Occupational Diseases among Office Workers / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

There is no critical factor that can cause typical occupational disease among office workers who have a little chance to exposure to harmful agents like physical factor, chemical factor and biological factor. However they still have possible health risks that cannot be ignored, even if it is neither critical nor dangerous. Over the last two decades, the number of office workers in computer-related fields increased at geometric rates. Ergonomic problems and associated musculoskeletal diseases among office workers were mainly caused by computer use. Also health problems due to indoor air pollution, work overloads and job stress can bring about socio-psychological burden that can cause cardiovascular disease and psychological disorder. To date, almost all studies in occupational medicine were mostly focused on manufacturing workers who were more vulnerable to exposure to harmful environment and workers at special situation. So office worker's health has not been studied thoroughly. Further health studies in office workers who are vulnerable to these diseases should be needed. Also companies need to develop their proper health promotion programs for office workers.