Objectives: This study evaluates the work-relatedness of a case of interstitial lung disease in a foreign worker employed at an agricultural machinery manufacturing plant in Gyeonggi-do, Korea. The worker developed persistent cough and dyspnea, leading to a diagnosis of unspecified interstitial lung disease. Methods: Occupational exposure was assessed through industrial hygiene evaluation and lung tissue analysis using electron microscopy. Workplace materials, including abrasives and shot balls, were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Medical records, workplace monitoring, and literature review were conducted following NIOSH guidelines. Results: The worker was exposed to iron oxide dust, ultrafine metal fumes, and silica-containing paint dust. Additionally, high-concentration dust cleaning tasks increased exposure. Lung biopsy revealed alveolar macrophage accumulation and mild interstitial fibrosis, confirming occupational dust exposure. Conclusions: Despite a relatively short employment period, the temporal relationship between work exposure and disease onset supports a work-related association. This case highlights the importance of improved dust control measures, respiratory protection, and continuous monitoring to prevent occupational lung diseases.

Objectives: To evaluate the levels of exposure to organic compounds during tank lorry loading/unloading operations, and identify the causes of exposure. Methods: Personal sample evaluations were conducted for workers transporting tar and light oil at a coking plant of a steel mill in 2021 and 2023 using activated carbon tubes and GC/FID analysis. VOC monitoring was also performed using direct-reading equipment for transporting light oil. Results: The median concentrations that were collected in 2021 for about 30 min for loading operations were 0.327 ppm and 0.035 ppm for benzene and toluene. The geomean concentrations that were collected for a full time work were 0.101 ppm and 0.034 ppm for benzene and toluene in 2023. Exposure levels were significantly higher for transporters compared to safety managers. Light oil operations showed higher exposure levels than tar operations. The peaks of VOCs were detected during pipe connection and disconnection by direct-reading monitor. The amount of exposure during unloading was approximately four times higher than during loading. However, there was no significant correlation between workload and exposure levels. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for exposure management for transport workers, who often fall outside the scope of traditional workplace-level management. Potential improvement measures include upgrading vapor recovery equipment, ensuring adherence to safe work procedures, and considering work environment factors such as wind direction.

Objectives: This study was conducted upon a request from a domestic research institute in 2022 to determine the extent to which researchers may be exposed to thallium (Tl) during a research experiment using thallium compounds. Although it is not a hazardous factor subject to workplace environment measurement, thallium is highly harmful to the human body and an occupational exposure limit (OEL) have been established. An exposure assessment of actual researchers was conducted and management measures were presented. Methods: The measurement and analysis method for thallium were performed according to NMAM (NIOSH, Manual of Analytical Methods) 7302. The measurement was performed using a three-piece cassette equipped with a mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter connected to a high-flow sampling pump with a flexible polyurethane tube. The analysis was performed using an inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). For the evaluation of the time-weighted average, sampling was performed for more than six hours at a flow rate of two L/min, and the sampling flow rate was compensated using a flow compensation device. The average flow rate before and after sampling was used for accurate calculation of the air volume. Conclusions: Although personal exposure assessments for powder injection and growth work were not detected, the area exposure assessment results on the work table evaluated the maximum concentration as 0.0038 mg/m³, confirming the possibility of scattering to the surroundings during work. The personal exposure assessment results for researchers in the post-processing work after interior cleaning of the chamber were evaluated as 0.0110 mg/m³, which exceeded 10% of the occupational exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m³ determined by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value for thallium is 0.02 mg/m³. When evaluated based on this, the personal exposure concentration in the post-processing work after interior cleaning of the chamber was evaluated to exceed 50% of the occupational exposure limit. It was determined that improvement of the work environment is necessary.

Objectives: This study aims to develop an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) guide for the collection, storage and disposal of hazardous waste generated during the manufacture of electronic products. Methods: The guide was developed through a literature review, expert consultations, and field investigations. It focuses on establishing best practices for the proper management of hazardous waste, including its collection, storage, and disposal. Results: Key practices for the collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in electronics manufacturing include: 1) Labelling and segregation of wastes based on chemical compatibility in order to prevent hazardous reactions, 2) use of appropriate leak-proof containers for each type of hazardous waste, 3) regular training on hazardous waste handling with strict adherence to safety protocols, and 4) compliance with local and national regulations for safe and legal disposal. Conclusions: The OSH guide helps protect workers involved in the collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemical waste in the electronics industry and improve health and safety compliance.

The Republic of Korea is the only country in the world with specific legislation that regulates laboratory safety management and accident compensation. Most other countries manage laboratory safety under their respective occupational health and safety laws. In contrast to South Korea, where laboratory safety insurance benefits are available to research workers, including students, under the Act on the Establishment of a Safe Laboratory Environment, accident compensation in other countries (with the exception of Germany and Japan) is generally provided through industrial accident compensation insurance that covers only workers or working students. This study is designed to review the laboratory safety management systems in United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Australia in order to explore the development of safety management models applicable to our country.

Fire incidents can result in widespread health and safety hazards for both the general public and occupational groups such as firefighters, fire investigators, cleanup workers, and insurance adjusters. Based on major fire incidents-including the Gangneung wildfire of 2023, the Logistics Warehouse fire of 2021, and the recent Los Angeles wildfires-this paper describes the critical role of industrial hygienists in mitigating chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Chemical hazards range from toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to heavy metals and asbestos. They can expose individuals to acute respiratory problems and chronic diseases. Physical hazards such as extreme heat, reduced visibility, and structural collapse pose the risk of injury and death. Biological hazards, such as mold and bacterial contamination, can occur in the aftermath of a fire, while ergonomic hazards can result from prolonged use of personal protective equipment and physically demanding tasks. In addition, social and psychological issues - including stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - can affect both responders and affected communities. Industrial hygienists play a key role in all phases of a fire, assessing on-site exposures, recommending appropriate personal protective equipment, monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality, and orchestrating decontamination and long-term health surveillance. Through a multifaceted approach that integrates risk assessment, environmental monitoring, and psychosocial support, industrial hygienists help minimize the immediate hazards and promote community resilience. This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of increased preparedness, interagency collaboration, and ongoing research to better protect both workers and the public from the profound effects of fire incidents.

As part of the 60th Winter Academic Conference of the Korea Industrial Hygiene Association, held from February 19 to 21, 2025, at the Suwon Convention Center, a roundtable session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to examine key issues in occupational health. The discussion addressed recent research trends, practical field challenges, and policy implications. This summary presents the key points raised during the session, highlighting the multi-faceted perspectives shared by participants.

Objectives: This study analyzes the experiences of private occupational health professionals in implementing government support projects for small-scale workplaces in the occupational health sector. Methods: Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the research combined survey and in-depth interview methods to explore project implementation challenges. The survey revealed that professionals negatively evaluated project implementation processes, despite recognizing potential benefits for occupational health in workplaces. In-depth interviews uncovered that small-scale business owners' limited awareness of chemical hazards and risk management significantly hindered the effectiveness of the project. Results: Key findings highlight systemic issues within occupational safety regulations, including insufficient risk management approaches and punishment-centered law enforcement. While professionals experienced significant challenges, they remained confident in their ability to improve occupational health in workplaces and raise awareness of employers. Conclusions: The study points out the need to enhance small-scale business owners' chemical risk management capabilities and understanding of workplace safety through strategic improvements in the design of government support programs and regulatory frameworks.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the working environment of thermal power plant maintenance workers and their awareness of heat illnesses in order to propose heat prevention measures for this high-heat environment in order to improve their working environment and health status. Methods: Using the data of heat dissipation measurement and working environment measurement of units 3~6 of A power plant, we explored the seasonal fluctuations of the heat index and conducted a survey using the Ministry of Employment and Labor's self-diagnosis checklist for 143 workers. We examined how pre-work physical condition and heat illness vulnerability checks affect the experience of heat stress. The survey data were analyzed using logistic regression, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA. Results: 64% of the survey respondents reported experiencing heat stress, with 18.2% reporting a very strong experience. Worker factors were associated with a 33% increase in the likelihood of experiencing heat stress among those aged 50 or younger and a 1.081-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing heat stress among those with 10 or more years of work experience. The factors of heat awareness, heat wave awareness, and management support have a negative but insignificant effect on heat illness experience, while worker job characteristics have a positive effect. Conclusions: Depending on job characteristics, even healthy workers are more likely to experience heat illness symptoms and have a basic awareness of the risks and heat illnesses due to heat prevention efforts. Furthermore, preventive measures for working environments that affect the experience of heat stress are suggested, such as continuous measurement of heat index, accurate estimation of work metabolism, and continuous risk assessment system based on WBGT.

Objectives: Firefighters are exposed to various harmful factors. Prominent among them is noise, which can lead to hearing loss. Once hearing is damaged, its recovery is nearly impossible. Firefighters are reported to be exposed to brief but high levels of noise from sirens, horns, and rescue equipment, but research in this area in South Korea is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the noise levels of sirens, horns, and radios in fire vehicles based on whether the windows are open or closed, and to investigate the noise sources of rescue equipment primarily used by rescue personnel. Methods: Nine types of fire vehicles were examined in this study: ambulance, rescue vehicle, pump truck, mountain rescue vehicle, safety support vehicle, equipment transport vehicle, command vehicle, water tanker, and fire investigation vehicle. A total of 31 samples of rescue equipment were analyzed, including 36 samples when including the breathing apparatus charging stations. The equipment used for noise source evaluation was a 1/3 octave band frequency analyzer. The measured values included LAeq, LCpeak, and LAFmax, and the LAeq and LCpeak values were assessed for each frequency. The noise levels inside the fire vehicles were evaluated based on the window status (whether open or closed) with noise sources including sirens, horns, radios, and simultaneous noise. For the rescue equipment, the evaluation was conducted from the position of a rescuer's ear during operation. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in all noise sources based on the window status, with noise levels increasing when the windows were open. The 1/3 octave band analysis of the motor-driven siren and electric siren in the rescue vehicle showed that the motor-driven siren produced higher noise levels at high frequencies. In the worst-case scenario (simultaneous noise, windows open), the highest noise levels were observed in the command vehicle, with a noise level of 103.1 dBA (123.1 dBC), followed by the mountain rescue vehicle at 99.9 dBA (111.1 dBC). When comparing the noise levels of rescue equipment based on the drive method, pneumatic equipment showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05), with battery-powered equipment producing lower noise levels than engine-driven equipment. The noise levels of cutters and chainsaws were lower in the battery-powered versions compared to engine-driven models, but the difference was not statistically significant. While cutting metal with a cutter, an increase in noise levels was observed in the high-frequency range (4-8 kHz). Conclusion: The noise levels generated by fire vehicles and rescue equipment are high, and exposure to such noise could lead to hearing loss in firefighters. Therefore, engineering measures should be implemented to reduce noise in fire vehicles, and battery-powered equipment is recommended over engine-driven models for rescue operations. Additionally, the implementation of appropriate hearing conservation programs, including the use of hearing protection by firefighters, is necessary.

Objective: This study was conducted to contribute to the more efficient operation of the domestic contracting system. Methods: We examined the criteria for judging contractors, contractors, and related contractors under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. During the period of 2020~2023, an investigation was conducted on the performance of the Ministry of Employment and Labor's contract approval and the Ministry of Environment's contract report. We compared the differences between the system related to contract approval under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the contract notification under the Chemical Control Act. Results and Conclusions: The number of applications for contract approval in 2023(1,380) under the Occupational Safety and Health Act increased by about 170.6% compared to 2020 (510). The number of contract reports in 2023(3,893) under the Chemicals Control Act increased by about 32.5% compared to 2020(2,938). The contents of the overlapping regulations according to the operation of domestic contract approval and contract notification braking differed in the contents of the chemical substances subject to contract declaration, the scope of work subject to contract declaration, the time of document submission, and the expiration date. In connection with the improvement of the overlapping regulatory chemicals in the contract management system, it was necessary to take measures such as the unification of the submitted documents related to the contract report and the unification of the review agency for the submitted documents.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the implementation status of rest facilities in workplaces following the amendment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 2022. It investigates the installation rate, compliance with management standards, and the challenges faced by different industries and workplace sizes. Additionally, it seeks to propose effective policy improvements to enhance the accessibility and usability of rest facilities. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted on 1,866 workplaces across the manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and construction sectors. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and on-site inspections, assessing compliance with installation and management standards. Additionally, interviews were conducted with labor representatives and site managers to better understand the operational challenges involved in rest facilities. Results: The overall installation rate of rest facilities in 2023 reached 93.5%, marking an 8.1% increase from 2022. The highest compliance was observed in manufacturing (95.9%), followed by non-manufacturing (92.8%) and construction (92.2%). However, smaller workplaces and certain industries, such as construction sites and care facilities, exhibited lower compliance due to space constraints and financial limitations. Major non-compliance issues included inadequate ventilation, insufficient drinking water supply, and excessive noise exposure. Conclusions: While the mandatory installation of rest facilities has led to improved availability, disparities remain among industries and workplace sizes. Policy measures should focus on providing financial support for small businesses, introducing flexible standards for mobile and temporary rest facilities, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. Furthermore, industry-specific guidelines and enhanced awareness initiatives are essential for the effective utilization of rest facilities.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the performance of fit test equipment with international standards and to provide essential data for the establishment of national standards. Methods: This study compared the characteristics and performance of three quantitative fit test(QNFT) devices and evaluated their fit factor measurements for various types of respiratory protective equipment(RPE). A total of 1,350 fit tests were conducted on three different sizes of nine models of respirators, including full-face, half-face, and filtering facepiece respirators. The suitability coefficients and accuracy thresholds of each device were assessed through statistical analysis using ANOVA and ROC-AUC. Results: Fit factors measured using three QNFT devices showed no significant differences overall (p=0.547), but variations were observed depending on the type of RPE and device. ROC analysis confirmed that devices B and C exhibited excellent accuracy (AUC > 0.9), comparable to international standards. Despite similar accuracy across all devices, B and C needed higher fit factor thresholds due to differences in sensor sensitivity. Devices B and C required slightly higher cut-off values (119 and 114 respectively) to meet the international standard for device A. Conclusions: These findings underscore the significance of selecting devices based on environmental conditions and suggest that devices B and C can serve as viable alternatives to device A with appropriate adjustments.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the exposure level of airborne 1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) in 45 industries where cleaning agents are handled and the matching rate of ingredients on the MSDS. Methods: A total 105 samples were collected from cleaning-agent-handling industries. The 1,2-DCP samples were collected using a high-volume pump equipped with a charcoal tube. The analysis was performed by gas chromatography. In addition, the MSDS for the cleaning agent was obtained to confirm the ingredients. Results: The geometric mean of 1,2-DCP concentration was 0.11 ppm, and it was found that there were no samples in which detected airborne 1,2-DCP exceeded the Korean occupational exposure limit. However, the rate of exceeding the Japanese control limit (1 ppm) was 25%. The matching rate between 1,2-DCP detection of airborne sample and MSDS ingredient notating was 81.0%. Conclusions: The South Korean exposure limit for 1,2-DCP needs to be strengthened due to significant differences in exceedance rates between domestic and Japanese occupational exposure limits. It is necessary to establish a periodic reliability verification system for MSDS ingredients for cleaning agents.