Objectives: Dichloromethane (DCM) is a volatile halogenated solvent whose industrial use in South Korea continues to expand. Although its regulation has focused on its chronic carcinogenicity, its acute toxicity via endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) metabolism is becoming increasingly critical with the acceleration of climate change. This review examines how summer heat waves amplify acute DCM poisoning risk and identifies key research gaps for the protection of South Korean workers. Methods: A narrative review synthesized references on DCM toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical poisoning cases, supplemented by physicochemical and climatological data from NIST, OSHA, and the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The DCM vapor pressure-temperature relationship was quantified using the Antoine equation. Domestic exposure data and biological monitoring evidence were examined. Results: DCM vapor pressure increases by approximately 80% as ambient temperature rises from 20℃ to 35℃. COHb levels exceeding 10% produce symptoms indistinguishable from direct CO inhalation, with DCM-derived COHb persisting for up to 17 hours. Suspected cases reported to the Daejeon-Chungcheong Regional Occupational Disease Safety Center-including a fatality during water-tank waterproofing and a syncope event during use of a DCM-containing cleaning solution-revealed that workers were largely unaware that their symptoms reflected CO poisoning. There are currently no integrated domestic studies linking real-world use patterns, temperature-stratified airborne measurements, and worker COHb biomonitoring. Conclusions: Current evidence cannot fully characterize the actual acute poisoning risk faced by South Korean workers handling DCM during summer heat waves. Further integrated research appears warranted on: (i) DCM usage and worker risk perception surveys; (ii) temperature-stratified workplace concentration measurements; and (iii) blood COHb biomonitoring during DCM-handling shifts. This review provides the scientific rationale.

Objectives: Nickel is a known carcinogenic substance. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for nickel compounds vary depending on their solubility, exposure type, and associated health hazards. This can cause significant confusion during workplace environment monitoring and make it difficult to accurately assess the actual exposure environment of workers. Nickel compounds are measured using the same sampling medium regardless of their solubility. However, if workers are simultaneously exposed to nickel compounds with different solubilities, soluble and insoluble nickel compounds should be evaluated separately during the analytical phase. Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate analytical method based on the solubility of nickel compounds and to validate these methods experimentally in order to establish effective sampling and analysis guidelines. Methods: We investigated various types of soluble and insoluble nickel compounds and examined extraction methods based on their solubility. Mixtures containing both soluble and insoluble nickel compounds were analyzed, and a pretreatment method involving stirring in deionized water at 37℃ for 60 minutes was selected to extract soluble nickel. This method was subsequently applied to samples collected from actual workplaces. Results: In metal product plating workspaces, soluble nickel was predominantly detected, while insoluble nickel was detected only in trace amounts below the detection limit. Conversely, in stainless steel foundries and welding operations, insoluble nickel was primarily detected and soluble nickel was detected only in trace amounts below the detection limit. Although the field samples collected in this study were not ideal for simultaneous measurement in workplaces that primarily use one type of nickel, it was confirmed that even trace amounts of both soluble and insoluble nickel can be detected simultaneously, which may influence the application of OELs. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the validity of analytical methods for determining exposure levels of soluble and insoluble nickel compounds, and can be used to develop practical guidelines. Furthermore, by recommending appropriate analytical methods, this approach can reduce confusion among measurement organizations and enable more accurate identification of the exposure environment of workers.

Objectives: Interest in occupational skin disease is increasing, and a cluster of skin diseases occurred at a South Korean shipyard in 2020. This study examined the evaluation process applied in this case and, on that basis, considered how to approach risk assessment for dermal exposure to chemicals. Methods: The paint products handled by the shipyard were classified into solvent type and solvent-free type paints, and the classification of health hazards by product and component was investigated. The relative skin sensitizing potency was evaluated using the German Epoxy Information System(EIS) according to the actual paint combinations used. In addition, skin exposure was estimated using RISKOFDERM according to the work processes involving the solvent-free type paint that is presumed to be the cause of the skin diseases. Results: As a result of comparing the product hazard classification from the paint manufacturer, the classification corresponding to skin sensitization in the hardener tended to increase as the existing solvent type paint was changed to solvent-free type paint. Of the 92 components in the paint to be investigated, 26 were classified as skin sensitizers. Evaluation of the relative skin sensitizing potency of the mixed paints confirmed that the evaluation grade of skin sensitization for the solvent-free type paints was higher than that for the solvent type paints. There were differences in the main exposed areas and skin exposure estimates according to the type of painting work. Conclusions: When evaluating the risk of dermal exposure to chemicals, it is necessary to apply a reasonable risk assessment approach based on a clear understanding of the hazards and exposures arising from the interaction between chemicals and the skin.

Objectives: This study based on secondary data proposes a measure to develop industrial accident statistics that consider disability types among workers with disabilities. Using national statistics (2011-2023), odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR) analyses, this study compared the risk of occupational injuries and illnesses between workers with and without disabilities. Methods: Based on the current status of the disabled and industrial accident statistics from 2011 to 2023, the research used applicable theories and contents by analyzing them and comparing them with previous studies at home and abroad. Results: The odds ratio of the risk for accidents for the disabled compared to the non-disabled in South Korea was 2.1 for 2013, higher than that found overseas at 1.77. However, in the case of South Korea, it gradually decreased every year to reach 1.0 in 2020 and 0.3 in 2023. It was confirmed that workers with disabilities eventually had a 70% lower risk of accidents than non-disabled workers. Conclusions: In consideration of expanding employment and workplaces for the disabled in the future, industrial accident statistics for workers with disabilities should be established for each type of disability in the current industrial accident analysis by adding items regarding whether they are registered with disabilities, the type of disability, and the severity when applying for medical care benefits due to industrial accidents.

Objectives: The purpose is to obtain theoretical implications for the contract regulation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in Korea through a specific analysis of how the contract regulation is performed in the Japanese Occupational Safety and Health Act. Methods: The structure of the obligatory entity under the Japanese Labor Safety and Health Act and the obligatory entity related to the contract will be examined as a whole, and then the obligation to take safety and health measures related to the contract under the Japanese Labor Safety and Health Act will be considered in detail. Results: Japan's Occupational Safety and Health Act seems to clearly define obligations and responsibilities to various actors according to their status and role in accordance with the legislative idea of imposing the most appropriate obligations on the most appropriate person. By imposing obligations that correspond to their respective positions and roles on contractors(clients, orders) and subcontractors, side effects and dysfunctions do not seem to be occurring due to overlapping and unclear roles and responsibilities in occupational accident prevention. Conclusions: Japan's Occupational Safety and Health Act imposes appropriate obligations depending on the nature of the task (whether it is a contract, service, or consignment). No one in Japan's Occupational Safety and Health Act assumes an approach and obligation to directly implement safety and health measures to be implemented by contractors.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify a priority process for noise control in a food manufacturing plant and evaluate changes in work-area noise levels before and after engineering improvement of a pneumatic unit. Methods: Personal exposure noise data from semiannual workplace monitoring conducted from 2023 to 2025 were reviewed by process. Maximum measured noise level, A-weighted equivalent sound level, and the proportion of measurements ≥85 dB(A) were calculated. A questionnaire of 130 workers assessed noise perception, near-equipment work, hearing protection use, and work-related effects. Based on these findings, the ice cream bar-line process was selected as the priority target. Noise levels at 23 fixed locations and 1/3 octave-band spectra were compared before and after engineering improvement. Results: Among 109 personal exposure measurements, the ice cream bar-line process showed the highest maximum measured noise level, A-weighted equivalent sound level, and proportion of measurements ≥85 dB(A). The high-noise process group also reported more frequent work near loud equipment and greater work-related burden. After engineering improvement, the A-weighted equivalent sound level across 23 fixed locations decreased from 86.52 to 80.84 dB(A), and locations with levels ≥85 dB(A) decreased from 14 to 0. Octave-band analysis showed reductions around 1 kHz and in high-frequency bands near the improved pneumatic unit. Conclusions: Integrating exposure metrics with worker-reported experience was useful for identifying the priority target for noise control. Engineering improvement effectively reduced work-area noise levels in the food manufacturing plant.

Objectives: This study examined the administrative burden associated with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) pre-submission system in the Republic of Korea from the perspective of industry practitioners and proposed strategies for improving the system through comparisons with regulatory frameworks in the United States and the European Union. Methods: Previous domestic reports on the MSDS pre-submission system were reviewed. A survey was conducted across 21 workplaces, and in-depth face-to-face interviews were carried out with representatives from two small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, a comparative analysis was performed using the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard and the European Union's REACH and CLP regulations as reference frameworks. Results: The administrative burden was primarily attributable to five factors: (1) the technical complexity of preparing mixture MSDSs; (2) limited access to raw material information; (3) ambiguity in the criteria for trade secret protection; (4) redundant administrative procedures within the pre-submission system; and (5) insufficient institutional feedback and guidance. The comparative analysis further indicated that the absence of mandatory MSDS pre-submission requirements in both the United States and the European Union substantially reduces administrative burden while maintaining effective hazard communication. Conclusions: This study identifies key limitations of Korea's current MSDS pre-submission system from the perspective of practitioners working in real industrial settings. The findings suggest that future reforms should focus on improving both administrative efficiency and practical usability. Priority measures include simplifying submission procedures, providing clearer regulatory guidance, strengthening institutional feedback mechanisms, and enhancing access to essential information.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate current chemical management practices, perceptions of priority control measures, difficulties with chemical management, and methods for obtaining health hazard information among occupational health managers in order to provide basic data for improving their chemical management capacity. Methods: An online survey was conducted among current or former occupational health managers with experience in chemical management. Among the 91 responses collected, 88 were included in the final analysis. Respondents were classified into two groups according to their years of experience in chemical management: <5 years (n=41) and ≥5 years (n=47). Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables between groups. For multiple-response items, each response was recoded as a binary variable and analyzed separately. McNemar's test was used to compare paired responses on priority items and perceived difficulties. Results: In both groups, the most common chemical-related tasks were material safety data sheet (MSDS) management, work environment monitoring, special health examinations, training, and management of chemical handling records. More experienced respondents were more likely to report experience with emergency response planning and substitution with less toxic substances (p<0.01). Chemical substitution was the most frequently selected priority item for chemical management in both groups, whereas installation of local exhaust ventilation was more often perceived as a difficult task. Additional industry-specific analysis showed that among occupational health managers with experience only in construction, no respondent selected installation of local exhaust ventilation as a priority action, whereas it was identified as the most difficult task. This highlights important industry-specific differences in perceived priorities and practical difficulties. Checking MSDSs was the most common method for obtaining health hazard information. However, trust in MSDS information was very low, and awareness of the "Substitute It Now" (SIN) list was also low among both groups. Conclusions: These findings indicate the need to develop industry-tailored competency-building programs for occupational health managers, particularly focusing on practical education and support for local exhaust ventilation, reliable hazard information use, and chemical substitution.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the structural characteristics and limitations of occupational injury prevention, compensation, and statistical systems for fishing vessel workers in South Korea and suggest directions for improvement through international comparisons. Methods: A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted based on a review of relevant laws, official statistics, and institutional frameworks. The study analyzed the legal structures, responsible authorities, and the coverage of occupational safety and compensation systems. In addition, five-year injury statistics were examined with respect to coverage, classification, and analytical depth. Results: The findings indicate that the South Korean system for fishing vessel workers is fragmented across multiple laws, agencies, and statistical systems. Fishing vessel worker injuries are largely excluded from general industrial accident statistics and are managed separately under a distinct compensation scheme. This leads to substantial discrepancies between datasets, such as only two fishing-related fatalities being reported in industrial statistics versus the 55 deaths and 15 missing persons found in seafarer statistics in 2025. Moreover, occupational diseases accounted for approximately 70-80% of total reported cases, highlighting a different risk structure compared to manufacturing-based industries. Relative to South Korea, the UK provides more detailed event-based maritime accident data through its Marine Accident Investigation Branch, while Japan presents a dual structure combining maritime accident investigation and fisheries labor statistics, resulting in relatively higher visibility of fishing-related risks. Conclusions: The fragmented legal and statistical structure in South Korea results in the systematic underestimation of fishing-related occupational risks. An integrated framework linking prevention, compensation, and statistical systems is required, along with improved occupation accident data structures that reflect the unique characteristics of fishing work.