• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.273-279
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• 2023

Objectives: Objectives of this study were: 1) to introduce industrial situation and health hazards of synthetic fiber, 2) to review a case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a worker exposed to synthetic fiber reported to the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center, and 3) to suggest supplementary measures for the occupational health system for workers exposed to synthetic fibers. Methods: Respiratory exposure, health hazards, and exposure standards for synthetic fiber dust in Korea and other countries were reviewed. In addition, a case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to exposure to nylon dust reported to the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center was reviewed and summarized. Results: The worker was a 53-year-old non-smoking male who had been involved in the nylon weaving process for 26 years. He had shortness of breath from three years ago. He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PM1.0, PM_2.5, and PM10 were measured at 26.6 ㎍/m³, 48.2 ㎍/m³, and 91.7 ㎍/m³, respectively. Fiber components estimated as nylon fiber were detected in the microscopic examination of a solid sample. Conclusions: For workers exposed to synthetic fiber dust, special health examinations of the respiratory system, regular work environment measurement, and work environment management through workplace health management should be performed. It is necessary to research on health effects of synthetic fibers.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.267-271
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• 2023

Background: The objective of this study is to identify the working conditions and health status of Vietnamese male migrant workers in Republic of Korea, in comparison to the Korean general population. Methods: We conducted our survey through the Migrant People Center, and we received completed questionnaires from 87 male Vietnamese migrant workers. The questionnaire employed was identical to those used in the Korean Working Conditions Survey and the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The collected data from the Vietnamese migrant workers was then compared with the Korean reference population using indirect age-standardization. Results: Vietnamese male workers demonstrated a higher prevalence of health problems including hearing problems (age-standardized prevalence ratio (aSPR) 13.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.07-20.4), skin problems (aSPR 13.49, 95% CI: 8.07-20.4), and low back pain (aSPR 8.40, 95% CI: 6.50-10.69). Elevated exposure to workplace hazards such as chemicals (aSPR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.51-3.51), organic solvents (aSPR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.44-3.28), handling of heavy objects (aSPR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.24-2.21), and high temperatures (aSPR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.46-2.57) was observed among them. Additionally, they faced a higher risk of no personal protective equipment (aSPR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.26-4.52) and a greater prevalence of unmet medical needs (aSPR 7.14, 95% CI: 4.74-10.32). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the elevated workplace hazards, health problems, and unmet medical needs among Vietnamese male workers compared to the Korean reference population. These findings underscores the urgency for enhanced scrutiny over working conditions and protective equipment provision, coupled with efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and worker education.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.230-239
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the kinds and exposure levels of health hazards in the metalworking process in relation to acute poisoning accidents caused by methanol in 2016. Methods: The number of industries, workplaces, exposed workers, regional distribution, and exposure level of health hazards in metalworking process were investigated based on employee exposure assessment database provided by KOSHA (the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency), which was collected from workplace hazard evaluation programs in Korea. Exposure metrics for methanol were assessed by RCR (risk characterization ratio). Results: The numbers of processes, workplaces, and exposed workers of metalworking, which include CNC (computer numerical control) were 25, 14,405, and 169,102 respectively. The numbers of samples of chemical hazards including methanol were 91,325, and it was found that workers in metalworking were exposed to 249 kinds of chemical hazards. There were 16 kinds of special controlled substances including beryllium. It is estimated that the number of workplaces involving CNC process was 2,537, and the number of exposed workers was 27,976. In CNC process, the total number of workplaces handling methanol was 36, and 298 workers were estimated to be exposed. There was no exceeded that surpassed the OEL and 49% of samples were below the limit of detection. Methanol exposure concentrations in Gyeonggido Province were statistically significantly higher than in other areas (p <0.0001). Conclusions: In the metalworking process including CNC, there is exposure to a wide variety of health hazards. There was no sample exceeding the OEL for methanol. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the limits of the employee exposure assessment system and urgently improve measures to prevent the occurrence of events like methanol poisoning.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.304-310
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• 2021

Background: Healthcare settings have been recognized among the most hazardous places to work. Based on the five categories of occupational hazards that were identified by the ILO and WHO, this study aimed to analyze policy framework relevant to occupational health protection of health workers (HWs) in public health service in China, then discussed how to share the experience of the National Health Service (NHS) England for improvement. Methods: Based on policy learning theories, policy analysis and qualitative interview were used in this study. Results: In the Chinese public health service, at least five laws related to the regulation of occupational health protection for HWs; however, enforcement of relevant laws was separated and multi-centered; the national monitoring system, which targeted to occupational hazards and health outcome for HWs in China, had yet to be developed; the top three priorities were workplace violence, bloodborne pathogens, and musculoskeletal disorders; national strategies included Security Hospital, and Healthy China 2030. In NHS England, three laws were fundamental; several monitoring systems had been set up, including NHS Staff Survey, Commissioning for Quality and Innovation incentive scheme; mental health, musculoskeletal problem, and nutrition disorder and overweight were raised great concern; Health and Safety, and NHS Healthy Workforce Program were critical nationwide strategies. Conclusion: There were several similarities as well as differences between the Chinese public health system and NHS England, which laid foundation of learning by China. Recommendations of improving occupational health policies in China were provided, based on the lessons learned from the NHS England.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.260-272
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• 2011

Objectives: The promotion of health and safety (H&S) awareness among hospital staff can be applied through various methods. The aim of this study was to assess the risk level of physical hazards in the hospital sector by combining workers' perception, experts' evaluation and objective measurements. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed using multiple triangulation. Hospital staff (n = 447) filled in an H&S questionnaire in a general hospital in Athens and an oncology one in Thessaloniki. Experts observed and filled in a checklist on H&S in the various departments of the two hospitals. Lighting, noise and microclimate measurements were performed. Results: The staff's perception of risk was higher than that of the experts in many cases. The measured risk levels were low to medium. In cases of high-risk noise and lighting, staff and experts agreed. Staff's perception of risk was influenced by hospital's department, hospital's service, years of working experience and level of education. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account in future studies aimed at increasing the participation of hospital workers. Conclusion: This study confirmed the usefulness of staff participation in the risk assessment process, despite the tendency for staff to overestimate the risk level of physical hazards. The combination of combining staff perception, experts' evaluation and objective measures in the risk assessment process increases the efficiency of risk management in the hospital environment and the enforcement of relevant legislation.

• 산업보건소식
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• no.36
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• pp.17-20
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• 1986

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.164-173
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• 2012

Objectives: Epichlorohydrin is a material that has been predicted to have high volatility and strong toxicity and is used normally in working area. Therefore, the hazardous and dangerous level and the foreign management system about epichlorohydrin should be invested at home and abroad and through hazard assessment for occupational environment measurement and exposure status of industrial workers in domestic working area. Methods: To assess risk and to suggest Development and Adoption to prevent health damage of workers owing to the epichlorohydrin exposure, the hazardousness and dangerousness of epichlorohydrin and its practical examples and regulation level for domestic and abroad health impairment are researched on the base of various references. Results: The epichlorohydrin caused skin and mucus membrane irritation, respiratory paralysis, kidney and live damage under the influence of acute toxicity and in animal study, it was confirmed as a doubtful carcinogenic substance to trigger reducement of sperm number and reproduction ability, abnormal spermatogenesis, mutagen, increase of forestomach epithelium and occurrence of papilloma and so on, as well as it induced stimulus asthma and allergic contact dermatitis for exposure workers. Conclusions: Epichlorohydrin was found to occur allergic contact dermatitis, carcinogenesis doubt and reproduction toxicity and was verified as a material which would be established reinforcement of management level to care health of handlers, such as denotement dangerousness of skin absorption.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.621-626
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• 2015

Background: Smokefree laws aim to protect employees and the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Waterpipe premises have significantly increased in number in the last decade, with anecdotal reports of poor compliance with the smokefree law. The literature is bereft of information pertaining to waterpipe premise employees. This study aimed to opportunistically gather knowledge about the occupational health hazards associated with working in waterpipe premises in London, England. Materials and Methods: Employees from seven convenience-sampled, smokefree-compliant waterpipe premises in London were observed for occupational activities. Opportunistic carbon monoxide (CO) measurements were made among those with whom a rapport had developed. Observations were thematically coded and analysed. Results: Occupational hazards mainly included environmental smoke exposure. Waterpipe-serving employees were required to draw several puffs soon after igniting the coals, thereby providing quality assurance of the product. Median CO levels were 27.5ppm (range 21-55ppm) among these employees. Self-reported employee health was poor, with some suggestion that working patterns and smoke exposure was a contributory factor. Conclusions: The smokefree law in England does not appear to protect waterpipe premise employees from high levels of CO. Continued concerns surrounding chronic smoke exposure may contribute to poor self-reported physical and mental wellbeing.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.471-478
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• 2021

Background: Employment standards (ES) include having a regular payday, regular breaks, the right to paid sick or vacation time, and paid wages. Inadequate ES contribute to the labour market vulnerability of workers; however, they are not typically considered to be risk factors for workplace injury. In a sample of Canadian workers, we examine the risk of injury associated with inadequate ES, independent of, and combined with inadequate workplace protections from workplace hazards. Methods: Data from 2,803 adults working 15 hours or more/week in workplaces with at least five employees were analysed. We explored associations between exposure to workplace hazards with inadequate protections [termed occupational health and safety (OHS) vulnerability] and inadequate ES on workplace injury (physical or mental injury; injury requiring time off). Additive interaction models were used to examine the independent and combined effects of these exposures. Results: Occupational health and safety vulnerability and inadequate ES were independently associated with increased injury outcomes. Adjusted models showed an additive relationship for all injury outcomes between OHS vulnerability and inadequate ES. Statistically significant superadditive relationships were observed for physical injury risk with policy and procedure vulnerability plus inadequate ES [synergy index (S) 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-2.00] and for overall OHS vulnerability plus inadequate ES (S 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16-2.02), suggesting a combined effect greater than independent effects. Conclusion: Occupational health and safety vulnerability and inadequate ES are independently associated with workplace injury. For certain injury outcomes, the combined effect of OHS vulnerability and inadequate ES is greater than the independent effects of each individual exposure.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.21-30
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• 2013

OSHMS(Occupational Safety and Health Management System) is able to define as a typical convergence of all kinds of activities and elements that support maintaining safety at workplace and protecting employee's health. In particular, fundamental function of OSHMS is preventing diverse hazards at workplace through high level of regulation compliance. Furthermore, insuring safety in workplace, protecting employee's health and increasing effectiveness in manufacture are OSHMS's additional functions. Based on the division of manufacture in 2009 Survey on Current Status of Occupational Health & Safety data, the study analyses certain relation between OSHMS and level of regulation compliance. The main finding is that most activities and elements which formed by OSHMS are being affected by regulation clauses.