Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study: Bounggyun Ju, Jaehoo Lee, Hye-min Kim, Chul Gab Lee, Hansoo Song; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e11. Published online April 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e11

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Occupational neck disability is a prevalent issue, especially among line workers, who are often exposed to elevated levels of cervical ergonomic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in a specific occupational group in Korea.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 line workers in Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index, Cervical Degenerative Index, and a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and occupational factors. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for neck posture and factors related to neck disability.
Results
Neck disability prevalence was 17.2% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors related to neck disability included age over 60 years (adjusted OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.63–5.83), depression (adjusted OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.85–18.00), a history of cervical trauma (adjusted OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), and radiological degenerative changes in the cervical spine (adjusted OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.33). In particular, the adjusted OR of neck disability among live-line workers was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) when compared with support workers (model 1). Other analysis models showed that use of insulating sticks for more than 10 hours per week (adjusted OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.32–4.61) and higher neck extension (adjusted OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.14–3.46) were significant work-related risk factors (model 2,3).
Conclusions
Neck posture, age, depression, cervical trauma history, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and use of insulating sticks are significant risk factors for neck disability among line workers in Korea. These findings highlight the need to improve the working environment and reduce the burden of cervical ergonomic stress among line workers.; 한국 배전보수원의 목 부담자세와 절연스틱사용이 목 장애에 미치는 영향
목적
직업성 목 장애는 특히 높은 수준의 목 부담에 자주 노출되는 배전보수원 사이에서 흔한 문제다. 본 연구는 배전보수원을 대상으로 목 부담자세와 절연스틱사 용이 목 장애에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 한다.
방법
본 단면연구는 광주와 전남 지역의 배전보수원 483명을 대상으로 실시되었다. 목 장애 지수, 경추퇴행성 지수, 인구통계학적 및 직업적 요인에 초점을 맞춘 구조화된 설문지를 사용하여 데이터를 수집했다. 목 부담자세와 목 장애 관련 요인에 대한 보정 교차비와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)을 알아보기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였다.
결과
목 장애 유병률은 활선작업자(22.6%)에서 가장 높았으며, 연령이 높아질수록 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 목 장애 관련 요인은 우울증(8.13, 95% CI: 4.02~16.43), 경추 외상 병력(3.53, 95% CI: 1.88~6.63), 경추 방사선학적 퇴행성 변화(2.35, 95% CI: 1.36-4.07)였다. 직업적 요인으로 활선작업자의 보정교차비는 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12-3.92)이었고, 절연스틱을 주당 10시간 이상 사용하는 경우 보정교차비는 2.46 (95% CI: 1.32-4.61)이었다. 또한, 높은 목 신전 부담의 보정교차비는 1.98 (95% CI: 1.14-3.46)이었다.
결론
연령, 우울증, 경추 외상, 경추의 퇴행성 변화와 같은 일반적 요인뿐만 아니라 활선작업, 절연스틱 사용, 목 부담 자세와 같은 직업적 요인은 국내 배전보수원의 목 장애를 유발하는 위험 요인이다. 이러한 결과는 배전보수원의 작업환경 개선의 필요성을 시사한다.

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Case Report

A case of syncope in a villager with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after hydrogen sulfide exposure by an unauthorized discharge of wastewater: Hyeonjun Kim, Seunghyeon Cho, Inho Jung, Sunjin Jung, Won-Ju Park; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e34. Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e34

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic substance that humans can be exposed to occupationally, and cases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning of workers in industrial sites are commonly reported. However, there have been no cases of poisoning of the public due to an unauthorized discharge of wastewater, so it is important to describe this incident.
Case presentation
In a small village in Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea, accounts of a terrible stench had been reported. A 26-year-old man who lived and worked in a foul-smelling area was taken to the emergency room with a headache, dizziness, nausea, and repeated syncope. A subsequent police and Ministry of Environment investigation determined that the cause of the stench was the unauthorized discharge of 9 tons of wastewater containing hydrogen sulfide through a stormwater pipe while the villagers were sleeping. The patient had no previous medical history or experience of symptoms. Leukocytes and cardiac markers were elevated, an electrocardiogram indicated biatrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, and corrected QT interval prolongation. Myocardial hypertrophy was detected on a chest computed tomography scan, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was confirmed on echocardiography. After hospitalization, cardiac marker concentrations declined, symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged after 7 days of hospitalization. There was no recurrence of symptoms after discharge.
Conclusions
We suspect that previously unrecognized heart disease manifested or was aggravated in this patient due to exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Attention should be paid to the possibility of unauthorized discharge of hydrogen sulfide, etc., in occasional local incidents and damage to public health. In the event of such an accident, it is necessary to have government guidelines in place to investigate health impact and follow-up clinical management of exposed residents.; 무단 방류된 황화수소 노출에 의해 비후성심근증이 악화되어 실신한 마을 주민 사례
배경
황화수소 중독은 산업현장, 하수처리시설 또는 관리되지 않는 화장실 등에서 흔하게 보고된다. 다만 폐수 무단 방류로 인해 일반 주민에게 건강 영향이 발생한 사례는 보고된 바 없어 이를 보고한다.
증례
전라남도 한 지역에서 새벽부터 심한 악취가 난다는 주민 신고가 다수 발생하였다. 경찰과 환경청의 조사 결과 악취의 원인은 새벽에 주민들이 잠든 사이 폐수처리업체에서 황화수소가 포함된 폐수 9톤을 우수관을 통해 무단으로 방류한 것으로 밝혀졌다. 심한 악취가 나는 지역에서 장시간 활동했던 26살 남성이 두통, 어지럼증, 메스꺼움과 짧은 실신을 반복하여 119를 통해 응급실로 내원하였다. 환자는 과거에 특별한 병력이나 증상 경험은 없었다. 검사상 환자의 백혈구와 심장 표지자 수치가 상승되어 있었다. 심전도에서 양측 심방 확장, 좌심실 비대 및 QTc 연장이 관찰되었다. 흉부 컴퓨터 단층 촬영 상 심근비대 소견과 심장 초음파 검사 상 비후성심근증이 확인되었다. 입원하여 대증치료 후 심장 표지자 수치는 감소하였고, 증상은 호전되어 입원 7일 만에 퇴원하였다. 퇴원 이후 추적관찰 동안 특별한 증상은 재발하지 않았다.
결과
본 사례는 환자가 이전에 인지하지 못하고 증상도 없었던 비후성심근증이 황화수소 노출로 인해 급성 악화된 것으로 판단된다. 종종 발생하는 지역의 악취 사건에 황화수소가 무단 방류되었을 가능성을 고려해야 할 것이며, 향후 이러한 화학사고 발생 시 화학물질관리법에 따른 주민 건강영향조사를 실시하여 주민 건강을 관리해야 할 것이다.

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Original Article

Environment-wide association study of elevated liver enzymes: results from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018–2022: Youngchan Chi, Jong-Tae Park, Sewhan Na, Kyeongmin Kwak; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e27. Published online July 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e27

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Environmental exposure is characterized by low concentration, chronic, and complex exposure. Traditional epidemiological studies show limitations in reflecting these characteristics since they usually focus on a single or very limited number of exposure factors at a time. In this study, we adopted the methodology of environment-wide association study (EWAS) to figure out the association of human liver function with various environmentally hazardous substances.
Methods
We analyzed 2,961 participants from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 4 (2018–2020). Using generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, we analyzed the association of 72 variables with 3 liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Finally, we visualized our results with Manhattan plot.
Results
In GLM analysis, perfluorooctanesulfonate were positively associated with ALT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–3.46; p _adjusted = 0.0147) and perfluorodecanoic acid showed positive association with GGT (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.36–5.5; p _adjusted = 0.0256). Plasma mercury showed positive association with GGT (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14–1.84; p _adjusted = 0.0315). Using a plastic container while keeping food in the refrigerator was associated with elevated GGT compared to using a glass container (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16–1.95; p _adjusted = 0.0153). 2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate, showed a negative trend with all 3 indices, with AST (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39–0.73; p _adjusted = 0.00357), ALT (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.34–0.75; p _adjusted = 0.036), GGT (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.4–0.76; p _adjusted = 0.00697). Bisphenol S and frequent use of sunblock cream showed negative association with ALT (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66–0.89), and GGT (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.55), respectively.
Conclusions
We conducted an exploratory study on environmental exposure and human liver function. By using EWAS methodology, we identified 7 factors that could have potential association with liver function.

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Research Article

Hazards and health problems in occupations dominated by aged workers in South Korea: Jungsun Park, Soo Geun Kim, Jong-shik Park, Boyoung Han, Kab Bae Kim, Yangho Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:27. Published online June 26, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0177-9

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

South Korea’s population is aging more rapidly than any other country. Aging of the productive population will lead to shortage of labor and the decreasing quality of the labor force in South Korea. South Korea needs health care strategies to support the establishment of work environments that are appropriate for elderly workers who have reduced physical capacity. This paper aims to identify occupations that are dominated by aged workers and assess the exposure to hazards and work-related health problems of aged workers in these occupations.

Methods

We identified the 20 occupations in South Korea that employ the most aged workers (at least 55 years-old), among all 149 occupations that are defined as minor categories (identified by three digits) by the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (KSCO). Exposure to hazards and work-related health problems of individuals in these occupations were evaluated by analyzing the results of the fourth Working Conditions Survey of 2014.

Results

Among the 20 occupations that employ the most aged workers, ‘Elementary Occupations’, which the KSCO classifies as major category (9), had the largest proportion of aged workers. After this, there were five occupations of skilled manual workers and six occupations of skilled non-manual workers. Aged workers in elementary and skilled manual occupations reported frequent exposure to job-specific hazards, such as noise, vibrations, high and low temperatures, solvents, and chemicals. Relative to other workers, aged workers in the occupations reported more frequent exposure to ergonomic hazards, such as tiring or painful positions, carrying or moving heavy loads, and repetitive movements, and also reported more work-related musculoskeletal disorders and general fatigue. Injury due to accident was common in machinery-handling occupations.

Conclusion

Job-specific hazards should be reduced to prevent occupation-related disorders in elementary and skilled manual occupations that are dominated by aged workers.

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Research Article

Ambulatory heart rate of professional taxi drivers while driving without their typical psychosocial work stressors: a pilot study: BongKyoo Choi, SangJun Choi, JeeYeon Jeong, JiWon Lee, Shi Shu, Nu Yu, SangBaek Ko, Yifang Zhu; Ann Occup Environ Med 2016;28:54. Published online October 6, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0139-7

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Few studies have examined ambulatory cardiovascular physiological parameters of taxi drivers while driving in relation to their occupational hazards. This study aims to investigate and quantify the impact of worksite physical hazards as a whole on ambulatory heart rate of professional taxi drivers while driving without their typical worksite psychosocial stressors.

Methods

Ambulatory heart rate (HR_driving) of 13 non-smoking male taxi drivers (24 to 67 years old) while driving was continuously assessed on their 6-hour experimental on-road driving in Los Angeles. Percent maximum HR range (PMHR_driving) of the drivers while driving was estimated based on the individual HR_driving values and US adult population resting HR (HR_rest) reference data. For analyses, the HR_driving and PMHR_driving data were split and averaged into 5-min segments. Five physical hazards inside taxi cabs were also monitored while driving. Work stress and work hours on typical work days were self-reported.

Results

The means of the ambulatory 5-min HR_driving and PMHR_driving values of the 13 drivers were 80.5 bpm (11.2 bpm higher than their mean HR_rest) and 10.7 % (range, 5.7 to 19.9 %), respectively. The means were lower than the upper limits of ambulatory HR and PMHR for a sustainable 8-hour work (35 bpm above HR_rest and 30 % PMHR), although 15–27 % of the 5-min HR_driving and PMHR_driving values of one driver were higher than the limits. The levels of the five physical hazards among the drivers were modest: temperature (26.4 ± 3.0 °C), relative humidity (40.7 ± 10.4 %), PM_2.5 (21.5 ± 7.9 μg/m³), CO₂ (1,267.1 ± 580.0 ppm) and noise (69.7 ± 3.0 dBA). The drivers worked, on average, 72 h per week and more than half of them reported that their job were often stressful.

Conclusions

The impact of physical worksite hazards alone on ambulatory HR of professional taxi drivers in Los Angeles generally appeared to be minor. Future ambulatory heart rate studies including both physical and psychosocial hazards of professional taxi drivers are warranted.

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Review

Environmentally induced, occupational diseases with emphasis on chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin affecting tropical countries: Shehani A. Wimalawansa, Sunil J. Wimalawansa; Ann Occup Environ Med 2016;28:33. Published online August 5, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0119-y

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Environmentally induced, occupational diseases are increasing worldwide, especially in rural agricultural communities. Poverty-associated malnutrition, environmental hazards and pollution, and lack of access to clean water, safe sanitation, and modern healthcare facilities are often associated with these chronic illnesses.

Method

The authors systematically reviewed occupational public health issues that have been related to the environment. General interpretations of results were included as per the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Pertinent publications from research databases were reviewed on (A) the risk–benefits, (B) the prevalence of risk factors for various diseases, (C) the benefits of not ignoring the risk factors (i.e., broader evidence), and (D) the risks, effects, and outcomes of different types of interventions. The authors used chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo) as an example to explore the theme. Emphasis was given to the regions with emerging economies and developing countries located in the vicinity of the equator.

Findings

Geographical, socio-economic and aetiological similarities exist for many chronic non-communicable diseases that are affecting tropical countries around the equator. The authors identified manufacturing, mining, and agriculture as the biggest polluters of the environment. In addition, deforestation and associated soil erosion, overuse of agrochemicals, and irresponsible factory discharge (e.g., chemicals and paint, from rubber and textile factories, etc.), all contribute to pollution. To decrease the escalating incidences of environmentally induced diseases, governments should work proactively to protect the environment, especially watersheds, and take steps to minimise harmful occupational exposures and strictly enforce environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Creating public awareness of environmental issues and their relationship to public health is essential. This includes regular monitoring and periodic publication of the quality of water, air and soil; preventing deforestation and man-made soil erosion, increasing forest and ground cover, preventing occupational injuries, judicious and safe use of agrochemicals, sustainable agriculture and development programs, and implementing legislation to protect and conserve water heriage and the environment. These actions are essential both for a healthier environment and for the health of the people who live in that environment. Such measures would also decrease public health threats from such, including global-warming-related erratic environmental changes and the occurrence and the spread of non-communicable diseases, such as CKDmfo.

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Research Article

Acute respiratory symptoms and evacuation-related behavior after exposure to chlorine gas leakage: Sung-Woo Han, Won-Jun Choi, Min-Kee Yi, Seng-Ho Song, Dong-Hoon Lee, Sang-Hwan Han; Ann Occup Environ Med 2016;28:29. Published online July 4, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0115-2

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

A study was performed on the accidental chlorine gas leakage that occurred in a factory of printed circuit boards manufactured without chlorine. Health examination was performed for all 52 workers suspected of exposure to chlorine gas, and their evacuation-related behaviors were observed in addition to analyzing the factors that affected the duration of their acute respiratory symptoms.

Methods

Behavioral characteristics during the incidence of the accidental chlorine gas leakage, the estimated time of exposure, and the duration of subjective acute respiratory symptoms were investigated. In addition, clinical examination, chest radiography, and dental erosion test were performed. As variables that affected the duration of respiratory symptoms, dose group, body weight, age, sex, smoking, work period, and wearing a protective gear were included and analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Of 47 workers exposed to chlorine gas, 36 (77 %) developed more than one subjective symptom. The duration of the subjective symptoms according to exposure level significantly differed, with a median of 1 day (range, 0–5 days) in the low-exposure group and 2 days (range, 0–25 days) in the high-exposure group. Among the variables that affected the duration of the acute respiratory symptoms, which were analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazard model, only exposure level was significant (hazard ratio 2.087, 95 % CI = 1.119, 3.890). Regarding the evacuation-related behaviors, 22 workers (47 %) voluntarily evacuated to a safety zone immediately after recognizing the accidental exposure, but 25 workers (43 %) delayed evacuation until the start of mandatory evacuation (min 5, max 25 min).

Conclusions

The duration of the subjective acute respiratory symptoms significantly differed between the low- and high-exposure groups. Among the 27 workers in the high-exposure group, 17 misjudged the toxicity after being aware of the gas leakage, which is a relatively high number.

Citations

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Migration behavior of chlorine and sulfur during gasification and combustion of biomass and coal
Yuefeng Wang, Yuhong Qin, Stanislav V. Vassilev, Chong He, Christina G. Vassileva, Yuexing Wei
Biomass and Bioenergy.2024; 182: 107080. CrossRef
Acute chlorine poisoning caused by an accident at a swimming pool
Wu Na, Yiran Wang, An Li, Xiaoli Zhu, Changjiang Xue, Qiao Ye
Toxicology and Industrial Health.2021; 37(9): 513. CrossRef
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Jinjing Luo, Mingchang Jin, Lurong Ye, Yinan Cao, Yonggui Yan, Rupeng Du, Ryo Yoshiie, Yasuaki Ueki, Ichiro Naruse, ChinJung Lin, YiYuan Lee
Journal of Hazardous Materials.2019; 377: 132. CrossRef

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Case Report

Acute health effects of accidental chlorine gas exposure: Joo-An Kim, Seong-Yong Yoon, Seong-Yong Cho, Jin-Hyun Yu, Hwa-Sung Kim, Gune-Il Lim, Jin-Seok Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:29-29. Published online October 1, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0029-9

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objectives

This study was conducted to report the course of an accidental release of chlorine gas that occurred in a factory in Gumi-si, South Korea, on March 5, 2013. We describe the analysis results of 2 patients hospitalized because of chlorine-induced acute health problems, as well as the clinical features of 209 non-hospitalized patients.

Methods

We analyzed the medical records of the 2 hospitalized patients admitted to the hospital, as well as the medical records and self-report questionnaires of 209 non-hospitalized patients completed during outpatient treatment.

Results

Immediately after the exposure, the 2 hospitalized patients developed acute asthma-like symptoms such as cough and dyspnea, and showed restrictive and combined pattern ventilatory defects on the pulmonary function test. The case 1 showed asthma-like symptoms over six months and diurnal variability in peak expiratory flow rate was 56.7%. In case 2, his FEV1 after treatment (93%) increased by 25% compared to initial FEV1 (68%). Both cases were diagnosed as chlorine-induced reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) on the basis of these clinical features. The most frequent chief complaints of the 209 non-hospitalized patients were headache (22.7%), followed by eye irritation (18.2%), nausea (11.2%), and sore throat (10.8%), with asymptomatic patients accounting for 36.5%. The multiple-response analysis of individual symptom revealed headache (42.4%) to be the most frequent symptom, followed by eye irritation (30.5%), sore throat (30.0%), cough (29.6%), nausea (27.6%), and dizziness (27.3%).

Conclusions

The 2 patients hospitalized after exposure to chlorine gas at the leakage site showed a clinical course corresponding to RADS. All of the 209 non-hospitalized patients only complained of symptoms of the upper airways and mucous membrane irritation.

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Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Fluoride-Exposed Patients Based on Major Burn Criteria After the 2012 Gumi City Chemical Leak Disaster
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Research Article

Automation of Workplace Lifting Hazard Assessment for Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention: June T Spector, Max Lieblich, Stephen Bao, Kevin McQuade, Margaret Hughes; Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:15-15. Published online June 24, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-26-15

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objectives

Existing methods for practically evaluating musculoskeletal exposures such as posture and repetition in workplace settings have limitations. We aimed to automate the estimation of parameters in the revised United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation, a standard manual observational tool used to evaluate back injury risk related to lifting in workplace settings, using depth camera (Microsoft Kinect) and skeleton algorithm technology.

Methods

A large dataset (approximately 22,000 frames, derived from six subjects) of simultaneous lifting and other motions recorded in a laboratory setting using the Kinect (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and a standard optical motion capture system (Qualysis, Qualysis Motion Capture Systems, Qualysis AB, Sweden) was assembled. Error-correction regression models were developed to improve the accuracy of NIOSH lifting equation parameters estimated from the Kinect skeleton. Kinect-Qualysis errors were modelled using gradient boosted regression trees with a Huber loss function. Models were trained on data from all but one subject and tested on the excluded subject. Finally, models were tested on three lifting trials performed by subjects not involved in the generation of the model-building dataset.

Results

Error-correction appears to produce estimates for NIOSH lifting equation parameters that are more accurate than those derived from the Microsoft Kinect algorithm alone. Our error-correction models substantially decreased the variance of parameter errors. In general, the Kinect underestimated parameters, and modelling reduced this bias, particularly for more biased estimates. Use of the raw Kinect skeleton model tended to result in falsely high safe recommended weight limits of loads, whereas error-corrected models gave more conservative, protective estimates.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that it may be possible to produce reasonable estimates of posture and temporal elements of tasks such as task frequency in an automated fashion, although these findings should be confirmed in a larger study. Further work is needed to incorporate force assessments and address workplace feasibility challenges. We anticipate that this approach could ultimately be used to perform large-scale musculoskeletal exposure assessment not only for research but also to provide real-time feedback to workers and employers during work method improvement activities and employee training.

Citations

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sEMG Spectral Analysis and Machine Learning Algorithms Are Able to Discriminate Biomechanical Risk Classes Associated with Manual Material Liftings
Leandro Donisi, Deborah Jacob, Lorena Guerrini, Giuseppe Prisco, Fabrizio Esposito, Mario Cesarelli, Francesco Amato, Paolo Gargiulo
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Using real-time feedback of L5/S1 compression force based on markerless optical motion capture to improve the lifting technique in manual materials handling
Christopher Brandl, Oliver Brunner, Pietro Marzaroli, Tobias Hellig, Laura Johnen, Alexander Mertens, Marco Tarabini, Verena Nitsch
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.2022; 91: 103350. CrossRef
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Daniel J. Smith, Valerie Mac, Lisa M. Thompson, Laura Plantinga, Lauren Kasper, Vicki S. Hertzberg
Workplace Health & Safety.2022; 70(5): 251. CrossRef
A Logistic Regression Model for Biomechanical Risk Classification in Lifting Tasks
Leandro Donisi, Giuseppe Cesarelli, Edda Capodaglio, Monica Panigazzi, Giovanni D’Addio, Mario Cesarelli, Francesco Amato
Diagnostics.2022; 12(11): 2624. CrossRef
The role of machine learning in the primary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A scoping review
Victor C.H. Chan, Gwyneth B. Ross, Allison L. Clouthier, Steven L. Fischer, Ryan B. Graham
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Leandro Donisi, Giuseppe Cesarelli, Armando Coccia, Monica Panigazzi, Edda Maria Capodaglio, Giovanni D’Addio
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Decibel P. Elpa, Gurpur Rakesh D. Prabhu, Shu-Pao Wu, Kheng Soo Tay, Pawel L. Urban
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Runyu L. Greene, Yu Hen Hu, Nicholas Difranco, Xuan Wang, Ming-Lun Lu, Stephen Bao, Jia-Hua Lin, Robert G. Radwin
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Research Article

Acute Symptoms in Firefighters who Participated in Collection Work after the Community Hydrogen Fluoride Spill Accident: Seong-Yong Cho, Kuck-Hyun Woo, Jin-Seok Kim, Seong-Yong Yoon, Joo-Yong Na, Jin-Hyun Yu, Yong-Bae Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:36-36. Published online November 28, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-36

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between clinical status and work characteristics of firefighters and other public officers who engaged on collection duties in the site of the hydrogen fluoride spill that occurred on September 27, 2012, in Gumi City, South Korea.

Methods

We investigated the clinical status, personal history, and work characteristics of the study subjects and performed physical examination and several clinical examinations, including chest radiography, echocardiography, pulmonary function test, and blood testing in 348 firefighters, police officers, volunteer firefighters, and special warfare reserved force who worked at the hydrogen fluoride spill area.

Results

The subjects who worked near the accident site more frequently experienced eye symptoms (p = 0.026), cough (p = 0.017), and headache (p = 0.003) than the subjects who worked farther from the accident site. The longer the working hours at the accident area, the more frequently the subjects experienced pulmonary (p = 0.027), sputum (p = 0.043), and vomiting symptoms (p = 0.003). The subjects who did not wear respiratory protective devices more frequently experienced dyspnea than those who wore respiratory protective devices (p = 0.013). In the pulmonary function test, the subjects who worked near the accident site had a higher decease in forced vital capacity than the subjects who worked farther from the site (p = 0.019); however, no statistical association was found between serum calcium/phosphate level, echocardiography result, chest radiographic result, and probation work characteristics.

Conclusions

The subjects who worked near the site of the hydrogen fluoride spill, worked for an extended period, or worked without wearing respiratory protective devices more frequently experienced upper/lower respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. Further follow-up examination is needed for the workers who were exposed to hydrogen fluoride during their collection duties in the chemical plant in Gumi City.

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Research Article

Acute Symptoms after a Community Hydrogen Fluoride Spill: Joo-Yong Na, Kuck-Hyun Woo, Seong-Yong Yoon, Seong-Yong Cho, In-Ung Song, Joo-An Kim, Jin-Seok Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:17-17. Published online September 19, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-17

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Objectives

This study was conducted to describe the demographic characteristics, and clinical signs and symptoms of patients who visited a general hospital because of the release of chemically hazardous hydrogen fluoride that occurred on September 27, 2012 in Gumi City, Korea.

Methods

The medical records at 1 general hospital 9 km from the accident site were reviewed using a standardized survey format. There were 1,890 non-hospitalized and 12 hospitalized patients exposed to hydrogen fluoride between September 27 and October 13 2012.

Results

Among the 12 hospitalized patients, 11 were discharged within 1 week and the other was hospitalized for 10 days. The chief complaints were respiratory symptoms such as hemoptysis and shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic symptoms, sore throat, and lip burn.

The number of non-hospitalized patients exhibited a bimodal distribution, peaking on the first and twelfth days after the accident. Their chief complaints were sore throat (24.1%), headache (19.1%), cough (13.1%), and eye irritation (9.2%); some patients were asymptomatic (6.2%). Patients who visited the hospital within 3 days (early patients) of the spill more often had shortness of breath (27.0%) and nausea (6.3%) as the chief complaints than patients who visited after 3 days (late patients) (3.5% and 2.6%, respectively). However, cough and rhinorrhea were more common in the late patients (14.0% and 3.3%, respectively) than in the early patients (5.0% and 0.0%, respectively). Patients who were closer to the accident site more often had shortness of breath and sputum as the chief complaints than patients who were farther away. The mean serum calcium concentration was 9.37 mg/dL (range: 8.4–11.0 mg/dL); none of the patients had a decreased serum calcium level. Among 48 pulmonary function test results, 4 showed decreased lung function. None of the patients had abnormal urine fluoride levels on the eighth day after exposure.

Conclusions

Patients hospitalized due to chemical hazard release of hydrogen fluoride had acute respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic health problems. Non-hospitalized patients have acute symptoms mainly related to upper respiratory irritation.

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Research Article

Hazard Classification of Household Chemical Products in Korea according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labeling of Chemicals: Kyung-Hee Kim, Dae-Jong Song, Myeong-Hyun Yu, Yuon-Shin Park, Hye-Ran Noh, Hae-Joon Kim, Jae-Wook Choi; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:11-11. Published online July 16, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-11

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Objectives

This study was conducted to review the validity of the need for the application of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) to household chemical products in Korea. The study also aimed to assess the severity of health and environmental hazards of household chemical products using the GHS.

Methods

135 products were classified as ‘cleaning agents and polishing agents’ and 98 products were classified as ‘bleaches, disinfectants, and germicides.’ The current status of carcinogenic classification of GHS and carcinogenicity was examined for 272 chemical substances contained in household chemical products by selecting the top 11 products for each of the product categories. In addition, the degree of toxicity was assessed through analysis of whether the standard of the Republic of Korea’s regulations on household chemical products had been exceeded or not.

Results

According to GHS health and environmental hazards, “acute toxicity (oral)” was found to be the highest for two product groups, ‘cleaning agents and polishing agents’, and ‘bleaches, disinfectants, and germicides’ (result of classification of 233 household chemical products) at 37.8% and 52.0% respectively. In an analysis of carcinogenicity assuming a threshold of IARC 2B for the substances in household chemical products, we found ‘cleaning agents and polishing agents’ to contain 12 chemical substances and ‘bleaches, disinfectants, and germicides’ 11 chemical substances.

Conclusion

Some of the household chemical products were found to have a high hazard level including acute toxicity and germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Establishing a hazard information delivery system including the application of GHS to household chemical products in Korea is urgent as well.

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Original Article

Relationship between Workplace Physical and Chemical Hazard Exposures and Mental Health Problems in Korea: Kee Ock Joh, Tae Jun Park, Jae Il Oh, Do Myung Paek, Jung Sun Park, Sung Il Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(3):287-297. Published online September 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.3.287

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OBJECTIVES
Mental health and work efficiency are adversely affected by exposure to physical and chemical hazards in the workplace. This study is the first large scale evaluation of the relationship between physical and chemical hazard exposure in the workplace in relation to the mental health of Korean workers.
METHODS
A national survey of a random sample of workers (n=10,043) was conducted between June and September 2006 in Korea. Physical and chemical hazards in the workplace were considered if exposure occurred over more than a quarter of the time spent at work. Mental health problems were defined as work-related depression, anxiety or insomnia. We analyzed whether physical and chemical hazards were independent risk factors for work-related mental health problems by multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, gender, employment type, education, occupation, duty schedule, work hours, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
RESULTS
The mean age of surveyed workers was 42 years and 58% were male. A total of 7.8% of workers had work-related mental health problems. Exposure to high temperature, mist, fumes, dust, chemicals, and radiation were associated with an increased risk of work-related mental health problems.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reaffirmed that physical and chemical hazard exposure in the workplace significantly elevates the risk of work-related mental health problems.

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Association between physical hazardous agent exposure and mental health in the Korean working population: the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Daeil Kwon, Kyeongmin Kwak, Kiook Baek, Youngchan Chi, Sewhan Na, Jong-Tae Park
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Use of Frequency Analysis of Exposure of Hazards by Occupations: Findings from the Third and Fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey
Soon-Chan Kwon
Soonchunhyang Medical Science.2019; 25(1): 37. CrossRef
Factors Associated with Depression among Workers by Socio-economic Factors, Health Behaviors, and Characteristics of Work Environment
Hyunkyung Lee, Minsung Sohn, Mankyu Choi
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2013; 30(5): 125. CrossRef

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Original Article

The occupational hazards of interns & residents during training: Hye Ran Song, Jin Ha Kim, Joo Hyun Byeon, Kaung Young Lee, Duck Hi Lee, Ho Chan Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):213-223. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.213

Abstract PDF

OBJECTS: Residents are exposed to various hazards and harassed by sleep deficiency due to overwork. This study was performed to outline the health condition of residents and develop the ways of improving it.
METHODS
A questionnaire was distributed to 881 army doctors who enrolled at the Korea Third Military Academy and The Armed Force Health Service School in 2000 with the exception of medical doctors who joined the armed service without going through intern and resident periods , dental and oriental medical doctors. 784 (89.0%) of the 881 questionnaires were returned of which 704 cases (79.9%). This should actually be 89.0% were regarded for analyses as being reliable data.
RESULTS
More than 20% of residents were exposed to radiation, laser, disinfectants, anesthetic gas, and anticancer drugs during their training periods with preventive measures for each of these hazards taken in about 10% of the cases of the lesser hazards but in about 35% for the hazards from radiation and laser. 91.1% of residents had experience of needlestick injuries during their training periods with over 36.3% being exposed to patients with infection during that time. The cases contracting HBV and HCV diseases due to pricking are 2.3 and 0.6% respectively. The average number of night duties per month during a one-year resident's period was about 19. The average sleeping time on duty during a one-year residents was less than 4 hours .28.4% of respondents were not satisfied with their occupation, 96.5% felt tired from overwork and 69.5% wanted to change their occupation to another that would pay the same salary.
CONCLUSION
Residents are exposed to harmful physical , chemical and biological factors, but the preventive care seldom undertaken. In addition, their overwork brings about lack of sleep which causes them problems when giving medical treatment to patients during their training periods. Despite the resident's interest in an occupation as a doctor, many intend to select other occupations if they can receive the same salary. According to the above results, preventative systems and measures should be prepared with environmental improvements for residents, and proper rewards for their overwork should be accomplished.

Citations

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Mental Health of Healthcare Workers who Experience Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
Jang‐Wook Sohn, Byoung‐Gwon Kim, Soo‐Hyun Kim, Changsu Han
Journal of Occupational Health.2006; 48(6): 474. CrossRef

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Original Article

A Study on Health Hazards of Cold Exposed Workers: Ho Chu Park, Seol Mi Jung, Deog Hwan Moon, Jong Tae Lee, Dae Hwan Kim, Jung Ho Kim, Jae Il Choi, Yong Shik Hwang, Yong Hee Lee, Chae Un Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(1):80-94. Published online March 31, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.1.80

Abstract PDF

In order to evaluate the status of cold exposure and its health hazards of workers at cold storage workplaces and to provide basic data for effective health care, the author measured core temperature and also observed clinical symptoms and signs, past and present history, and general health examination data on 99 cold exposed workers for exposure group and 96 non-exposed workers for control group working at 2 food refrigerating companies in Pusan area from January 6, 1998 to February 24, 1998. The results were as follows : 1. There was statistically significant difference in water intake between the exposure and control group and increased urine volume, urine frequency in exposure group without statistically significant difference. 2. Past and present illness in exposure group were hypertension (18.2%), hepatopathy(8. 1%). gastro-intestinal disease(7. 1%). arthritis (4.0%), intervertebral disc herniation(4.0%). and so on, and hypertension, arthritis was statistically significant difference compared to control group. 3. Symptoms inexposure group were. fatigue(89.9%), headache (64.6%), drowsy(63.6%), neck stiffness(59.6%), excessive food intake (59.6%). general weakness(58.6%), hunger(58. 6%), numbness(54. 5%), and so on, and there was statistically significant difference between the exposure and control group except fatigue, drowsy. 4. As results of clinical test abnormality rate of the systolic, diastolic blood pressure and electrocardiogram were significantly higher in exposed group that control. 5. Core temperature in exposure group was statistically significantly lower than control group and the highest statistically significant inverse correlation with the working hours and working frequency of daily mean cold storage. As above results, the author suggested that the further studies should be conducted to evaluate the health status of workers about chronic health effects in cold workplaces and to establish effective health care methods for them.

Citations

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Physiological Reaction to Work in Cold Microclimate
Alicja Bortkiewicz, Elżbieta Gadzicka, Wiesław Szymczak, Agata Szyjkowska, Wiesława Koszada-Włodarczyk, Teresa Makowiec-Dąbrowska
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health.2006;[Epub] CrossRef
The Relationship between Cold Exposure and Hypertension
Joon‐Youn Kim, Kap‐Yeol Jung, Young‐Seoub Hong, Jung‐Il Kim, Tae‐Won Jang, Jung‐Man Kim
Journal of Occupational Health.2003; 45(5): 300. CrossRef

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