Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Hye Eun Lee

5 Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-related Low Back Pain Among Operators and Drivers of Transportation Vehicle: Kyong Sok Shin, Yun Kyung Chung, Hye Eun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(1):11-19. Published online March 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.1.11

OBJECTIVES
This study is conducted to investigate the prevalence of work-related back pain among Driving and Transport Related Occupations and to identify the risk of mechanical factors and psychosocial factors.
METHODS
Subjects were 779 operators and drivers of transportation vehicles selected from respondents from the 1st Korean Working condition survey. The occupation risk factors, including socioeconomic, ergonomic, psychosocial factors, were investigated. We used the multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between risk factors and low back pain.
RESULTS
The prevalence of self-reported work-related low back pain was 27.7%. Adjusting for confounding factors, we determined that whole body vibration(OR 1.64 95% CI: 1.09~2.48), tiring posture(OR 5.18, 95% CI: 3.01~8.93), extended work(OR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.20~3.04), night-time work(OR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.86~4.19), evening work(OR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.78~4.46), shift work(OR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.30~4.26), job dissatisfaction (OR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.76~3.99), and experiencing physical violence at work(OR 5.31, 95% CI: 1.25~22.67) had meaningful relationships with low back pain.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that the psychosocial risk factors were the most significant factors among drivers of transportation vehicles in Korea. Therefore, we suggest a health promotion program to relieve Job stress as a solution to prevent and control low back pain among drivers of transportation vehicles in Korea.

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The association between long working hours and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms of Korean wage workers: data from the fourth Korean working conditions survey (a cross-sectional study)
Jae-Gwang Lee, Guang Hwi Kim, Sung Won Jung, Sang Woo Kim, June-Hee Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
A study on Related Factor and Knowledge of Back Pain in Workers Employed at Cement factory
Gi-Yeol Kim, Jung-Lim Oh, Kyoung-Ok Hwang
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(1): 536. CrossRef
Factors Affecting the Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Korean Police Officers
Taek-Sang Cho, Woo-Jin Jeon, Jin-Gu Lee, Jong-Min Seok, Jae-Hwan Cho
Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2014; 26(6): 925. CrossRef
Study of the relationship between fire fighter's musculoskeletal disorder related observable symptoms and their absence from disease and accident
Seo-Yeon Choi, Il-Gyu Park, Dong-Ho Rie
Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2013; 15(4): 89. CrossRef

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Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries in Construction Workers in Korea: Seung Won Yoo, Hye Eun Lee, Dong Hee Koh, Kyoo Sang Kim, Tae Woo Kim, Min Gi Kim, Kyeong Yeol Yu; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(1):9-17. Published online March 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.1.9

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries in construction workers.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,836 male construction workers in petrochemical plants in Korea. For this study, a structured self-reported questionnaire(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003) was used. Musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as symptoms that affect the operation of the musculoskeletal system, for longer than one week or a frequency of more than once per month. To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal occupatioanl injuries, multiple logistic-regressions were used after adjusting for age, exercise, smoking status, alcohol consumption, work time, work duration, and income.
RESULTS
A total of 140 workers were involved in non-fatal injuries cases, representing 7.6% prevalence. After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression analyses indicated the group with musculoskeletal symptoms(OR 1.73 95% CI:1.21~2.47) and intensity criteria of musculoskeletal symptoms as related to 'moderate' criteria(OR 1.82 95% CI:1.18~2.81) or 'severe' criteria(OR 2.57 95% CI:1.43~4.63). This identified group was more likely to experience non-fatal occupational injuries. However, a 'mild' criteria(OR 1.00 95% CI:0.51~1.99) was not associated with non-fatal occupational injuries.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated a possible association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries. Hence, strengthening of laws and regulations, effective ergonomic programs and training is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.

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Analysis of Cost Benefit Related to Appointing a Health Care Manager in the Construction Industry
Hye-Sun Jung, Jee-Seon Yi, In-Jae Shin, Eun-Hi Choi
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(2): 130. CrossRef
Prevalence and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Pain in Korean Farmers
David Min, Sora Baek, Hee-won Park, Sang-Ah Lee, Jiyoung Moon, Jae E. Yang, Ki Sung Kim, Jee Yong Kim, Eun Kyoung Kang
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2016; 40(1): 1. CrossRef
Cancer incidence and mortality among temporary maintenance workers in a refinery/petrochemical complex in Korea
Dong-Hee Koh, Eun-Kyo Chung, Jae-Kil Jang, Hye-Eun Lee, Hyang-Woo Ryu, Kye-Mook Yoo, Eun-A Kim, Kyoo-Sang Kim
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2014; 20(2): 141. CrossRef
Study on the Musculoskeletal Subjective Symptoms Disorders and Health Promotion Behavior of Daily Plant Construction Workers in One Area
Ja-Sook Kim, Ja-Ok Kim, Ji-Yong Seo, Hack-Sun Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2014; 23(1): 28. CrossRef

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Hot Tub Lung Due to Mycobacterium Avium Complex in a Public Bath: Chung Won Kang, Yun Kyung Chung, Hye Eun Lee, Eun A Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(2):166-172. Published online June 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.2.166

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Hot tub lung is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM); the primary causative agent is Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) post contaminated water exposure. Recently, 2 cases of hot tub lung were found in public bath bodyscrubbers working in Korea. However, the disease causing NTM was not identified in these cases. Here, we reported one case, along with clinical diagnostic approach to occupational medicine throughout worksite investigation.
CASE
A 53 year-old woman working in the public bath for 13 months' duration developed shortness of breath. She had been cleaning the locker room, several pools and floors every day, and using scrubbers with detergent and warm water. After examination, the patient was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis based on high resolution computerized tomography and lung biopsy. Because the Mycobacterium avium was identified in both the patient's sputum and the warm pool, she was diagnosed with hot tub lung due to MAC.
CONCLUSION
Hot tub lung due to MAC was confirmed in public bath housekeeper. However, few cases have been reported, even though there are many cases. To prevent damages caused by hot tub lung, general environmental management such as ventilation and cleaning is important for bath operators. Likewise, awareness needs to be increased in workers with potential NTM environmental exposure and in clinicians through education about hot tub lung in order to reduce adverse harm from misdiagnosis and mistreatment of tuberculosis.

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Case Series for Occupational Skin Disorders in Carbon Fiber Exposed Packing Workers: Hye Eun Lee, Chang Bum Byun, Sinye Lim, Seung Ho Jeon, Sang Yong Oh, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Soon Choi, Domyung Paek, Mijin Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):199-208. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.199

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
We report an outbreak of skin disorder in semiconductor packing workers. Through an evaluation of the degree of work-relatedness in this case, we aim to develop a method to overcome such health problems in the workplace.
METHODS
A questionnaire investigating the job characteristics and skin symptoms was administered to 51 packing workers working in a semiconductor production factory and 49 questionnaires returned. The 16 subjects in the exposure group and 12 in the non-exposure group underwent doctor's examination and patch test. Two of 28 subjects were excluded in patch test. We investigated the work environment and carbon fiber level which was the potential causative agent.
RESULTS
Forty-five (91.8%) of 49 packing workers complained of itching and stinging. Three of 14(21.4%) in the exposure group and 3 of 11 (27.3%) in the non-exposure group were positive at 48hr reading of patch test for carbon fiber and carbon fiber paper. None was positive at 96hr reading of patch test. Prominent carbon fibers were microscopically observed on the surface of the packing box and the fiber diameter, measured up to 6.0~7.5 micrometer, was likely to induce skin irritation to skin. To avoid worker's direct contact with to carbon fiber, carbon fiber paper box was substituted by a wax coated carbon fiber paper box was substituted for the original carbon fiber paper box, which caused and the workers' symptoms to of workers disappeared.
CONCLUSION
The probably cause of this outbreak of skin disorder was mild irritant contact dermatitis for carbon fiber. To prevent outbreaks of such occupational skin disorder like this, workers should avoid direct contact with carbon fiber.

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Distribution of Blood pressure and Current State of Life Style Modification on Male Workers in a Large Factory: Analysis According to JNC-6 Guideline: Seung Ho Jeon, Hye Eun Lee, Do Myung Paek, Yang Ho Kim, Jung Sun Park, Gang Won Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(4):364-372. Published online December 31, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.4.364

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To describe the distributions of blood pressure level and risk group, and the current state of life style modification in the population of a large factory.
METHODS
We surveyed 1,088 workers in a large factory from June 2002 to August 2002. Information related to hypertension was collected through a questionnaire and medical examination. We classified the blood pressure level and risk group using JNC-VI criteria, and the current state of life style modification and medication according to the blood pressure level in the entire study population. REULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 30.1% in all workers. The distribution of blood pressure level was 656 (60.3%) in normal stage, 160 (14.7%) in high normal stage, 190 (17.5%) in stage 1, 67 (6.1%) in stage 2, and 15 (1.4%) in stage 3. The numbers of workers in risk groups A, B and C were 296 (27.2%), 690 (63.4%) and 102 (9.4%), respectively. Among all workers, 432 (39.7%) needed to modify their lifestyle; 106 of whom (24.5%) needed to go on hypertensive drug medication. Overweight subjects were more common in stage 2 than in other stages (p=0.02). The numbers of smokers and low-exercisers were signigicantly lower in the higher blood pressure group than the lower blood pressure group (p<0.01). Alcoholic drinking was evenly distributed in all blood pressure level.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of hypertension was 30.1% in all workers. The most common stage of blood pressure level was normal, followed by stage 1, high normal stage, stage 2, stage 3. The number of subjects in risk group B was more than that in the other risk groups. We recommend total worker education and the practice of lifestyle modification.

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