Relationship Between Job Training and Subjective Well-being In Accordance With Work Creativity, Task Variety, and Occupation

Background@#Job training influences the overall working environment and worker's well-being. The purpose of this study is to find the relationship between job training and subjective well-being in accordance with occupations and understand the influence of task characteristics—work creativity and task variety (WCTV)—on the effect of training. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study based on the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey was conducted on 50,205 workers in the Republic of Korea. The World Health Oorganization–5 well-being index was used to measure their subjective well-being. The relationship between job training and subjective well-being was divided in accordance with the level of WCTV. @*Results@#Training paid for by employer showed a negative effect on subjective well-being when received for more than 3 days (OR 0.88, p<0.01) in the last 12 months. Training paid for by oneself showed a positive linkage with well-being when the level of training was 1–3 days (Odds ratio = 1.55, p<0.001). This result showed different aspects in accordance with the level of WCTV. For the high WCTV group, the aforementioned results were reaffirmed, but for the group with low WCTV, job training did not show a statistically significant result on well-being. On-the-job training was not related to subjective well-being regardless of the level of WCTV. @*Conclusion@#Job training had different effects on subjective well-being depending on the type and frequency of training, as well as the WCTV. It is imperative to comprehensively apply different types of job training in accordance with the characteristics of occupations to uplift workers' well-being.

Relationship Between Job Training and Subjective Well-being In Accordance With Work Creativity, Task Variety, and Occupation

Background@#Job training influences the overall working environment and worker's well-being. The purpose of this study is to find the relationship between job training and subjective well-being in accordance with occupations and understand the influence of task characteristics—work creativity and task variety (WCTV)—on the effect of training. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study based on the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey was conducted on 50,205 workers in the Republic of Korea. The World Health Oorganization–5 well-being index was used to measure their subjective well-being. The relationship between job training and subjective well-being was divided in accordance with the level of WCTV. @*Results@#Training paid for by employer showed a negative effect on subjective well-being when received for more than 3 days (OR 0.88, p<0.01) in the last 12 months. Training paid for by oneself showed a positive linkage with well-being when the level of training was 1–3 days (Odds ratio = 1.55, p<0.001). This result showed different aspects in accordance with the level of WCTV. For the high WCTV group, the aforementioned results were reaffirmed, but for the group with low WCTV, job training did not show a statistically significant result on well-being. On-the-job training was not related to subjective well-being regardless of the level of WCTV. @*Conclusion@#Job training had different effects on subjective well-being depending on the type and frequency of training, as well as the WCTV. It is imperative to comprehensively apply different types of job training in accordance with the characteristics of occupations to uplift workers' well-being.

Distribution of age, gender, and occupation among individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome based on the National Health Insurance data and National Employment Insurance data

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the basic characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and its differences between occupations using Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) and National Employment Insurance (NEI). METHODS: The study participants were obtained from the NEI and NHI data from 2008 to 2015, with a diagnosis code of G560 (CTS) as the main or sub-diagnosis. Data about gender, age, diabetes mellitus, smoking, drinking, and length of employment, information about type of occupation, and number of employees according to age and occupation were obtained from NHI and NEI data. In total, 240 occupations were classified into blue-collar (BC) and white-collar (WC) work. In addition, each occupation was classified as high-risk and low-risk groups depending on the degree of wrist usage. RESULTS: The number of patients with CTS per 100,000 individuals increased with advancing age, and it was higher in women (4,572.2) than in men (1,798.5). Furthermore, the number was higher in BC workers (3,247.5) than in WC workers (1,824.1) as well as in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group in both BC workers (3,527.8 vs. 1,908.2) and WC workers (1,829.9 vs. 1,754.4). The number of patients with CTS was higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group among male and female BC workers and female WC workers. However, the number was higher in the low-risk group among male WC workers. In the BC category, the number of patients with CTS was highest among food processing-related workers (19,984.5). In the WC category, the number of patients with CTS was highest among social workers and counselors (7,444.1). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are expected to help identify occupational differences in patterns of CTS. High number of patients with CTS was seen in new jobs, as well as in previous studies.

A Study on Prevalence and Risk Factors for Varicose Veins in Nurses at a University Hospital

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb varicose veins (VVs) are common and known to have a higher prevalence among people who work in occupations requiring prolonged standing. In the Republic of Korea, however, VV-related occupational factors have seldom been examined. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VVs among nurses, an occupational group considered to be at high risk of VVs, and determine the occupational risk factors of prolonged standing. METHODS: Between March and August 2014, a questionnaire survey coupled with Doppler ultrasonography was conducted on the nurses working at a university hospital. RESULTS: A total of 414 nurses participated in the survey and diagnostic testing. From the survey analysis and test results, the prevalence of VVs in nurses was estimated to be 16.18%. Significant factors for venous reflux were age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.10], pregnancy (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.17–3.94), and delivery (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08–3.78). The statistical significance of these factors was verified after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.27–9.09). CONCLUSION: Factors significantly associated with venous reflux were increasing age and prolonged working hours (≥ 4 hours) in a standing position (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.08–7.25), even after risk adjustment for sociodemographic factors. This study is significant in that an objective diagnosis of VVs preceded the analysis of the risk factors for VV incidence, thus verifying objectively that VVs are associated with occupations requiring prolonged hours of working in a standing position.

Occupational Burden of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Korea, 1998–2013: Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND: Asbestos exposure causes asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) including asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer. Although Korea used substantial amounts of asbestos in the past, no study has focused on its occupational burden of disease (OBD). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the OBDs of ARDs in Korea. METHODS: The CARcinogen Exposure (CAREX) database was used to determine the proportion of exposed population. Relative risks for lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer were used to determine the population-attributable fraction. Data for deaths caused by ARDs during 1998–2013 were obtained from the World Health Organization mortality database. The potential years of life lost (PYLL) and annual average PYLL (APYLL) indicated OBDs. RESULTS: In Korea, the number of ARD-attributable deaths and PYLL due to all ARDs during 1998–2013 were 4,492 and 71,763.7, respectively. The number of attributable deaths and PYLL due to asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer were 37 and 554.2, 808 and 15,877.0, 3,256 and 47,375.9, 120 and 1,605.5, and 271 and 6,331.1, respectively; additionally, the APYLL were 15.0, 19.7, 14.6, 13.4, and 23.4, respectively, and the average age at death was 70.4, 62.6, 69.1, 69.9, and 61.8, respectively. Our study showed that although the use of asbestos has ceased in Korea, the incidence of ARDs tends to increase. CONCLUSION: Therefore, efforts to reduce future OBDs of ARDs, including early detection and proper management of ARDs, are needed in Korea.

The roles of doctors, nurses, and industrial hygienists in the healthcare management services in Korea: a comparison of the opinions of specialized health management institutions and entrusted enterprises

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the difference of perception about the role of appointing health officers by comparing and analyzing the response of entrustment workplace (EW) and specialized health management institution (SI). This is considered an important aspect of an institutional assessment to improve the quality of health management services. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was mailed to 122 SIs and 319 EWs nationwide. The questionnaire survey was about the general characteristics of SIs and EWs and main occupations for each evaluation item. In total, 81 SIs (66.4%) and 30 EWs responded to the questionnaire. A logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the opinions of SI and EW. RESULTS: Based on the analysis, the items showing statistically significant differences were as follows. Doctors’ main tasks survey: “Guidance on their wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)” (OR: 4.58), “Guidance of improvement of work environment (WE)” (OR: 3.33), etc.; Nurses’ main tasks survey: “Guidance on their wearing PPE” (OR: 3.86), “Guidance for programs on health process in confined space (CS)” (OR: 0.36), “Guidance on the hearing conservation program (HCP)” (OR: 0.28), etc.; Industrial hygienist (IH)‘s main tasks survey: “Guidance of work through inspection (WTI)” (OR: 0.15), “Guidance on the improvement of WE” (OR: 0.32), “Management confirmation of substances used by process and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)” (OR: 0.08), “Guidance on posting or keeping of MSDS and warning signs” (OR: 0.03), “Prevention of dust-induced medical problems” (OR: 0.28), “Guidance for programs of health process in CS” (OR: 0.39), etc. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to educate the EWs to recognize the need for physicians to perform tasks, such as wearing a PPE, and instruction to improve WE. As for nurses’ tasks, such as education about the CS and the noise work, educating the nurses of the SI is regarded necessary as the demand of the EWs is considered. With respect to the unique tasks of IH, such as WE management and instructions for wearing PPE, among several other tasks of IH, training should be provided for improved IH recognition.

Comparative Study on the Perception of the Neighborhood Environment and Experience of Out-of-School Activities between Typical Students and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Patients

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between a attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) group and a general student group in terms of the perception of the residential environment and periodic activities outside the classroom. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 62 outpatients or inpatients at the Department of Pediatric Psychiatry, and 49 patients diagnosed with ADHD were selected. For the control group, 3727 youths in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools of one city were asked to fill out questionnaires. Of the 1717 respondents who responded to the questionnaires, 245 were selected for a patient-controlled study. The differences between the patient group and the control group were compared using the chi-squared test (χ2 test). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the patient group and the control group in areas where students responded by “My neighborhood is dirty and littered (p < 0.05)”. There was also a significant difference between the patient group and the control group in terms of having more than one club activity per month (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the patients with ADHD are more aware of perceived negative aspects of the area in which they reside, thus reflecting their anxiety. In addition, it was also found that the patient group did not partake in as many social activities as the control group.

Characteristics of occupational musculoskeletal disorders of five sectors in service industry between 2004 and 2013

BACKGROUND: ‘Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs)' have been mostly reported in the manufacturing industry but recently the occurrence of industrial injuries has been constantly increasing in the service industry. This research is going to analyze the data about workers' compensation for WRMSDs in five different service sectors and identify characteristics of occupations with the highest approved occupations. METHODS: According to the data released from the Korea Worker's Compensation & Welfare Service, the overview of 12,730 cases of workers' compensation for WRMSDs in five service sectors from 2004 to 2013 is going to be analyzed and the source data is going to be classified by the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations to select the top five occupations that have the highest number of approval. RESULTS: After selecting each five occupations from the service sector that have work related musculoskeletal disorders, the result showed that the occupation with the highest number of approval in the health and social care sector were the early childhood educators, cooks in the school canteens in education services sector, garbage collectors in the sanitation and similar services sector, deliverymen in wholesale and retail, consumer goods repair and building cleaners in general management businesses such as those in building maintenance. The major event observed in the top five occupations was the overexertion and reaction as a cause of WRMSDs. The day when the WRMSDs mostly occurred was on Monday and the most likely time was 10 am. The median days away from work and lost working days are 29–90 days and 0–50 days respectively. The difference in each occupation was observed in year of service, age, and gender. CONCLUSIONS: 83.21% of the approved cases of workers' compensation for WRMSDs occurred in the top 25 occupations in all of the five service sectors, which meant that the approval of workers' compensation is concentrated in specific occupations. This research is going to suggest preventive measures for work related musculoskeletal disorders in the service industry and to help prioritize the preventive measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Psychological Intervention for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Witnesses of a Fatal Industrial Accident in a Workers' Health Center

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem not only among workers who experience industrial accidents but also among workers who witness such accidents. Early intervention is needed to prevent prolonged psychological problems. There has been no study conducted regarding the psychological problems of and interventions for bystander workers in Korea. This study introduces the experience of intervention on psychological problems at the Busan Workers' Health Center workers who witnessed their colleagues' death. An investigation and an intervention were conducted according to the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) Guide. In total, 21 individuals including indirect observers showed statistical differences on scores of the Impact Event Scale Revised and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 after the intervention. Future interventions and research involving a larger sample size over a longer period are needed. The KOSHA Guide could be a useful tool for urgent psychological intervention in the event of major workplace disasters.

Environmental health centers for asbestos and their health impact surveys and activities

In 2009, Korea banned the import, transport, and use of asbestos, and the Asbestos Injury Relief Act (AIRA) was promulgated in 2011. Two environmental health centers for asbestos (EHCA), including Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (PNUYH) and SoonChunHyang University Cheonan Hospital (SCHUCH), were adapted to find environmental asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) and to support the purposes of AIRA. EHCA conducted a health impact survey (HIS) on persons who resided or reside near asbestos factories or mines. A total of 13,433 persons have taken screening examinations in PNUYH EHCA, and 623 persons (4.6%) have had secondary examinations. Of the 21,014 persons who had screening examinations in SCHUCH EHCA, 2490 persons (11.8%) had secondary examinations. Some of those who tested positive for ARDs through HISs filed applications for the asbestos victims’ medical pocketbook (AVMP). Approximately 116 and 612 persons received AVMPs as a result of PNUYH and SCHUCH examinees, respectively. EHCAs have conducted HISs, public relations, and education for asbestos victims, ordinary citizens, and physicians. As HISs are based on voluntary participation, they does not monitor high-risk groups. Active surveillance focusing on high-risk groups has been blocked by the personal information protection act. Although important work has been performed in finding environmental asbestos victims and increasing public awareness on asbestos, it is necessary to improve the current system and registration.

Risk assessment of gastric cancer associated with asbestosis: a case report

BACKGROUND: The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos as belonging to Carcinogen Group 2A for gastric cancer. We herein report a case of gastric cancer associated with asbestosis and describe the work-related and risk assessments of asbestos exposure for gastric cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: The 66-year-old male patient in our case worked in asbestos spinning factories. His level of cumulated asbestos fiber exposure was estimated to be 38.0-71.0 f-yr/cc. Thus, the Excess Life Cancer Risk for lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure was 9,648x10-5, almost 9,600 times the value recommended by the United States of America Environmental Protection Agency (1 x 10-5). The relative risk of developing lung cancer for this patient was more than 25 f-yr/cc, a well-known criterion for doubling the risk of lung cancer. CONCLUSION: The patient's exposure to high-dose asbestos was sufficient to increase his risk of gastric cancer because as the risk of lung cancer increased, the risk of gastric cancer was due to increase as well. Therefore, occupational asbestos fiber exposure might be associated with gastric cancer in this case.

Work-relatedness of lung cancer by smoking and histologic type in Korea

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the distribution of causative agents related to occupational lung cancer, their relationships with work, and associations between work-relatedness and the histologic type of lung cancer. METHODS: We used data from the occupational surveillance system in Korea in 2013. In addition, data from 1,404 participants diagnosed with lung cancer were collected through interviews. We included the patients' longest-held job in the analysis. Work-relatedness was categorized as "definite," "probable," "possible," "suspicious," "none," or "undetermined." RESULTS: Among the subjects, 69.3% were men and 30.7% were women. Regarding smoking status, current smokers were the most prevalent (35.5%), followed by non-smokers (32.3%), ex-smokers (32.2%). Regarding the causative agents of lung cancer, asbestos (1.0%) and crystalline silica (0.9%) were the most common in definite work-related cases, while non-arsenical insecticide (2.8%) was the most common in probable cases followed by diesel engine exhaust (1.9%) and asbestos (1.0%). Regarding histologic type, adenocarcinoma was the most common (41.7%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (21.2%). Among current smokers, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common among definite and probable cases (13.4%), while non-small cell lung cancer was the least common (7.1%). Among non-smokers, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common (21.4%), while the least common was adenocarcinoma (1.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 9.5% of all lung cancer cases in Korea are occupational-related lung cancer. Well-known substances associated with lung cancer, such as crystalline silica, asbestos, and diesel engine exhaust, are of particular concern. However, the histologic types of lung cancer related to smoking were inconsistent with previous studies when work-relatedness was taken into account. Future studies are required to clarify the incidence of occupational lung cancer in agricultural workers exposed to non-arsenical insecticides and the associations between work-relatedness and the histologic type of lung cancer.

Compensation for Occupational Neurological and Mental Disorders

Standards for the recognition of occupational diseases (ODs) in Korea were established in 1954 and have been amended several times. In 2013, there was a significant change in these standards. On the basis of scientific evidence and causality, the International Labour Organization list, European Commission schedule, and compensated cases in Korea were reviewed to revise the previous standards for the recognition of ODs in Korea. A disease-based approach using the International Classification of Diseases (10th version) was added on the previous standards, which were agent-specific approaches. The amended compensable occupational neurological disorders and occupational mental disorders (OMDs) in Korea are acute and chronic central nervous system (CNS) disorders, toxic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, manganese-related disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Several agents including trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, organotin, methyl bromide, and carbon monoxide (CO) were newly included as acute CNS disorders. TCE, lead, and mercury were newly included as chronic CNS disorders. Mercury, TCE, methyl n-butyl ketone, acrylamide, and arsenic were newly included in peripheral neuropathy. Post-traumatic stress disorders were newly included as the first OMD. This amendment makes the standard more comprehensive and practical. However, this amendment does not perfectly reflect the recent scientific progress and social concerns. Ongoing effort, research, and expert consensus are needed to improve the standard.

Compensation for Work-Related Hematologic, Liver, and Infectious Diseases

Occupational diseases may be defined only medically or scientifically, and even then, their definition is not simple. However, compensable occupational diseases involve the additional layer of legal systems and social welfare policies as well. Their multifaceted nature makes determining the work-relatedness of these diseases more complex. Korea has established standards for the recognition of occupational diseases in Schedule 5 of the Enforcement Decree of the Labor Standards Act, and specific criteria for the recognition of occupational diseases are listed in Schedule 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. The new list of compensable occupational diseases comprises 13 articles as an open-ended system. The newly added articles pertain to lymphohematopoietic (Article 5) and infectious diseases (Article 9), as well as diseases of other target organs. Furthermore, the article on liver diseases (Article 8) has been partially revised. The new act has been changed to clarify the meaning as it has been presented in recent research. It is necessary to achieve agreement among concerned parties, including experts from the legal, medical, and social domains to resolve the issues of work-relatedness, causation, notion of aggravation, and so on for preparing a list and a process that are more reasonable.

Multiple chemical sensitivity caused by exposure to ignition coal fumes: a case report

BACKGROUND: Although multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a well-known disorder caused by environmental exposures, MCS caused by occupational exposure has been reported in Korea. Therefore, we report a MCS case caused by environmental exposure to ignition coal after a differential diagnosis to exclude other diseases. CASE REPORT: Since 2011, a 55-year-old woman had experienced edema, myalgia, and other symptoms when she smelled ignition coal near her workplace. She had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome(FMS) and was treated, with no improvement of symptoms. Since then, she showed the same symptoms after exposure to city gas, the smell of burning, and exhaust gas. To avoid triggering substances, she moved to a new house and used an air purifier. She quit her job in November 2012. After visiting our hospital, she underwent a differential diagnosis for FMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. She was diagnosed with MCS by the Korean version of the Quick Environment Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). She was educated about the disease and to avoid triggering substances. She received ongoing treatment for her symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case showed that symptoms began after smelling ignition coal. After that, her triggers was increased such as the smell of city gas, burning, and exhaust gas. This case is the first reported in Korea of MCS due to environmental exposure after ruling out other diseases.

Long Working Hours and Emotional Well-Being in Korean Manufacturing Industry Employees

OBJECTIVES: Korea is well known for its long work hours amongst employees. Because workers of the manufacturing industry are constantly exposed to extended work hours, this study was based on how long work hours affect their emotional well-being. METHODS: The analysis was done using the secondary Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). Long work hours were defined to be more than 48 hours, and they were subcategorized into units of 52 hours and 60 hours. Based on the WHO (five) well-being index, emotional state was subdivided into three groups - reference group, low-mood group, and possible depression group- where 28 points and 50 points were division points, and two groups were compared at a time. Association between long work hours and emotional state was analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Working for extended working hours in the manufacturing industry showed a statistically significant increase (t test p < 0.001) in trend among the possible depression group when compared to the reference group and the low-mood group. When demographical characteristics, health behaviors, socioeconomic state, and work-related characteristics were fixed as controlled variables, as work hours increased the odds ratio of the possible depression group increased compared to the reference group, and especially the odds ratio was 2.73 times increased for work hours between 48-52 and 4.09 times increased for 60 hours or more and both were statistically significant. In comparing the low-mood group and possible depression group, as work hours increased the odds ratio increased to 1.73, 2.39, and 4.16 times, and all work hours from working 48-52 hours, 53-60 hours, and 60 hours or more were statistically significant. Multinomial logistic regression analysis also showed that among the reference group and possible group, the possible depression group was statistically significant as odds ratio increased to 2.94 times in working 53-60 hours, and 4.35 times in 60 hours or more. CONCLUSIONS: Long work hours have an adverse effect on emotional well-being. A more diversified research towards variables that affect long work hours and emotional well-being and how they interact with each other and their relationship to overall health is imperative.

Asbestos and environmental diseases

Asbestos causes several asbestos related diseases (ARDs). Not only occupational asbestos exposure but also environmental asbestos exposure can cause ARDs. In Korea compensation for workers with ARDs has been provided by workers' compensation. Because the asbestos damage relief act (ADRA) was enacted in 2011, ARDs by environmental exposure can now be compensated. Korea is the sixth country in the world to compensate environmental asbestos victims. In the ADRA, the list of compensable diseases eligible for relief consists of lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because the back ground and criteria of each ARD for relief is different, physicians need to be familiar with all of them in order to deal with ARD patients. In this paper, the properties of asbestos, history of ARDs, and contents of the ADRA are discussed. Although the relationships between occupational asbestos exposure and ARDs have been well established, those for environmental exposure have not. More specifically, the relationship between lung cancer and environmental asbestos exposure is still not clear because of strong confounders. The first wave of asbestos problems arose from occupational exposure directly involving asbestos production, the second wave arose from usage of asbestos products, and the third wave would be related to asbestos ubiquitous in the environment. In Korea the second wave is just beginning to swell. Physicians must to prepare for these waves to crest in the near future.

Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Absenteeism due to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) of workers is an important index of occupational health. Since research on its causes is rare in Korea, the risk factors for absenteeism due to MSDs should be studied. METHODS: Using the 2nd Korean working condition survey data, we investigated the prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs. We also analyzed the risk factors for absenteeism by multiple logistic regression analysis in Korean employees. RESULTS: Prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs was 0.7% in all employees, 0.5% in men, and 0.9% in women. In logistic regression analysis, gender, age, presence of a representative worker organization, working on tight deadlines, and pace of work dependent on automated equipment/machine were risk factors of absenteeism due to MSDs for both sexes. For males, working time, working at a very high speed were additional risk factors. For females, pace of work dependent on numerical production, performance, and targets were additional risk factors. Although not included in the multiple logistic regression analysis, handling heavy loads in both sexes and average monthly income for women were risk factors in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: For absenteeism due to MSDs, the presence of a representative worker organization, along with work pace and its determinants were important risk factors.

Detection of Cases and a Cause of Lead Exposure in Korean Steel Company / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: We report cases of high lead exposure in a Korean steel manufacturing company and a likely cause for these cases. CASE REPORT: Neurological examinations, neurobehavioral tests, blood tests, and urine tests were performed to detect an association between high lead exposure and physical symptoms for workers in a steel manufacturing company. In order to determine the cause of high lead exposure, the work process and environment was assessed. The highest lead exposure was during the work process. We found that the interior of an oil storage tank was coated with lead-containing paint, leading to severe exposure during the cutting process. In two observations, 4 of 12 workers diagnosed with occupational disease were found to have high exposure to lead from the storage tank and three had increased beta-2 microglobulin levels in the blood (indicative of urinary tract damage). CONCLUSIONS: Lead management, including routine measurements of the working environment and examinations of lead concentrations in workers, are needed in the korean scrap metal industry. In addition, rules requiring workers to wear personal protective equipment and receive education about lead exposure should be strictly enforced.

Comparison of the Self-rated Health Status of Wage Workers in Korea according to Income Index by Gender / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to find differences that reflect the magnitude of health disparities in wage workers in Korea according to income index(personal income, household income, equivalized income) by gender. METHODS: Data was obtained from the 11th wave of Korean Labor and Income Panel Survey in 2008. This study analyzed 4,205 subjects(2,570 males and 1,635 females) aged 19-65 years. To compare the health effects of each income index by gender, unconditional multiple logistic regression, health-related behaviors, and working conditions were used. The unconditional multiple logistic regression was adjusted by socio-demographic characteristics. All statistics were estimated using SAS survey procedures. RESULTS: According to unconditional multiple logistic regression, significant differences in ORs between men and women were observed in this study for those wage workers who self-rated their health status to be poor. This was consistent between each income index. Men had an OR of 1.76 (95% CI, 1.28~2.43) by personal income, 1.70 (95%CI, 1.25~2.32) by household income and 1.69 (95% CI, 1.23~2.31) by equivalized income. Women had an 2.09 (95% CI, 1.47~2.97) by household income and OR of 1.95 (95% CI, 1.36~2.79) by equivalized income, but personal income did not have a significant effect on OR for women. CONCLUSIONS: The study of occupational and environmental medicine should consider that each income index has different effects on the self-rated health status according to gender. Household income index and equivalized income index would represent a health status for women.