Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Management System on Work-Related Accident Rate and Differences of Occupational Health and Safety Management System Awareness between Managers in South Korea's Construction Industry.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate the current status of the occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) in the construction industry and the effect of OHSMS on accident rates. Differences of awareness levels on safety issues among site general managers and occupational health and safety (OHS) managers are identified through surveys. METHODS: The accident rates for the OHSMS-certified construction companies from 2006 to 2011, when the construction OHSMS became widely available, were analyzed to understand the effect of OHSMS on the work-related injury rates in the construction industry. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency 18001 is the certification to these companies performing OHSMS in South Korea. The questionnaire was created to analyze the differences of OHSMS awareness between site general managers and OHS managers of construction companies. RESULTS: The implementation of OHSMS among the top 100 construction companies in South Korea shows that the accident rate decreased by 67% and the fatal accident rate decreased by 10.3% during the period from 2006 to 2011. The survey in this study shows different OHSMS awareness levels between site general managers and OHS managers. The differences were motivation for developing OHSMS, external support needed for implementing OHSMS, problems and effectiveness of implementing OHSMS. CONCLUSION: Both work-related accident and fatal accident rates were found to be significantly reduced by implementing OHSMS in this study. The differences of OHSMS awareness between site general managers and OHS managers were identified through a survey. The effect of these differences on safety and other benefits warrants further research with proper data collection.

Fugitive dust and human exposure to heavy metals around the Red Dog Mine.

Fugitive dust from the Red Dog Mine is a potential source of exposure to heavy metals for residents of the surrounding area. Possible pathways of exposure include direct inhalation of particles, dermal contact with or ingestion of contaminated soils, residential exposure of individuals who have close association with mine workers, and subsistence activities. Study results indicate that soils and mosses close to the haul road are contaminated with dust and metals from hauling activities. However, investigations of exposure from subsistence activities performed near Red Dog Mine do not indicate that human health has been negatively affected by metal contamination. Epidemiological studies of nearby village residents do not show blood lead levels that exceed the CDC level of concern for children. The mine currently uses several control practices to reduce dust and control human dust and metal exposure. Nonetheless, the potential for human health impairment will persist throughout the life of the mine and beyond. Sound environmental management and monitoring of human health should remain a priority for the Red Dog Mine and for agencies that provide regulatory oversight to the mine.