Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 23 (4); December 2011

Case Reports

A Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in a Worker Treating Pesticide Wastes: Soon Choy, Jung Won Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):480-487. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.480

BACKGROUND
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neuron of the cerebrum, brain stem, and spinal cord. It has been suggested that various occupational or environmental agents could be a cause of ALS. We report upon a case of a person contracting ALS who experienced a long-time exposure to pesticides, implying that pesticides are probable causal agents of ALS.
CASE REPORTS
The patient has been experiencing shoulder pain and limitation of movement that started abruptly about three years ago. Over time, these symptoms have become aggravated despite ongoing therapies including medication. After two years, he was diagnosed with ALS through electromyography, nerve conduction velocity and many laboratory tests at a university hospital in Seoul. His social and medical history was non-specific. The patient had worked for about 15 years at a waste disposal site and mainly destroyed glass bottles containing pesticides. During this period, his respiratory tract and skin were exposed to various raw pesticides without appropriate personal protective equipment. He did this job one or two times a week and worked for two or more hours without a break. Through an investigation into the patient's working environment, significant levels of dichlorvos, one of the organophosphates, were detected.
CONCLUSIONS
The study results revealed that the patient was exposed to considerable doses of pesticides as opposed to men spraying pesticides. Although controversial, pesticide exposures have been associated with ALS. However, we suggest that in this case the possibility that these pesticide exposures acted as a causal agent for the diagnosed ALS based on plausible biological mechanisms and epidemiologic data.

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Agricultural Environments: A Systematic Review
Hyun Kang, Eun Shil Cha, Geun Joo Choi, Won Jin Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(12): 1610. CrossRef
Pesticides and human chronic diseases: Evidences, mechanisms, and perspectives
Sara Mostafalou, Mohammad Abdollahi
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.2013; 268(2): 157. CrossRef

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Two Case of Erythroleukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in a Non-Destructive Inspector: Myoung Soon Oh, Jae Kook Yoon, Hyun Soo Kim, Hawk Kim, Jin Kyung Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):471-479. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.471

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Ionizing radiation is a group 1 carcinogen according to the IARC(International Agency for Research on Cancer) classification. With the development of the radiation related industry, the number of radiation exposed workers has been increasing. There have been several reports on AML(Acute Myeloid Leukemia) on exposure to ionizing radiation; however, there are no reports of occupational malignant lymphohematopoietic disease related to non-destructive inspection.
CASE
REPORT 1: A 35-years-old male, who had worked for 10 years in non-destructive inspection, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. He worked 8 hours a day, for three weeks per months, where he was exposed to 192Ir and 60Co radiation sources. Because he had not worn a film badge for monitoring his radiation exposure dose, the accurate exposure dose was not reported. The estimate exposure dose calculated via a chromosomal study was 1.20 Gy, which exceed the dose limits of Korean radiation dose standards, which are 50 and 100 mSv annually and quinquennially respectively.
CASE
REPORT 2: A 26-years-old male, who had worked for 2.5 years in the same company was also diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Non-destructive inspection is the main source of ionizing radiation in the workplace, which could be the cause of malignant lymphohematopoietic diseases. Therefore, more practical plans and guidelines are needed to prevent non-destructive inspectors from workplace radiation exposure.

Citations

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Assessment of working environment and personal dosimeter-wearing compliance of industrial radiographers based on chromosome aberration frequencies
Younghyun Lee, Songwon Seo, Young Woo Jin, Seongjae Jang
Journal of Radiological Protection.2020; 40(1): 151. CrossRef
Probability of causation for occupational cancer after exposure to ionizing radiation
Eun-A Kim, Eujin Lee, Seong-Kyu Kang, Meeseon Jeong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Acute radiation syndrome in a non-destructive testing worker: a case report
Ji-Sung Ahn, Jai-Dong Moon, Wonyang Kang, Hyeong-Min Lim, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Won-Ju Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Consecutive results of blood cell count and retrospective biodosimetry: useful tools of health protection regulation for radiation workers
Seongjae Jang, Jin Kyung Lee, Minsu Cho, Su San Yang, Seung Hyun Kim, Wan Tae Kim
Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016; 73(10): 694. CrossRef
Retrospective biodosimetry using translocation frequency in a stable cell of occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation
Min Su Cho, Jin Kyung Lee, Keum Seok Bae, Eun-Ae Han, Seong Jae Jang, Wi-Ho Ha, Seung-Sook Lee, Joan Francesc Barquinero, Wan Tae Kim
Journal of Radiation Research.2015; 56(4): 709. CrossRef
Exposure Assessment and Management of Ionizing Radiation
Eun-Kyo Chung, Kab-Bae Kim, Se-Wook Song
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(1): 27. CrossRef
Physical Agents and Occupational Disease Compensation: Noise, Vibration, Radiation, and Other Physical Agents
Jiho Lee, Jungwon Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S72. CrossRef

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Original Articles

Acquired Dyschromatopsia among Workers Exposed to Acetone and Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Seung Hwan Kim, Kwang Mo Hwang, Eun Chul Jang, Chan Yun Kim, Shin Goo Park, Eun Hee Lee, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):463-470. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.463

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between exposure to acetone and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and the acquisition dyschromatopsia.
METHODS
A study was performed on exposure group of 116 people exposed to and a group of 36 people not exposed to organic solvents were selected and examined. Their smoking and alcohol habits, symptoms, and exposure history were surveyed through questionnaires and interviews. Then dyschromatopsia was evaluated with the Lanthony D-15 d test in a room with standardized intensity of illumination.
RESULTS
The statistical prevalence of dyschromatopsia was significantly higher in the exposed group (30.2%) compared to that found in the control group (19.4%). Out of the 116 subjects in the exposed group, 30 people had acquired dyschromatopsia (25.86%). The variables affecting the color confusion index, such as age, exposure, and the duration of exposure, were statistically significant variables.
CONCLUSIONS
He prevalence of dyschromatopsia was found to be not significantly higher in the group with exposure to organic solvents compared to that found in the control group. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between exposure to organic solvents and the color confusion index.

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The Relationship between the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and Pulse Wave Velocity among Male Firefighters: Hyun Jun Jeon, Sang Jun Park, Dong Hoon Shin, In Sung Chung, Mi Young Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):450-462. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.450

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between job stress and the pulse wave velocity as an indicator of vessel stiffness among male firefighters in a metropolitan city.
METHODS
In November and December 2008, a total of 404 participants were analyzed. The questionnaire survey included the participants' general characteristics, job-related factors, health-related behaviors, and job stress. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS). We merged the job stress data with clinical laboratory data and brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) by conducting medical surveillance. We measured the relationship of job stress to baPWV by using a logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the baPWV was significantly higher in the groups possessing high levels of job insecurity (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.06~4.42).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the level of job stress, especially in regards to job insecurity, was directly related to the baPWV. Therefore, further preventive efforts and studies in regards to firefighters are needed in order to reduce job stress and thereby help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

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Firefighters’ occupational stress and its correlations with cardiorespiratory fitness, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability, and sleep quality
Young-Sook Yook, Kiyoshi Sanada
PLOS ONE.2019; 14(12): e0226739. CrossRef

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Assessment of Acquired Color Vision Impairment in Inhalant Abusers: Myeong Hyo Kim, Yeon Cheol Kim, Kyu Hwa Lee, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):439-449. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.439

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of inhalants on color vision impairment.
METHODS
The inhalation group consisted of 81 neurotoxic chemical substance abusers at Bugok National Hospital and Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Justice. The control group consisted of 41 employees of Bugok National Hospital. The Lanthony D-15 desaturated hue test was administered to both groups. For the qualitative analysis, we classified the results by the morphological characteristics of color vision impairment. For the quantitative analysis, we calculated the total color distance score (TCDS) and the color confusion index (CCI) and determined that the individual was abnormal if the TCDS was over 65.0 or the CCI was over 1.25.
RESULTS
The TCDS of the inhalation group was 75.58+/-21.07 and the CCI was 1.34+/-0.37 in the right eye, and 75.47+/-23.63 and 1.34+/-0.42, respectively in the left eye. These results are higher than those found for the control group. In regards to the TCDS, 50 (61.8%) of the abusers in the inhalation group had color vision impairment in the right eye and 48 (59.2%) had impairment in the left eye. 11 (26.8%) of the employees in the control group had color vision impairment in the right eye and 13 (31.7%) had impairment in the left eye. In regards to the CCI, 38 (46.9%) of the abusers in the inhalation group had color vision impairment in the right eye and 35 (43.2%) had impairment in the left eye. 4 (9.8%) of the employees in the control group had color vision impairment in the right eye and 7 (17.0%) had impairment in the left eye. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis for acquired color vision impairment showed that the inhalation period (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.03~1.40) was the significant variable.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that the inhalation of neurotoxic substances may impair the color vision, and the period inhaled with neurotoxic substances is significant variable affecting on the acquired color vision impairment.

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The Prevalence of Work Related Sickness Absences According to the Second Korean Working Condition Survey: Ki Hun Hong, Dae Seong Kim, Oh Jun Kwon, Eun A Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):428-438. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.428

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Worker's health is an important index used to evaluate working conditions and to prioritize prevention policies. However, this index has never before been calculated in Korea. The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence of health problems caused by work related sickness absences using the second Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2010.
METHODS
The second KWCS was conducted from June to October 2010 as a household survey for employed workers. The work related sickness absence rate was estimated using gender, age, business size, occupational status, level of education, and level of income. A logistic regression was performed in order to evaluate the relationship of the work related sickness absence with general characteristics and work-related conditions.
RESULTS
The rate of work related sickness absence was 1.8(+/-0.2)% for all workers, with 6.0(+/-0.3)% of it being in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and 2.2(+/-0.5)% in manufacturing. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) were the most common work related disorder [1.01(+/-0.12)%], followed by psychiatric disorders [0.18(+/-0.05)%], and respiratory disorders [0.14(+/-0.04)%]. The highest odds ratio (OR) for the work related sickness absence rate was in self-employed workers with employees (OR=2.23, 95%CI=1.05~4.74).
CONCLUSIONS
The work related sickness absence rate for all workers, both self-employed and employed, including agriculture, forestry and fishing workers, and wholesale and retail trade workers was 1.8(+/-0.2)%. Because the KWCS was based on a self-reported questionnaire survey, this figure might be overestimated. In addition, it might omit chronic occupational disease and death cases.

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Association of Exposure to Chemicals with Dyspnea among Employed Workers: Analysis of the 3rdKorean Working Conditions Survey
Moon-Young Park, Sung-Ho Hwang, Kimyong Hong, Se-Eun Oh, Kyoung-Mu Lee
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2016; 26(1): 64. CrossRef

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The Relationship Between Amalgam Tooth Fillings and Concentration of Blood Mercury in Elementary School Students in Korea: Kyu Hwa Lee, Man Joong Jeon, Yun Chul Hong, Jong Han Leem, Mi Na Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):420-427. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.420

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The adverse health effects of mercury in dental amalgam have not yet been clarified. This study was conducted to examine the effects of dental amalgam on the concentration of blood mercury in Korean children.
METHODS
A total of 1,275 students were enrolled in the elementary school in Seoul, Incheon, and Daegu. The number and location of dental amalgam filling of teeth were ascertained by oral examination. Dietary habits-including frequency of seafood intake-and other demographic factors were obtained from the children's parents. The concentration of blood mercury was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to which a hydride generator was installed.
RESULTS
The geometric mean of blood mercury concentration was 1.91 microg/L. It was found that elementary school students in Seoul and the 4th grade elementary school students have the lowest concentration of blood mercury among the study groups. Both linear and secondary linear increase of the concentration of blood mercury, depending on the number of dental amalgam fillings, were statistically significant (p-trend < 0.01, p-quadratic < 0.01). As a result of multiple regression analysis on the blood mercury concentration of elementary school students, the regression coefficient (beta) of a dental amalgam filling was found to be 0.027 (standard error = 0.014, p = 0.048).
CONCLUSIONS
In children, the dental amalgam fillings were significantly contribute to the concentration of blood mercury. To accurately assess the effect of dental amalgam on the concentration of body mercury, further studies using the concentration of urine mercury are needed.

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An Assessment of the Needs and the Affecting Factors for Small Scale Enterprise Worker's Health Centers: Ki Chul Nam, Ji Su Park, Jae Woo Koh, Jong Seo Kim, Jong Tae Park, Hae Joon Kim, Jin Joo Chung, Jeong Youn Kim, Dae Sung Kim, Jung Sun Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):407-419. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.407

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this paper is to assess the needs and roles of the Worker's Health Centers employed by small scale enterprises by investigating the requested services made to this type of Worker's Health Center.
METHODS
The population of this research was taken from 1,145 business owners or managers of manufacturing companies employing less than fifty people in six industrial estates. Stratified sampling was used. Individual interviews were performed to assess the conditions and needs of these enterprises using a structured questionnaire and professional interviewers.
RESULTS
According to the questionnaire survey, 941(82.2%) of the enterprises wish to use a Worker's Health Center. 946(83.3%) of the enterprises preferred an 'Expert visit to the enterprise or mixed' for the Delivery type. 486(42.4%) of the enterprises preferred the 'in the center of industrial complex' for the location of the Worker's Health Center. 789(69.1%) of the enterprises preferred 6-10 PM for the available open hours. A multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly positive association regarding the intention of using a Worker's Health Center and the Gyeonggi-Banwol (OR 2.49) or Gwangju-Hanam(OR 4.24) for the region. Compared to enterprises employing 1-4 worker, 30-49 worker enterprises show a 3.33 fold preference (95% CI 1.80~6.12) for the use of a Worker's Health Center.
CONCLUSIONS
Generally, the intention regarding the use of a Worker's Health Center was high, Considering the time and spatial limits inherentin small scale enterprises, the 'expert visit to the enterprise' paradigm is important. It should be noted that when providing the service, a customized approach is necessary, determined by size, region, industry, and scale of the business, through the assessment of the small scale enterprises and the nature of the work environment when designing a Worker's Health Center operation.

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Use of video-based telehealth services using a mobile app for workers in underserved areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective observational study
Hyun Sang Park, Sungmoon Jeong, Ho-young Chung, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Seong Hwan Bang, Hwa Sun Kim
International Journal of Medical Informatics.2022; 166: 104844. CrossRef
Factors Influencing Acceptance of Personal Health Record Apps for Workplace Health Promotion: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Hyun Sang Park, Kwang Il Kim, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Sae Kyun Jang, Sol Lee, Ga Young Hwang, Hwa Sun Kim
JMIR mHealth and uHealth.2020; 8(6): e16723. CrossRef
Development and Operation of a Video Teleconsultation System Using Integrated Medical Equipment Gateway: a National Project for Workers in Underserved Areas
Hyun Sang Park, Kwang il Kim, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Bang Eun Lee, Jong Hwa Lee, Jung Gwon Jo, Han Chae Lee, Hwa Sun Kim
Journal of Medical Systems.2020;[Epub] 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

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The Effect of Socio-Economic Factors on Occupational Injuries in Korea: A Time Series Analysis: Ye Won Bang, Hyoung June Im, Young Jun Kwon, Seong Sik Cho, Tae Kyung Lee, In Ki Yoon, Young Su Ju; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):397-406. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.397

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We performed a time series analysis in order to identify the relationship between the occupational injury rate and socio-economic factors, and through this predict the occupational injury occurrence rate.
METHODS
We reviewed 168 sets of monthly data. For the statistical analysis, we used the economic index data provided by Statics Korea and the occupational injury index provided by the Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service gathered from 1994 to 2007. We performed a correlation analysis to find relationship between the occupation injury rate and economic factors. Using the correlation analysis result, we used time series analysis for the data in order to find out the association between occupational injuries and socio-economic indicators. We performed time series analysis to find out association occupation injury rate with socio-economic factors. In addition we ran a prediction occupational injury rate for 2008 and compared the result to the actual value.
RESULTS
The factors associated with occupational injuries were the daily worker index (b=0.394, p<0.0001), the mechanical index (b=-0.023, p=0.0043), the manufacturing operation index (b=0.152, p<0.0001), the workers compensation coverage expansion (b=1.189, p=0.015), the IMF index (b=-2.05, p<0.0001), and the after IMF index (b=-1.565, p=0.01). The daily worker index, manufacturing operation index, and workers compensation coverage expansion had an effect that increased the occupational injury rate. Conversely, the mechanical index and IMF variable tended to decrease the occupational injury rate.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the daily worker index, manufacturing operation index, workers compensation coverage expansion, and IMF variables are related factors in regards to occupational injury.

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Business Cycle and Occupational Accidents in Korea
Dong Koo Kim, Sunyoung Park
Safety and Health at Work.2020; 11(3): 314. CrossRef
The Prediction of Industrial Accident Rate in Korea: A Time Series Analysis
Eunsuk Choi, Gyeong-Suk Jeon, Won Kee Lee, Young Sun Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(1): 65. CrossRef

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Relationship Between Urinary t, t-muconic Acid and Insulin Resistance in the Elderly: Hyun Seung Park, Jeong Cheol Seo, Jin Hee Kim, Sang Hyuk Bae, Youn Hee Lim, Soo Hun Cho, Yun Chul Hong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):387-396. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.387

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To examine the associations between the urinary t, t-muconic acid (t, t-MA) concentration and three indices of insulin resistance; namely, the homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, blood insulin level and fasting glucose level.
METHODS
A panel study was performed on the elderly at a public health care center population in the northern area of Seoul between 2008 and 2010. The participants were 560 elderly, over 60 years of age whose urinary t, t-MA and insulin resistance indices had been measured; questionnaires were completed by these participants. A generalized linear mixed (GLM) analysis was adjusted for age, sex, drinking, urinary cotinine, exercise, vitamin intake and body mass index, at a significance level of p<0.05.
RESULTS
A total of 411 participants were finally analyzed after excluding those with diabetes and only one visit to the public health care center. Higher urinary t, t-MA concentrations were linearly associated with the HOMA-IR index, blood insulin level and fasting glucose level in the simple and fully adjusted GLM models. Although there were few limitations, a portion of insulin resistance was proven to be explained by exposure to benzene using r-squared. A significant relationship was also observed between urinary t, t-MA and malondialdehyde (MDA) using the same GLM models.
CONCLUSIONS
Urinary t, t-MA is related to the development of insulin resistance which is a key factor for development of diabetes and its complications induced by oxidative stress.

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Exploration of an Area with High Concentrations of Particulate Matter and Biomonitoring Survey of Volatile Organic Compounds among the Residents
Hyunji Ju, Seungho Lee, Jae-Hee Min, Yong-Sik Hwang, Young-Seoub Hong
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2023; 49(6): 344. CrossRef
Association between urinary trans,trans-muconic acid and diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis of data from Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017)
Eun Hye Yang, Do Jin Nam, Hyo Choon Lee, Soon Su Shin, Jae-Hong Ryoo
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

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Factors for Approving Cerebrovascular Disorders and Cardiovascular Diseases as Work-related Diseases in Chronically Overworked Workers: Sang Chul Ryu, In Suk Kim, Jong Heon Lee, Jong Uk Won, Tae Won Jang, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):379-386. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.379

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to analyze the factors that affected the decision of claims for cerebrovascular disorders and cardiovascular diseases in chronically overworked workers, that submitted their claims after the reformation of approval standards in the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act on 1 July 2008.
METHODS
Of 2909 cases, who claimed between January 1. and December 31. 2009, 1046 cases were selected based on their worker's compensation record and investigated following 6 provincial committees for work-related diseases. The approval rate and odds ratio were analyzed with respect to the general characteristics, past medical history and work-related information using a logistical regression and Student t-test.
RESULTS
Of the 1046 selected cases, the approval rate was 18.5%(194 cases). In the multivariate logistical regression analysis, the factors for approving cerebrovascular disorders and cardiovascular diseases as work-related diseases were found to be the average working time over the last 1 week, occupational category, gender, age, death or survival, the presence of an associated disease, claimed province, and smoking.
CONCLUSION
Factors for approving claims of cerebrovascular disorders and cardiovascular diseases as work-related diseases were the average working time over last 1 week, gender, age, death or survival, claimed disease, presence of associated disease, claimed province, smoking.

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The effect of long working hours on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease; A case‐crossover study
Kyong‐sok Shin, Yun kyung Chung, Young‐Jun Kwon, Jun‐Seok Son, Se‐hoon Lee
American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2017; 60(9): 753. CrossRef
Long Working Hours and Work-related Cerebro-cardiovascular Disease in Korea
Yun Kyung CHUNG, Young-jun KWON
Industrial Health.2013; 51(5): 552. CrossRef

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Epidemiological Characteristics and Scale for Needlestick Injury in Some University Hospital Workers: Yong Hun Yun, Yun Kyung Chung, Jae Sim Jeong, Ihn Sook Jeong, Eun Suk Park, Sung Won Yoon, Hye Young Jin, Jin Hee Park, Si Hyun Han, Jeong Hwa Choi, Hye Ran Choi, Min Kyung Han, Soon Im Choi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):371-378. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.371

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Based on multicenter research among tertiary hospitals in Korea, it was our intention to effectively contribute to the prevention of needlestick injuries by understanding the current state of the incidence rate of needlestick injuries and the related epidemiology with respect to medical institution and worker's characteristics.
METHODS
Ten hospitals were selected, with the research performed from July to September 2007. Data on cases of needlestick injuries were collected by hospital infection-controlling centers using a specifically developed website and a partially modified self-writing questionnaire based on the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet).
RESULTS
During the study period, a total of 327 needlestick injury cases were reported, with an incidence of 10.56 cases per 100 patient beds per year. The existence of source of infection could not be confirmed in one third of the needlestick injuries. There were 4.07 incidences per 100 employees per year. The job with the highest incidence was medical doctor interns (18.66 cases), followed by clinical laboratory workers (7.12 cases) and registered nurses (6.66 cases).
CONCLUSIONS
There was no difference in number of incidences according to the number of beds. The highest number of cases occurred in the registered nurse-group, but the incidence rate per healthcare worker was the highest in the medical doctor intern-group. Therefore, it is important to conduct research to identify the risk of the incidence with respect to different risk-groups. As a result of this research, it is suggest that a protective policy is required relating to needlestick injuries, regardless of the number of beds and potential cause of infection.

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Needlestick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers in an oncology setting: a retrospective 7-year cross-sectional study
Sawsan Mubarak, Hadeel Al Ghawrie, Khawlah Ammar, Razan Abuwardeh
Journal of International Medical Research.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Epidemiology of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses, postexposure prophylaxis and seroconversion over 10 years among healthcare workers
J.B. Lee, J.S. Choi
Journal of Hospital Infection.2023; 135: 18. CrossRef
Seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster antibodies in new female nurses in the Republic of Korea
Yeongjae Yoo, Won-Ju Park, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Suwhan Kim, Wonyang Kang, Hyeonjun Kim, Jai-Dong Moon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Elimination of Lancet-Related Needlestick Injuries Using a Safety-Engineered Lancet: Experience in a Hospital
Hye-sun An, Suhui Ko, Ji Hwan Bang, Sang-Won Park
Infection & Chemotherapy.2018; 50(4): 319. CrossRef
Occupational blood exposures in health care workers: incidence, characteristics, and transmission of bloodborne pathogens in South Korea
Ju Hyun Lee, Junhyeon Cho, Yung Jung Kim, Sang Hyuk Im, Eun Sun Jang, Jin-Wook Kim, Hong Bin Kim, Sook-Hyang Jeong
BMC Public Health.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
Seroprevalence of Anti-hepatitis B Virus, Anti-hepatitis A Virus, and Anti-varicella Zoster Virus Antibodies in Nursing Students from 2009 to 2013
Jin-Hee Park, Joung-A Shon
Korean Journal of Nosocomial Infection Control.2016; 21(1): 31. CrossRef
Incidence Rate of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries in 67 Japanese Hospitals: A National Surveillance Study
Toru Yoshikawa, Koji Wada, Jong Ja Lee, Toshihiro Mitsuda, Kiyoshi Kidouchi, Hitomi Kurosu, Yuji Morisawa, Mayumi Aminaka, Takashi Okubo, Satoshi Kimura, Kyoji Moriya, Michael Alan Polis
PLoS ONE.2013; 8(10): e77524. CrossRef

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Comparison of the Self-rated Health Status of Wage Workers in Korea according to Income Index by Gender: Dae Ho Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Jong Eun Kim, Young Ki Kim, Jin Kon Sul, Soon Choy; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):360-370. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.360

Abstract PDF

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.

Citations

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Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2020; 31(4): 514. CrossRef
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The Status of Occupational Accidents and Injuries and the Implications: Seong Kyu Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):351-359. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.351

Abstract PDF

Since 1964, when the official statistics on occupational injury rates had been produced for the first time, the rates have showed a steady decline until 2000. However, the injury rate has been stagnant since 2000 although the fatal injury rate has decreased 40% in the same period. The non-fatal injury rate per 100 employees was 0.63 while the fatal injury rate per 100,000 employees was 9.74 in 2010. Traumatic injuries accounted for 86.8% of all injuries, followed by non-traumatic injuries at 8.4% and injuries by traffic accidents at 4.6%. Injuries caused by being caught in objects, hit by flying or falling objects and collisions have decreased while those caused by slip and fall on same level and fall from the height have increased. The decrease in injuries caused by being caught in objects may be the result of prevention efforts because 68.6% of them occurred in the manufacturing industry where most efforts for prevention have been invested. The increase in injuries involving slips and falls on same level may be caused by the growing number of employees in the service industry where 51% of the cases occurred. The construction industry accounted for 40.2% of all fatal injuries, and falls from the height caused 54.3% of the fatality. The non-fatal injury rate of Korea is lower than that of industrialized countries while its fatal injury rate is comparatively higher. It is probably caused by many unclaimed cases of mild non-fatal injuries whereas most fatal injuries were filed. Another problem is that the injury rate does not include injuries that occur to workers who are not eligible for the compensation scheme. This information can be obtained through a surveillance system or the national survey. Therefore, the attention of occupational physicians should focus on injuries as well as diseases occurring at work, and also on all working population whose injuries and diseases are not covered by the compensation scheme.

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