.
At the Ulsan plant, Hyundai is providing ice cream and nutritious meals to workers, while Kia's AutoLand Gwangju is operating cooling systems for each production line and regularly measuring and managing temperature and humidity in the workplace.
Similarly, the aviation and defense sectors, which involve significant outdoor work, are facing similar challenges. Korean Air has introduced large mobile circulators for workers at international airport cargo terminals and aircraft maintenance facilities, while Korea Aerospace Industries is conducting company-wide summer vacations until August 7. Hanwha Aerospace is providing electrolyte drinks and ice treats to production workers as part of its heat management efforts.
In contrast, the electronics sector faces a relatively low risk of direct production disruptions due to the heat wave. Semiconductor plants maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels in clean rooms, and most mobile and home appliance production equipment operates indoors.
However, the increase in power consumption and the management of heat-related illnesses at new semiconductor construction sites have emerged as new challenges. Samsung Electronics is applying a 'Galaxy Watch-based heat stress management system' at its Pyeongtaek semiconductor production facility, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor. This system analyzes on-site temperature, humidity, and workers' heart rates and activity levels to provide alerts and rest recommendations based on heat wave levels.
SK Hynix is enhancing safety inspections and applying smart safety technologies at its Icheon and Cheongju sites, while LG Electronics is focusing on preventing heat-related illnesses in the workplace in response to increased demand for air conditioning and HVAC systems.
An industry insider noted, "The recent heat wave has become a management risk directly linked to safety in production sites, surpassing mere seasonal variables. Particularly in sectors like steel and shipbuilding, where halting work is challenging, there is a growing trend to strengthen on-site responses during extreme heat periods."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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