• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.145-155
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of customer violence experiences, protection systems, and monitoring systems on the subjective health status of salespersons and electronic machine repairers. Methods: A total of 934 persons were sampled nationwide, including 582 salespersons and 352 electronic machine repairers, from March 2~30, 2020 and asked to fill out a self-reported questionnaire. Results: The findings show that electronic machine repairers were more exposed to customer violence and had a weaker protection system than salespersons. They also experienced severe control from management through a monitoring system. The regression analysis revealed that verbal violence had a negative impact on the subjective health status of electronic machine repairers (p=.021). A worker protection system had significant effects on the improved subjective health status of salespersons (p=.009). Depression and fatigue had negative impacts on the subjective health status of both salespersons (depression: p<.001, fatigue: p<.001) and electronic machine repairers (depression: p<.001, fatigue: p=.002). Conclusion: These findings put a greater emphasis on the need for worker protection systems to prevent workplace violence and a health promotion program to manage depression and fatigue in workplaces.

• 보건교육건강증진학회지
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.27-39
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• 2009

목적: 이 연구의 목적은 성매매종사자들이 현행 성병검진서비스에 대해 어떻게 인식하는지를 파악하고, 이러한 인식이 성매매종사자들의 성병검진서비스 이용의도에 어떻게 관련되어 있는가를 살펴보는 데 있다. 방법: 이 연구의 자료는 보건소에서 제공하는 성병검진서비스를 이용한 경험이 있는 성매매종사자들을 대상으로 실시한 설문조사를 통해 수집되었다. 성병검진서비스에 대한 성매매종사자의 인식과 이용의도는 웨어와 그의 동료(Ware and his colleagues)들이 개발한 '환자만족도설문지(PSQ)'의 문항들로 측정하였다. 결과: 대부분의 성매매종사자들은 현재 보건소가 제공하는 성병검진서비스에 대해 만족하고 있으며, 이러한 서비스를 이용하려는 강한 의사를 지니고 있다. 성병검진서비스에 대한 일반적인 만족도와 이용의도를 예측하는 데 있어 사회경제적 변수들은 별다른 영향을 미치지 않았다. 성병검진서비스에 대한 구체적 차원들에서는 기술적인 질과 서비스에 대한 접근성이 일반적인 만족도와 이용의도에 긍정적인 방향으로 영향을 주었다. 성병검진서비스 이용의도의 가장 중요한 결정요인은 성병검진서비스에 대한 일반적인 만족도였다. 결론: 성매매특별법 시행 이후에 성매매종사자를 대상으로 하는 보건소의 성병검진사업은 크게 위축되고 있다. 이번 연구결과에서 나타난 것처럼 성매매종사자들은 보건소의 성병검진사업이 활성화되기를 희망하고 있었다. 따라서 국민의 건강 유지, 증진, 보호를 목적으로 하는 보건소는 성매매특별법의 시행과는 별도로 성병관리 사업을 계속해서 수행할 필요성이 제기된다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.184-191
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• 2021

Background: Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are often used in the workplace to prevent hearing damage caused by noise. However, a factor that can lead to hearing loss in the workplace is improper HPD fitting, and the previous literature has shown that instructing workers on how to properly insert their HPDs can make a significant difference in the degree of attenuation. Methods: Two studies were completed on a total of 33 Hydro One workers. A FitCheck Solo field attenuation estimation system was used to measure the personal attenuation rating (PAR) before and after providing one-on-one fitting instructions. In addition, external ear canal diameters were measured, and a questionnaire with items related to frequency of use, confidence, and discomfort was administered. Results: Training led to an improvement in HPD attenuation, particularly for participants with poorer PARs before training. The questionnaire results indicated that much HPD discomfort is caused by heat, humidity, and communication difficulties. External ear canal asymmetry did not appear to significantly influence the measured PAR. Conclusion: In accordance with the previous literature, our studies suggest that one-on-one instruction is an effective training method for HPD use. Addressing discomfort issues from heat, humidity, and communication issues could help to improve the use of HPDs in the workplace. Further research into the effects of canal asymmetry on the PAR is needed.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.394-400
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• 2022

Background: Impacts of exposure are generally monitored and recorded after injuries or illness occur. Yet, absence of conventional after-the-effect impacts (i.e., lagging indicators), tend to focus on physical health and injuries, and fail to inform if workers are not exposed to safety and health hazards. In contrast to lagging indicators, leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive indexes that offer insights how effective safety and health. The present study is to validate an extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that consists of six leading indicators. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 13 organizations (response rate = 93.1%, 1,439 responses) in Taiwan. Cronbach α, multiple linear regression and canonical correlation were used to test the reliability of the extended Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) which consists of six leading indicators (safe climate, transformational leadership, organizational justice, organizational support, hazard prevention and control, and training). Criteria-related validation strategy was applied to examine relationships of six leading indicators with six criteria (perceived health, burnout, depression, job satisfaction, job performance, and life satisfaction). Results: The results showed that the Cronbach's α of six leading indicators ranged from 0.87 to 0.92. The canonical correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the six leading indicators and criteria (1st canonical function: correlation = 0.647, square correlation = 0.419, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study validates the extended VPP framework that focuses on promoting safety and physical and mental health. Results further provides applications of the extended VPP framework to promote workers' safety and health.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.155-162
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• 2022

Background: Workers are exposed to several risks in academic laboratories due to the presence of potentially hazardous substances. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of accident occurrence and associated risk factors among laboratory workers at the scientific laboratories of the public university in Lebanon and the impact of safety measures training and availability. Methods: In this observational study, a survey was conducted for one year in scientific laboratories at faculties of the public university. Results: Among the participants (N = 220), 45.0% have had accidents; the main cause was exposure to chemicals (73.7%) and more specifically by inhalation (45.4%). Females (85.9%) were more exposed to accidents than males. Laboratory workers with a master's degree, a full-time schedule, and more than ten years of experience were significantly more exposed to accidents (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between accident occurrence and training on management of hazardous products (p = 0.044), risks related to workplace (p = 0.030), eyewash and emergency shower (p < 0.001), first aid (p = 0.012), and facial protection availability (p = 0.019). In spite of the lack of safety culture and efficient training on laboratory safety, participants have shown a very good perception regarding safety measures to be applied in case of work accidents. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the prevalence of accident occurrence is elevated among lab workers at the public university. The impact of regular training on laboratory safety preventive measures is of great importance to ensure the efficiency of occupational health and safety in scientific laboratories.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제3권2호
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• pp.140-145
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• 2012

Objectives: To understand the personal experiences of mine workers that have experienced job relocation due to silicosis at the Andina Division of Corporaci$\acute{o}$n Nacional del Cobre (CODELCO), Chile. The purpose of the study was to provide useful information for the development of new local, business and public policies for the care of workers with silicosis. Methods: A qualitative study based on a practical case study of 5 workers. The information was collected by means of structured individual interviews. The method of analysis was phenomenology. Results: The corporal axis was the most commented upon. It included awareness of the illness, body pains, fatigue, and antagonistic mood disorders (sadness, or the difficulty in finding meaning in life). As far as personal relationships, there was evidence of strong relationships with family, coworkers and friends, as well as extended family. Over all, the experience of relocation was positive with periods of impatience and uncertainty. The job reassignment provided a new and pleasant context for the relocated workers and in the process improved their perception of their quality of life. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team should attend mine workers relocated because of silicosis by addressing the mental and physical aspects of their disease, along with the integral participation of close family members. It is suggested that this investigation be maintain over time to record the personal experiences in the medium-term, adding new cases with the intention of shedding more light on the phenomenon being studied. As a preventive measure, continual workshops are needed on the proper use of respiratory protection in addition, a group of monitors is required.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.58-62
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• 2022

Metro subway construction is a field that requires a great deal of professional manpower. The aging of professionals has a negative impact on both productivity and health, owing to poor working environments, heavy lifting, underground work, and other factors. To address this issue, the government is progressively revising and enforcing health management law and regulation in the construction industry. Thus, the job stress and work ability of many professional subway construction workers, who are rapidly aging, are being analyzed to ensure their safety and improve their health. In this study, the Macpa stress index of Busan Metro Subway construction workers from Sasang to Hadan line was measured by using a Macpa measurement machine, and a work ability survey was conducted by using the questionnaire that was developed by the FIOH. The independent variables were age, years of service, job position, employment type, and occupation. While, the dependent variables were the Macpa stress index and work ability. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used because it was difficult to assume that the statistics of this study represented a normal distribution. The results showed that age, job position, and employment type affected Macpa stress index and revealed that as the age of the workers increased, their stress levels increased as well. Additionally, job position and employment type affected the work ability of the metro subway construction workers. In terms of job position, the technical engineers were under a lot of stress, and whereas the managers had the best work ability. The technical engineers were more stressed than the other workers because of a poor working environment. In terms of employment type, daily workers were under more stress and lower work ability than others.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.360-364
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• 2018

Asbestos has been banned in many countries but many countries, including developing countries, are still using asbestos or materials containing asbestos. Substitute materials have been studied and developed over a long period of time because of the hazards of asbestos, and many people have recently shown interest in the hazards of substitute materials. However, comprehensive information about the types of asbestos substitutes, their use and health hazards, and references for the protection for the health of workers is limited. The purpose of this study is to provide people in the related industries with information on the types and health hazards of fibrous materials that can be used as asbestos substitutes. According to the patent resources from the United States and Europe, fibrous materials have been used to develop asbestos-free products since before 1980. Recently, the health hazards of asbestos substitutes have been assessed and many additional researches are required. However, only some of the substitute materials have been assessed for health hazards, and health hazard data has not been sufficient in many cases. Therefore, efforts should be made to minimize workers' exposure to substitute materials that do not contain asbestos.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.295-303
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• 2021

Objective: Paint manufacturing industry workers are exposed to various lung cancer carcinogenic substances including hexavalent chromium and crystalline silica. Studies have been conducted on lung cancer in Paint manufacturing industry workers and the concentration of hexavalent chromium in paint industry; however, the concentration of crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium and cases of lung cancer in a single Paint factory has never been reported in Korea. Methods: To determine whether the cancer was related to his work environment, we assessed the level of exposure to carcinogens during pouring and mixing talc and pigment. In addition, a mask fit test was performed for the worker. Results: Analysis of talc and silica bulk powder materials showed that crystalline silica (quartz) was 5% in talc and 100% in silica. The green and yellow pigments contained 87% and 92% of lead chromate, respectively. Our quantitative analysis of pigment powder samples showed that the hexavalent chromium contents quantified in the green and yellow pigment samples were 87% and 92%, respectively. In order to estimate his exposure level of hexavalent chromium, we measured a personal exposure level of hexavalent chromium for a worker in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health #7605 method. The results showed that the worker was exposed to the high level of hexavalent chromium (0.033 mg m-3). In addition, the talc powder also contained 5% quartz, and the worker's exposure level to respirable quartz exceeded OEL. As a result of the respiratory protection fit test for workers, the overall Fit Factor was '15' when wearing a second-grade mask and '25' when wearing a first-grade mask, significantly lower than the US Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) pass value of "100". Conclusion: Workers who pouring and mixing powder materials such as talc or colored pigments in paint manufacturing company may be exposed to high concentrations of carcinogenic substances. These findings indicate that it is necessary to local ventilation system inspection, safety and health education for employers and workers, and periodically monitoring and manage the working environment.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. Methods: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. Results: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.