Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 18 (2); June 2006

Original Articles

A Case of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Due To Repetitive Work: Jung Il Kim, Young Il Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):156-162. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.156

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: To report one case of cubital tunnel syndrome due to repetitive work METHOD: The authors examined a worker who complained of severe muscle atrophy between the right thumb and index finger, claw deformity and numbness of the 5th finger. We evaluated him with physical examination, neurophysiologic studies (nerve conduction study, NCV; electromygraphy, EMG), plain Xray and magnetic resonance image(MRI) at the right elbow. We also investigated his occupational history, and analyzed his work motions, using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) of the work cycle at his previous work site.
RESULT
The patient had been a ship welder for 17 years, followed by 6 years of dismantling boxes and loading/unloading materials. The latter job required inappropriate elbow posture such as repetitive flexion and extension. The NCV study revealed slow conduction velocity of the right ulnar motor and sensory nerve, decreased action potential of the right hand intrinsic muscles and flexor carpi ulnaris. The simple X-ray film showed normal finding, but MRI showed a finding compatible with cubital tunnel syndrome combined with enlargement of the right ulnar nerve at right elbow, 0.6cm intraarticular loose body and medial aspect of the medial epicondyle of the right distal humerus.
CONCLUSION
We confirmed the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome that was related to his packing job which had demanded repetitive flexion and extension of elbow joint. At the time of writing, surgery was being considered as appropriate treatment.

18 View
0 Download

Farmers'Syndrome and its Risk Factors of Vinylhouse and Non-vinylhouse Farmers in Gyeongbuk Province Rural Area: Jung Jeung Lee, Jin Hoon Yang, In Sob Hwang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):146-155. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.146

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to estimate the risk factors affecting the farmers'syndrome of vinylhouse and non-vinylhouse farmers in the Gyeongbuk Province rural area.
METHODS
As a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Data was collected from 243 vinylhouse farmers and 236 non-vinylhouse farmers. The data from 394 subjects were used for the final analysis. We surveyed their lifestyle, 8 components of farmers'syndrome and characteristics of farm work.
RESULTS
For the vinylhouse and non-vinylhouse workers, 32.0% and 34.0% were positive for farmers syndrome, while 48.3% and 43.5% were suspicious, respectively. The differences between the two groups were not significant. For both groups, the most frequent symptom of farmers'syndrome was lumbago, followed by paresthesia of hand or foot, and shoulder stiffness. Among the vinylhouse workers, the rates of wearing protective equipment and washing the skin after spraying pesticide were significantly lower than among the non-vinylhouse workers. From multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk factors significantly associated with farmers'syndrome were sex {odds ratio (OR)=3.12, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.42-6.89} and hours of farming per day (OR=2.63, 95%CI=1.22-5.65) among vinylhouse workers. However, sex (OR=4.24, 95%CI=1.87-9.65) was the only the risk factor significantly associated with farmers'syndrome among the non-vinylhouse workers.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, educational programs and attention to the female farmers were needed in particular. In addition, it was recommended that the farmers wear protective equipment continuously from opening the coverlets of the pesticide container to the completion of pesticide spraying, and wash the skin immediately after contact with pesticides.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Nerve Conduction Studies Among Korean Farmers
Su Kyeong Park, Kyoung Ae Kong, Eun Shil Cha, Young Joo Lee, Gyu Taek Lee, Won Jin Lee
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2012; 67(2): 78. CrossRef
A Study on Health Promotion Lifestyle, Farmers' Syndrome and Related Factors of Workers in Agricultural Industry
Ae-Ran Joo
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2012; 21(1): 37. CrossRef
Agricultural Safety Clothing: Implications for Making and Selecting Clothes
Jong-Suk Chun, Jung-Woo Jee, Kyoung-Sook Hwang
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2011; 30(4): 509. CrossRef
Work-related Injuries and Diseases of Farmers in Korea
Kwan LEE, Hyun-Sul LIM
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2008; 46(5): 424. CrossRef

24 View
0 Download
4 Crossref

Urinary Excretion of Thiodiglycolic Acid According to Sampling Time in Workers Exposed to Vinyl Chloride Monomer: Hyun Soo Kim, Chi Nyon Kim, Jong Uk Won, Bong Suk Cha, Kyung Jong Lee, Jaehoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):138-145. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.138

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The study was performed to investigate the changes of urinary thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) concentration in workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) according to the time of sampling urine.
METHODS
The personal exposure to airborne VCM was assessed and urinary TDGA concentration was sampled in 31 workers employed in a VCM and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing factory. Urinary TDGA was sampled three times: before the start of the shift after 3 days off (TDGA1), after the end of the first-day shift (TDGA2) and before starting the following day shift after completing the oneday shift (TDGA3). Urinary TDGA in 30 workers who had not been exposed to airborne VCM was sampled after the end of the shift. A gas chromatography/pulsed flame photometric detector (GC/PFPD) was utilized to analyze TDGA concentration in urine after the urine was methylated with trimethylsilyldiazomethane(2.0M in diethyl ether).
RESULTS
The creatinine level was 0.179+/-0.271 mg/g in the control workers and 0.218+/-0.443 mg/g in the workers before the start of the shift after 3 days off (TDGA1), showing no significant difference (p=0.7035). Urine samples were compared according to sampling time in order to investigate the change of urinary TDGA concentration in the case of continuous exposure to airborne VCM. In VCM-exposed workers, urinary creatinine concentration was 0.434+/-0.623 mg/g in TDGA2 and 0.767+/-1.056 mg/g in TDGA3, which indicated a gradual but significant increase (p=0.024). In terms of the statistical correlation between airborne VCM and urinary TDGA to evaluate exposure dose per day, of the three urinary TDGA concentrations, TDGA3 showed the highest degree of regression (R(2)=0.4215) with 8h-TWA airborne VCM concentration.
CONCLUSION
Based on this result, the excretion half-life of urinary TDGA was assumed to be less than 3 days, because the concentration of urinary TDGA at 3 days after exposure to airborne VCM was decreased to the level of urinary TDGA concentration in the control workers. The concentration of urinary TDGA increased in the case of continuous shift, due to the accumulation of residual metabolites of TDGA. It was considered that TDGA3 can be applied as a useful biological index to evaluate the exposure dose of airborne VCM during one day because TDGA3 showed the highest correlation with the exposure dose of airborne VCM in the previous shift day.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Assessment of urinary thiodiglycolic acid exposure in school-aged children in the vicinity of a petrochemical complex in central Taiwan
Po-Chin Huang, Li-Hsuan Liu, Ruei-Hao Shie, Chih-Hsin Tsai, Wei-Yen Liang, Chih-Wen Wang, Cheng-Hsien Tsai, Hung-Che Chiang, Chang-Chuan Chan
Environmental Research.2016; 150: 566. CrossRef

34 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in 40-59 year-old male workers: Yun Kyun Chang, Hyun Ju Seo, Young Woo Jin, Mi Seon Joeng, Suk Hee Sung, Doo Yong Park, Chong Soon Kim, Soo Geun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):130-137. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.130

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis in 40-59 year-old male workers working at nuclear power plants.
METHODS
Bone density, body composition, and anthropometry data were analyzed for 2,073 subjects were carried out from March 2004 to July, 2004. Educational level, smoking status, drinking status and frequency of physical activity were investigated by self-reported questionnaires through internet to identify lifestyles related to bone mass density. Bone mass density was measured by EXE-3000 of Osteosys Co. and body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio by Inbody 3.0 of Biospace Co.
RESULTS
The prevalence of ostepeniaosteopenia and osteoporosis was 22.8% and 3.0%, respectively. According to multinominal multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, smoking status (current smoker and former smoker), low body mass index (< 25 kg/m2), and frequency of physical activity were significantly associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis wasseemed high for the, when it was inferred from subjects' age compared to the results of previous studies. The This study results suggeststhat it is necessary for 40-59 year-old male workers to stop smoking, and exercise regularly in order to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Gender Differences and Socioeconomic Factors Related to Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Nationally Representative Data
Jin-Won Noh, Hyunchun Park, Minji Kim, Young Dae Kwon
Journal of Women's Health.2018; 27(2): 196. CrossRef
Factors related to Osteopenia in Community People
Sung Hey Kim, Young Hee Lee
Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing.2015; 29(2): 177. CrossRef
Lifestyles and Factors Influencing the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) among Employees in a Community
Kyung-Shin Paek
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2013; 24(2): 236. CrossRef
The Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition, Life Styles of Female College Students
Jong-Hyun Lee, Bo-Kyung Lee, Young-Soon Kim
The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition.2011; 24(4): 786. CrossRef
A Study on the Level of Awareness and Self-Efficacy of Osteoporosis in Young Women
Euysoon Choi, Ju Young Lee
Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2010; 16(2): 204. CrossRef
A Multicenter Prospective Study of the Risk Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density in Korean Patients with Prostate Cancer
Seung Il Jung, Sun-Ouck Kim, Taek Won Kang, Dong Deuk Kwon, Jong Yeon Park, Jun Cheon, Hyun Moo Lee, Sung Joon Hong, Han Yong Choi, Soo Bang Ryu
Korean Journal of Urology.2009; 50(4): 327. CrossRef

29 View
0 Download
6 Crossref

Heart Rate Variability of Carbon Disulfide Poisoned Subjects after Exposure Cessation: Sang Yoon Lee, Sung Il Cho, Do Myung Paek, Chang Bum Byeon, Mi Jeong Kim, Kyung Keun Park, Sang Hyeok Yim, Kil Seung Yang, Chang Kook Hwang, Hyung Joon Jhun; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):123-129. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.123

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
A previous study conducted in 2000 measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) of carbon disulfide (CS2)-poisoned subjects suggested that their HRV was reduced after exposure cessation. However, the study was limited by the following procedural limitations: (1) only 71 CS2-poisoned subjects participated, (2) no females participated, and (3) the CS2-poisoned subjects were older than the controls. This study was therefore conducted to overcome these limitations of the earlier study.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised 122 retired workers with CS2 poisoning and the same number of age- and sex-matched controls. Information on individual age, sex, height, weight, smoking history, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, medical and occupational history, chest x-ray, and ECG recording of the two groups was collected though a self-administered questionnaire and a medical examination. Standard Deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), Root-Mean-Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD), Total Power (TP), Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio were measured as HRV indices for 5 minutes in the sitting position.
RESULTS
Univariate analysis revealed that all HRV indices of CS2-poisoned subjects were lower than those of the controls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CS2 poisoning had negative association with all HRV indices and that its association with RMSSD was statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that CS2-poisoned subjects continue to have reduced HRV, even though the exposure has ceased.

21 View
0 Download

Usefulness of High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in the Diagnosis of Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases: Hyun Jae Lee, Ji Eun Son, Young Seoub Hong, Young Ill Lee, Byung Jin Yeah, Chang Hun You, Kap Yeol Jung, Sang Hoon Kim, Hyoung June Im, Eun Chul Jang, Jung Man Kim, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):112-122. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.112

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to improve the medical surveillance program of workers exposed to asbestos by examining the usefulness of High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised 162 workers in a ship-repairing yard, 68 of whom had been directly exposed to asbestos and 94 indirectly exposed. The 'Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) asbestos standard, medical surveillance program' and HRCT were conducted to analyze the aspects of the asbestos-related lung disease. The OSHA asbestos standard, medical surveillance program consists of simple chest x-ray, spirometry and medical questionnaire.
RESULTS
Seventeen (10.5%) of the 162 subjects, 10 (14.7%) directly exposed and 7 (7.4%) indirectly exposed, revealed asbestos-related lung disease on HRCT. The sensitivity and specificity of simple chest x-ray for asbestos-related lung disease were 70.6% and 98.6%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 85.7% and 96.6% respectively, as compared with HRCT. HRCT was an effective diagnostic tool especially to detect early asbestos-related lung disease. The study results indicated a relative significant association between the results of spirometry and HRCT. The variables significantly associated with asbestos-related lung disease on HRCT were work duration, smoking history (pack-years), past history of respiratory disease, cough and dyspnea.
CONCLUSIONS
In the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease, HRCT should be considered not only for workers with positive findings on simple chest x-ray, but also workers with specific findings on spirometry, occupational history, smoking history, and past history of respiratory disease, or with respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Radiologic Diagnosis of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Yoon Kyung Kim, Jeung Sook Kim, Yookyung Kim
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology.2015; 73(6): 347. CrossRef

29 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Symptoms of Municipal Fire Officers in Busan.: Sung Hoon Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Byung Chul Son, Jeong Ho Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Sang Hwan Jang, Chae Kwan Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):103-111. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.103

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory disorders and fire exposure by investigating and analyzing the lung function and respiratory symptoms of firefighters.
METHODS
The health effects of firefighting on respiratory function were investigated in 699 male fire officers in 4 fire departments in Busan by recording respiratory symptoms and measuring lung function. The data were analysed according to fire exposure and smoking habits.
RESULTS
Mean spirometric data showed significantly decreased levels in the fire-exposed group (FVC, -0.20 L; FVC%, -4.2%; FEV(1) -0.21 L; FEV(1)%, -5.1%; FEF25%, -0.13 L/SEE p<0.05). After stratification by smoking habits, FVC and FEV(1) showed a significant difference between groups. The prevalence of spirometric abnormality was greater for the fire-exposed group than for the non-exposed group. Significantly higher prevalences of nasal stiffness (16.7% vs. 10.9%), sore throat (17.7% vs.14.2%) and chest tightness (6.5% vs. 2.5%) were recorded in firefighters compared to controls (p<0.05). However, after stratification by smoking habits, the 3 symptoms were showed only marginal differences in the smoking group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that fire-exposed firefighters generally suffer a decline of lung function and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that the exposure to routine firefighting activity is associated with adverse health effects to the respiratory system.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Study on the Relationship between Firefighters Disease and Health Status
Ho-Jung Kang, Sung-Ho Byun, Chul-Hwan Mun, Yu-Jung Choi, Jae-Wook Choi
Fire Science and Engineering.2020; 34(5): 86. CrossRef
Related factors for preserving firefighter's pulmonary function
Seonggyu Kim, Ye-eun Jeon, Hyeseung Ryu, Mi-Young Lee, Insung Chung
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of Environmental Air Pollution on Pulmonary Function Level of Residents in Korean Industrial Complexes
Eunju Hong, Seokwon Lee, Geun-Bae Kim, Tae-Jong Kim, Hyoung-Wook Kim, Kyoungho Lee, Bu-Soon Son
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(5): 834. CrossRef
Psychological Factors Influence the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Their Effect on Quality of Life among Firefighters in South Korea
Seung-Ho Jang, Han-Seung Ryu, Suck-Chei Choi, Sang-Yeol Lee
Psychiatry Investigation.2017; 14(4): 434. CrossRef
Diesel Exhaust Particle Exposure and its Pulmonary Function Effects
Yong-Jin Lee, Da-Hye Kim, Soo-Hwan Kim, Jeong-Soo Kim, Dong-Chun Shin, Young-Wook Lim
Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment.2016; 32(5): 457. CrossRef
Muscuoloskeletal Disorders of Korean Fire Fighters: Applicants for Public Worker's Compensation from 2011 to 2013
Jangwhon Yoon
Fire Science and Engineering.2016; 30(3): 133. CrossRef
Knowledge, Awareness and Health Risk Concerns on Occupational Exposure to Radiation among Firefighters in Korea
Hyeongyeong Lee, Hyeongwan Yoon, Jeongim Park
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 516. CrossRef
Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea
Ju-Hwan Choi, Jae-Hong Shin, Mi-Young Lee, In-Sung Chung
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
An Ergonomic Analysis for Heavy Manual Material Handling Jobs by Fire Fighters
Su-Jung Im, Jong-Tae Park, Seo-Yeon Choi, Dong-Hyun Park
Journal of Korean Institute of Fire Science and Engineering.2013; 27(3): 85. CrossRef
Health Hazards in Firefighters
Kyoo Sang Kim
Hanyang Medical Reviews.2010; 30(4): 296. CrossRef
Occupational Health and Fitness for Work of Firefighters
Inah Kim, Jaechul Sung
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2008; 51(12): 1078. CrossRef

21 View
0 Download
11 Crossref

Prevalence of Occupational Asthma and Exposure Level of Pharmaceutical Dust of Workers in a Pharmaceutical Company: Sung Soo Oh, Yong Hyu Choi, Eun A Kim, Young Mok Lee, Jae Kil Jang, Jang Jin Yoo, Seung Hyun Park, Soo Young Jung, Tae Kyun Kim, Kyoo Sang Kim, Seong Kyu Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):94-102. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.94

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
After the investigation of one worker with occupational asthma, we surveyed the prevalence of occupational asthma and the exposure level of pharmaceutical dust of 32 workers in a pharmaceutical company.
METHODS
Thirty-two of the 90 employees participated in the survey which consisted of questionnaire, blood sampling, spirometry and skin prick tests with 8 common allergens as well as 9 antibiotics and 2 enzymes. Various indices of the working environment were also measured. Subjects who had a symptom suggestive of work-related asthma or positive skin prick test were further investigated by PC20 methacholine. Nine subjects who had a PC20 result of 16 mg/ml or less (n=7) or had work-related symptoms and positive skin prick test (n=2) were referred to undergo a specific bronchial provocation test to pharmaceutical dust in an academic allergic disease center.
RESULTS
Eleven of 32 workers (34.4%) had a work-related symptom suggestive of occupational asthma. Ten (31.2%) showed positive skin prick test. 8 (25.0%) had a PC20 result of 16 mg/ml or less (indicative of significant bronchial hyperresponsiveness), and 5 (15.6%) had a positive result on the specific bronchial provocation test. Exposure levels of stuffing, input of raw materials and screening process were relatively high.
CONCLUSIONS
This survey showed that pharmaceutical workers have an increased risk of occupational asthma. Although pharmaceutical factories maintain a relatively good working environment, careful control of respiratory tract exposures, especially during stuffing, input of raw materials and screening process, is important to prevent occupational asthma. Pharmaceutical workers need to undergo regular skin prick and methacholine bronchial provocation tests, as well as asthmatic symptom survey, to ensure the early detection and prevention of occupational asthma.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef

34 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Imaging Findings among Retired Workers Who Were Long-term Exposed to Asbestos : Lung and Pleural Diseases Prevalence on Chest Radiograph and HRCT: Ki Nam Kim, Jung Il Kim, Ki Nam Lee, Kap Yeol Jung, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):87-93. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.87

Abstract PDF

PURPOSE
To determine imaging findings among retired workers who were long-term exposed to asbestos. Lung and pleural diseases prevalence were studied on chest radiograph and HRCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen workers who were long-term exposedto asbestos occupationally in shipyards were examined by chest radiographs (PA and lateral view) and HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography).
RESULTS
In 12 of 18 subjects (66.7%), asbestos-related pleural abnormalities were evident in diaphragmatic, lateral chest wall and costophrenic angle of the pleura on chest radiographs. The thickness of pleural plaques at the lateral chest wall varied. Diffuse pleural thickening was evident in 2 workers. Parenchymal abnormalities were not found on chest radiographs. On HRCT, pleural thickening wasobserved in 16 of 18 subjects (88.9%), in the areas of juxtavertebral, diaphragmatic, anterior, lateral, mediastinal and fissural pleura. Curvilinear subpleural lines representing early parenchymal asbestosis were found in the lower posterior lung in three of 18 subjects (16.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
In long term asbestos-exposed workers, the asbestos-related pleural disease was 66.7% on chest radiographs and 88.9% on HRCT. The authors suggest that this group should be followed up periodically

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Compensation and Diagnosis of Asbestos Related Disease
Soo-Geun Kim
Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2009; 30(5): 335. CrossRef

26 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Relationship between Injury Occurrence and Workplace Organization in Small-sized Manufacturing Factories: Kun Sei Lee, Hyeongsu Kim, Soung Hoon Chang, Kyung Hee Jung-Choi, Won Ki Oh, Jae Wook Choi, Kwan Hyung Yi, Ji Young Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):73-86. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.73

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the relationship between injury occurrence and workplace organization in small-sized, manufacturing factories in Korea.
METHODS
Using data from the 2004 Occupational Safety and Health Survey in Korea, this study compared workplace organizational factors (general characteristics, employee characteristics and health and safety characteristics) with injury occurrence of 1,866 small-sized, manufacturing factories (65,921 population factories after weighting). General characteristics of factories comprised location, type and classification of industry. Employee characteristics comprised proportion of manual workers and female workers, average working hours per week and shiftwork. Health and safety characteristics comprised type of safety and health manager, committee for occupational safety and health, labor union, health and safety regulation, monthly health and safety training time, score of health and safety activity and score of safety culture.
RESULTS
The following characteristics of injury-occurrence in small-sized, manufacturing factories were determined by multivariate analysis. In terms of general characteristics, the risk of injury-occurrence was higher in Jeolla area than Gyeongin area in outside associate than other enterprises and in coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear fuel, wood and products of wood, food products and beverages and fabricated metal products, except machinery and furniture industries than television and communication equipment and apparatus industries. In terms of employee characteristics, injury-occurrence significantly increased in factories with greater proportion of manual worker and with a higher rate of working hours per week. But significantly decreased in factories with a higher proportion of female workers. In terms of health and safety characteristics, injury-occurrence significantly increased in factories with a self-appointed safety manager, with unorganized union, with a more active committee for occupational safety and health, with unimplemented health and safety regulations, with longer monthly safety and health training time, and with a lower score of safety culture.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that several factors of workplace organization were significantly related with injury-occurrence in factories. These findings are supposed to raise the need for making efforts in workplace organization to improve injury prevention.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Policy Intervention Study to Identify High-Risk Groups to Prevent Industrial Accidents in Republic of Korea
Kwan Hyung Yi, Seung Soo Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2016; 7(3): 213. CrossRef
Validation of Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Workplace Health Promotion
Seung Hee Ho, Young Moon Chae
American Journal of Health Promotion.2015; 29(6): 402. CrossRef
A basic research on risk control measure for reducing the fishermen's occupational accident in offshore and coastal fishing vessel
Wook-Sung Kim, Young-Bok Cho, Seok-Jae Kim, Kyong-Jin Ryu, Yoo-Won Lee
Journal of the Korean society of Fisheries Technology.2014; 50(4): 614. CrossRef
Research on the Characteristics of Working Conditions and Occupational Safety and Health in the Special form Workers
Kwan Hyung Yi
Journal of the Korean Society of Safety.2014; 29(4): 147. CrossRef
Effects of health and safety problem recognition on small business facility investment
Jisu Park, Harin Jeong, Sujin Hong, Jong-Tae Park, Dae-Sung Kim, Jongseo Kim, Hae-Joon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2013;[Epub] CrossRef

28 View
0 Download
5 Crossref

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Previous issues