Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Review

Medical certification in sickness benefit scheme (II): practical approaches for evaluating work disability: Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e24. Published online July 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e24

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material: Work disability evaluation plays a central role in medical certification in sickness benefit schemes. This guides effective decision making for return-to-work timelines. Countries that incorporate it have varied approaches. To improve fairness and consistency, Sweden adopted disease-specific guidelines, particularly for complex health conditions such as mental disorders, cancer, and neurological diseases, whereas in the United Kingdom, a fit note system highlights the ease of fitness-for-work assessments in clinical settings. For a successful implementation of the sickness benefit scheme in Korea, it is essential to review international acumen in work disability evaluation and medical certification. This study also examines challenges that physicians face in certification, factors influencing assessments, and the usefulness of disease-specific guidelines. In many countries, administrative burdens, uncertainty in diagnosis, and ethical conflicts complicate physicians' tasks. Countries such as Sweden, France, and Ireland, have addressed these issues by developing structured certification tools and support systems. Learnings from the recent Korean pilot programs, this review identifies the following core priorities: developing disease-specific guidelines, providing clinical support for physicians’ decisions, and integrating occupational health expertise. These guidelines should function not only as administrative checklists, but also as potential clinical tools that consider both patient functionality and job characteristics. Finally, this study offers policy and practical insights to help design a consistent and fair medical certification system for Korea’s sickness benefit program that encourages timely medical intervention, prevents presenteeism, and promotes sustainable workforce reintegration.; 상병수당 제도에서의 의료인증체계(2): 근로능력 평가의 실제
근로능력 평가는 상병수당 의료인증체계에서 가장 핵심적인 요소로, 근로활동불가기간을 정확히 산정하여 근로자의 적절한 직장복귀를 지원한다. 국가마다 근로능력 평가 방식은 상이하며, 형평성과 일관성을 제고하기 위해 스웨덴 등은 질병별 가이드라인을 도입하였다. 특히 스웨덴은 정신질환, 암, 신경계 질환과 같이 평가가 어려운 질병군까지 포함하는 포괄적인 지침을 보유하고 있다. 영국의 핏 노트 제도는 업무적합성 평가를 임상 현장에서 어떻게 적용할 수 있는지에 대한 구체적 사례를 제공한다.
한국의 상병수당 제도가 성공적으로 도입되기 위해서는, 근로능력 평가와 상병수당 의료인증에 관한 국제적 경험을 고찰하는 것이 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 의료인증 과정에서 의사가 겪는 어려움, 근로능력 평가에 영향을 미치는 요인, 질병별 가이드라인의 활용 가능성 등을 함께 분석하였다. 여러 나라에서 진단 불확실성, 행정 부담, 윤리적 갈등 등으로 인해 의료진이 인증 업무에 어려움을 겪고 있으며, 스웨덴·프랑스·아일랜드 등은 이를 해결하기 위해 구조화된 인증 도구와 지원 체계를 마련하고 있다.
한국의 시범사업 경험을 바탕으로, 본 논문은 질병별 가이드라인 개발, 임상의의 의사결정 지원 체계 마련, 직업보건 전문성의 제도적 통합을 제시하고자 하였다. 이러한 지침은 단순한 행정 문서가 아닌, 환자의 기능과 직무 특성을 반영한 임상 도구로서 기능해야 할 것이다.

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Review

Medical certification in sickness benefit schemes (I): theoretical perspectives and return-to-work: Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e23. Published online July 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e23

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

This study explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of medical certification within the sickness benefit systems, particularly in the context of Korea’s pilot program and its planned national rollout. While sickness benefit systems have long existed in many Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, Korea has only recently initiated pilot projects, largely prompted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. These systems aim to compensate for income loss due to illness or injury, and medical certification plays a central role in determining eligibility and work ability. This study defines medical certification as a two-stage process: clinical diagnosis and formal assessment of a worker’s ability to return-to-work. The dual nature highlights the distinct objectives of the medical treatment and social security policies. Drawing on international practices, this study reviews the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a key global framework for assessing disability and work ability, although it acknowledges the limitations of its application to sickness benefits. The research emphasizes a shift in global trends toward return-to-work–oriented certification models, such as the UK’s “fit note” system, which focuses on evaluating fitness-for-work rather than merely documenting illness. Sweden and Japan also offer models that integrate rehabilitation with flexible work accommodations. Three key issues were identified in Korea’s system: the role of medical certification and concerns about moral hazard, the burden of proof and workload on physicians, and public perceptions of the program’s purpose. We believe that medical certification should not only verify illness but also support early intervention and a healthy workforce. Ultimately, this study advocates for a balanced and efficient medical certification system tailored to Korea’s healthcare context closely aligning with labor market policies to ensure long-term sustenance and integration of the sickness benefit program.

상병수당 제도에서의 의료인증체계(1): 이론적 배경과 직장복귀
본 연구는 한국의 시범사업과 향후 전국적 시행을 앞둔 상황에서 상병수당 제도에서 의료인증의 이론적 기반과 실제적 적용을 살펴보고자 하였다. 상병수당 제도는 많은 OECD 국가에서 오래전부터 시행되어 왔으나, 한국에서는 COVID-19 팬데믹을 계기로 최근에야 시범사업이 시작되었다. 이 제도는 질병이나 부상으로 인한 소득 상실을 보상하는 것을 목적으로 하며, 의료증명은 수급 자격 및 업무 수행 능력을 판단하는 핵심적 요소이다.
의료인증은 진단이라는 1단계와, 업무복귀 가능성을 공식적으로 평가하는 2단계로 구성되며, 이는 의료적 목적과 사회보장 정책 목적의 차이를 드러낸다. 국제적 관행을 참고하여, 본 연구는 장애 및 업무능력 평가의 세계적 기준인 ‘기능장애건강국제분류(ICF)’를 검토하되, 이를 상병수당에 적용하는 데 있어 한계점도 지적한다. 연구는 세계적으로 ‘복귀 중심(return-to-work)’ 의료증명 체계로의 전환이 이루어지고 있음을 강조한다. 예를 들어, 영국의 ‘핏 노트(fit note)’ 제도는 단순한 질병 증명에서 벗어나 업무수행 가능성을 평가하는 방식이다. 스웨덴과 일본은 재활과 유연한 업무조정을 포함한 모델을 운영 중이다.
한국 제도 설계에서 중요한 세 가지 이슈는 의료인증의 역할과 도덕적 해이 우려, 의료진의 입증 책임 및 행정 부담, 그리고 제도 목적에 대한 대중의 오해이다. 본 연구는 의료적 증명이 단순한 질병 확인을 넘어 조기 개입과 건강한 노동력 유지로 이어져야 한다고 주장한다.
궁극적으로 본 연구는 한국의 의료이용 환경에 적합하고 노동시장 정책과 조화를 이루는, 균형 있고 효율적인 의료증명 체계의 구축을 제안한다. 이는 상병수당 제도의 지속 가능성과 신뢰성을 확보하는 데 핵심적인 요소다.

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Medical certification in sickness benefit scheme (II): practical approaches for evaluating work disability
Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e24. CrossRef

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Original Article

Analyzing decline in quality of life by examining employment status changes of occupationally injured workers post medical care: Won-Tae Lee, Sung-Shil Lim, Min-Seok Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e17. Published online July 18, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e17

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background

This study aimed to investigate the decline in quality of life (QOL) by examining changes in the employment status of workers who had completed medical treatment after an industrial accident.

Methods

This study utilized the Panel Study of Worker’s Compensation Insurance cohort (published in October 2020) containing a sample survey of 3,294 occupationally injured workers who completed medical care in 2017. We divided this population into four groups according to changes in working status. A multivariate logistic regression model was utilized for evaluating QOL decline by adjusting for the basic characteristics and working environment at the time of accident. Subgroup analysis evaluated whether QOL decline differed according to disability grade and industry group.

Results

The QOL decline in the “maintained employment,” “employed to unemployed,” “remained unemployed,” and “unemployed to employed” groups were 15.3%, 28.1%, 20.2%, and 11.9%, respectively. The “maintained employment” group provided a reference. As a result of adjusting for the socioeconomic status and working environment, the odds ratios (ORs) of QOL decline for the “employed to unemployed” group and the “remained unemployed” group were 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–3.01) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.13–1.90), respectively. The “unemployed to employed” group had a non-significant OR of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.54–1.07).

Conclusions

This study revealed that continuous unemployment or unstable employment negatively affected industrially injured workers’ QOL. Policy researchers and relevant ministries should further develop and improve “return to work” programs that could maintain decent employment avenues within the workers’ compensation system.

한국 산업재해 근로자의 요양 종료 후 고용상태의 변화와 삶의 질 저하와의 관계 분석
목적
산업재해 근로자의 요양 이후 직업 복귀와 삶의 질에 대한 사안은 이전부터 큰 사회적 관심사였다. 하지만 요양 종결 이후의 경제활동상태의 종적인 변화와 삶의 질과 연관시킨 연구는 거의 없다. 본 연구는 산업재해 후 요양을 마친 근로자의 고용상태 변화를 조사하여 삶의 질(QOL) 저하를 조사하는 것을 목적으로 하였다.
방법
본 연구는 2017년에 요양을 마친 3,294명의 산업재해 근로자를 대상으로 한 산재보험패널조사의 자료를 활용하였다. 우리는 이 산재노동자 인구를 근로 상태의 변화에 따라 ”고용 상태 유지”, ”고용에서 미취업 상태”, ”미취업 상태 유지” 및 ”미취업에서 고용 상태”의 4개 그룹으로 나누었다. 다변량 로지스틱 회귀모형은 기본 특성과 산업재해 당시의 작업환경을 보정하여 삶의 질 저하를 평가하는데 활용하였다. 하위집단 분석은 장애등급과 산업군에 따라 삶의 질 저하가 다른 지를 평가하였다.
결과
“고용 상태 유지”, ”고용에서 미취업 상태”, ”미취업 상태 유지” 및 ”미취업에서 고용 상태” 그룹의 삶의 질 감소 비율은 각각 15.3%, 28.1%, 20.2%, 그리고 11.9%이었다. 고용 상태를 유지한 그룹을 기준으로 하였을 때 사회경제적 상태와 근로환경을 보정한 결과 “고용에서 미취업 상태” 집단과 “미취업 상태 유지” 집단의 삶의 질 하락의 오즈비는 2.13 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.51–3.01)과 1.47로 분석되었다. (95% 신뢰구간: 1.13–1.90). "미취업에서 고용 상태" 그룹은 유의하지 않은 오즈비 0.76(95% 신뢰구간: 0.54–1.07)을 가졌다.
결론
본 연구에서는 지속적인 실업과 불안정한 고용이 산업재해 근로자의 삶의 질에 부정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 높은 장해등급, 건설업종의 경우 위험성이 더 높다. 정책 연구자와 관련 부처는 산업재해 보상 시스템 내에서 적절한 고용 수단을 유지할 수 있는 프로그램의 개발 노력이 필요함을 시사한다.

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Work Performance Among Workers without Disabilities after Industrial Accidents: A Longitudinal Study
Chong Min Hong
The Open Public Health Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Self-Esteem Trajectories After Occupational Injuries and Diseases and Their Relation to Changes in Subjective Health: Result From the Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (PSWCI)
Seong-Uk Baek, Won-Tae Lee, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Macro Aspect of Quality of Life Can Be Affected by Occupational Accidents, a Macro Vision for Managers
Farahnaz Khajehnasiri, Vida Zaroushani
Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology.2023; 12(3): 130. CrossRef
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Daniela Acquadro Maran, Antonella Varetto, Cristina Civilotti, Nicola Magnavita
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Case Report

An aggravated return-to-work case of organic solvent induced chronic toxic encephalopathy: Sangyun Seo, Jungwon Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:27. Published online April 27, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0232-1

Abstract PDF

Background

Organic solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) is known as a non-progressive disorder that does not progress after diagnosis. The authors present a case those symptoms worsened after continued exposure to organic solvent after returning to work. Because such a case has not been reported in South Korea to the best of our knowledge, we intend to report this case along with literature review.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old man, who performed painting job at a large shipyard for 20 years, was receiving hospital treatment mainly for depression. During the inpatient treatment, severe cognitive impairment was identified, and he visited the occupational and environmental medicine outpatient clinic for assessing work relatedness. In 1984, at the age of 27, he began performing touch-up and spray painting as a shipyard painter. Before that he had not been exposure to any neurotoxic substances. In 2001, at the age of 44, after 15 years of exposure to mixed solvents including toluene, xylene and others, he was diagnosed with CTE International Solvent Workshop (ISW) type 2A. After 7 years of sick leave, he returned to work in 2006. And he repeated return-to-work and sick leave in the same job due to worsening of depressive symptoms. He had worked four times (2006–2010, 2011–2011, 2011–2011, 2016–2017) for a total of 5 years as a shipyard painter after first compensation. During the return-to-work period, the mean values of the mixed solvent index ranged from 0.57 to 2.15, and except for a one semiannual period, all mean values were above the standard value of 1. We excluded other diseases that can cause cognitive impairment like central nervous system diseases, brain injury, psychological diseases and metabolic diseases with physical examinations, laboratory tests, and brain image analysis. And finally, throughout neuropsychological tests, an overall deterioration in cognitive function was identified compared to 2002, and the deterioration types was similar to that often shown in the case of CTE; thus a diagnosis of CTE (ISW) type 3 was made.

Conclusion

This case is showing that CTE can go on with continued exposure to mixed solvents. Appropriate “fitness to work” should be taken to prevent disease deterioration especially for the sick leave workers.

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Research Article

Factors related to the physician and the employer influencing successful return to work in Korea: results from the first panel study of workers’ compensation insurance (PSWCI): Wanhyung Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Hongdeok Seok, June-Hee Lee, Jong-Uk Won; Ann Occup Environ Med 2015;27:27. Published online December 11, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-015-0076-x

Abstract PDF

Objectives

This study aims to investigate associated factors including the physician and the employer of successful return to work (RTW) in occupationally injured workers.

Methods

This study is based on the first panel study of workers’ compensation insurance (PSWCI), published in June 2014. The PSWCI is a sample survey of occupationally injured workers who completed medical care in 2012 (89,921 people). A total of 2000 subjects were sampled based on sex, age, nine metropolitan-based regions, disability ratings, duration of rehabilitation, and whether vocational rehabilitation service was used. We divided the study population into two groups: return to work (RTW) group (job retention, reemployment, unpaid family worker, and self-employment), and non-RTW group (joblessness and economical inactivity). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) related to differences in basic characteristics, part of physician and employer-related factors between those who succeeded to RTW and those who did not were measured using multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

The success of RTW is 70.6 % (n = 1412) among participants. The ORs (95 % CI) of the participants belonging to RTW who received periodic recovery assessment from the medical care institution and the physician are 1.51 (1.07–2.13). The ORs (95 % CI) are 1.68 (1.05–2.69) for the RTW group who received work ability assessment and referral for vocational return. When the employer maintains the relationship with the occupationally injured worker, the worker has 1.39 times higher odds (95 % CI: 1.41–2.26) of the RTW group compared to the non-RTW group.

Conclusions

The physician and the employer have a significant impact on the RTW.

Citations

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Relationship between workers’ return to work, job retention and income in industrial accidents in Korea: a longitudinal study
Suk Won Bae, Inchul Jeong, Jin-Ha Yoon, Seung Wook Lee, Tae Hyun Kim, Jong-Uk Won
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Effect of professional certification on employees’ return-to-work rate after occupational injuries in Korea: focusing on vulnerable groups
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The Influence of Social Support and Social Integration Factors on Return to Work Outcomes for Individuals with Work-Related Injuries: A Systematic Review
Codi White, Rebecca A. Green, Samantha Ferguson, Sarah L. Anderson, Caroline Howe, Jing Sun, Nicholas Buys
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Suk Won Bae, Sarah Soyeon Oh, Wha Me Park, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
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Suk Won Bae, Sehyun Yun, Ye Seol Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
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Jongin Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
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Research Article

The effects of individual, occupational, and supportive factors on successful return to work using a structural equation model: Jongin Lee, Min Choi, Sung Hye Park, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Hye-Eun Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2015;27:21. Published online August 28, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-015-0070-3

Abstract PDF

Objectives

We aimed to ascertain the relationship between several factors and successful return to work using a structural equation model.

Methods

We used original data from the Panel Study of Worker’s Compensation Insurance, and defined four latent variables as occupational, individual, supportive, and successful return to work. Each latent variable was defined by its observed variables, including age, workplace size, and quality of the medical services. A theoretical model in which all latent variables had a relationship was suggested. After examining the model, we modified some pathways that were not significant or did not fit, and selected a final structural equation model that had the highest goodness of fit.

Results

All three latent variables (occupational, individual, and supportive) showed statistically significant relationships with successful return to work. The occupational and supportive factors had relationships with each other, but there was no relationship between individual and the other factors. Nearly all observed variables had significance with their latent variables. The correlation coefficients from the latent variables to successful return to work were statistically significant and the indices for goodness of fit were satisfactory. In particular, four observed variables—handicap level, duration of convalescence, working duration, and support from the company—showed construct validities with high correlation coefficients.

Conclusions

All factors that we examined are related to successful return to work. We should focus on the supportive factor the most because its variables are modifiable to promote a return to work by those injured in their workplace.

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Original Article

Predictors of Return to Work and Job Retention after Work-Related Injury or Illness: Hee Tae Kang, Hyoung June Im, Yong Kyu Kim, Young Su Ju, Hwa Pyung Lee, Jeong Min Kim, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):221-231. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.221

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This research was conducted to investigate workers'return to work rate after work-related injury or illness and to determine which factors could predict return to work and job retention.
METHODS
From the documents held by the six local branches of the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWP), 2,464 cases of work-related injury or illness which had telephone numbers were identified from September to December, 2003. Data about the employment status was gained from 921 occupationally injured workers through telephone questionnaire and was merged with the electronic data obtained from KLWP with included information of the workers whose worker's compensation period was ended from 2002 to 2004. Finally the data for 516 workers was analysed by logistic regression using SAS 9.0.
RESULTS
The return to work rate was 50.3% and the job retention rate was 28.3%. Decreased return to work rate was associated with old age, shorter employment duration, longer treatment duration, higher disability grade, lower average wage and manual worker. Decreased job retention rate was associated with a smaller number of employees, shorter employment duration and work in the construction industry.
CONCLUSIONS
This research highlighted the numerous occupationally injured workers who couldn't return to work and the multiple factors that were associated with the return to work or job retention. Based on this and related research, rehabilitation programs which consider the issues of return to work and job retention have to be implemented.

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Gayeong Eom, Seonjae Been, Haewon Byeon
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(13): 7822. CrossRef
A Study on Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults in Korea Using Big Data: A Systematic Review
Sanghun Nam, Suyeong Bae, Ickpyo Hong
Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2022; 47(1): 1. CrossRef
Relationship between workers’ return to work, job retention and income in industrial accidents in Korea: a longitudinal study
Suk Won Bae, Inchul Jeong, Jin-Ha Yoon, Seung Wook Lee, Tae Hyun Kim, Jong-Uk Won
BMJ Open.2021; 11(4): e039948. CrossRef
Changes in Income after an Industrial Accident According to Industry and Return-to-Work Status
Suk Won Bae, Sarah Soyeon Oh, Wha Me Park, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(14): 2603. CrossRef
Pre-injury job characteristics and return to work among injured workers in South Korea: differences by socio-demographic and injury-related characteristics
Soo Kyung Park, Chung Kwon Lee
Disability and Rehabilitation.2019; 41(6): 691. CrossRef
Impacts of Return-to-Work Type and Period on Job Retention in Workers with Occupational Injuries and Diseases
Inchul Jeong, Jae Bum Park, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won, Jaehoon Roh
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Prediction of Return-to-original-work after an Industrial Accident Using Machine Learning and Comparison of Techniques
Jongin Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Income Changes Due to Disability Ratings and Participation in Economic Activities Caused by Industrial Accidents: A Population-Based Study of Data from the Fourth Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (PSWCI)
Suk Won Bae, Sehyun Yun, Ye Seol Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(11): 2478. CrossRef
The effects of individual, occupational, and supportive factors on successful return to work using a structural equation model
Jongin Lee, Min Choi, Sung Hye Park, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Hye-Eun Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Statistical analysis of economic activity state of workers with industrial injuries using a competing risk model
Gippeum Doh, Sooyeon Kim, Yang-Jin Kim
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Wanhyung Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Hongdeok Seok, June-Hee Lee, Jong-Uk Won
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Journal of Korean Medical Science.2012; 27(Suppl): S47. CrossRef

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Original Article

Predictors of Return to Work in Occupational Injured Workers: Won Mee Jeong, Chung Yill Park, Jung Wan Koo, Young man Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(2):119-131. Published online June 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.2.119

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
In order to obtain information useful in setting up occupational rehabilitation programs, an evaluation was conducted to determine predictive factors of workers' return to work after an occupational injury.
METHODS
13, 903 records of registered occupationally injured cases identified to have received disability compensation in 1998 were collected from the 36 branch of Korean Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC). Through simple systematic sampling, a total of 3, 658 cases were selected as final subjects. Status of return to work, general characteristics, workplace characteristics, disability characteristics and disability outcome characteristics were collected from the KLWC and National Health Insurance Corporation records(NHIC). For statistical analyses, chi-square test and stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis were applied using the SAS software package program.
RESULTS
Negatively affecting significant predictive factors for return to work were included the female gender, age of 50 years or older, 6 month or less of work duration, 1 or less family dependents, workplace with 200 or less employees, electric, gas, waterwork companies, foot injuries compared to finger injuries, fall from elevation, high degree of disability claims(1~4 grade), and period of medical care more than 181 days.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the poor rate return to work in occupationally injured workers' is particularly affected by female gender, older-aged employees, and workers employed by electric, gas, waterwork companies. Also, it was more difficult to return to work for workers who received injuries from a fall from elevation and who had longer period of medical care(more than 181days). It is strongly recommended that more efficient and systematic occupational rehabilitation programs be set up, taking into consideration the above mentioned factors.

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Suk Won Bae, Inchul Jeong, Jin-Ha Yoon, Seung Wook Lee, Tae Hyun Kim, Jong-Uk Won
BMJ Open.2021; 11(4): e039948. CrossRef
Pre-injury job characteristics and return to work among injured workers in South Korea: differences by socio-demographic and injury-related characteristics
Soo Kyung Park, Chung Kwon Lee
Disability and Rehabilitation.2019; 41(6): 691. CrossRef
Factors Related to Job Performance of Female Patients with Workplace Injuries by using ICF Model
Min-Jae Lee, Hwan Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2018; 13(2): 21. CrossRef
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Jongin Lee, Min Choi, Sung Hye Park, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Hye-Eun Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors related to the physician and the employer influencing successful return to work in Korea: results from the first panel study of workers’ compensation insurance (PSWCI)
Wanhyung Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Hongdeok Seok, June-Hee Lee, Jong-Uk Won
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Study of the Factors Related to the Labor Market Transition of Job Injured Workers
Hwa-Sook Bae
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2014; 15(12): 7093. CrossRef
Current Situation and Issue of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance
Inah Kim, Jeongbae Rhie, Jo-Duk Yoon, Jinsoo Kim, Jonguk Won
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