• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제14권4호
• /
• pp.406-414
• /
• 2023

Background: This study examined age-group differences in the rate, severity, and cost of injuries among construction workers to support evidence-based worker safety and health interventions in the construction industry. Methods: Ohio workers' compensation claims for construction workers were used to estimate claim rates and costs by age group. We analyzed claims data auto-coded into five event/exposure categories: transportation incidents; slips, trips, and falls (STFs); exposure to harmful substances and environments; contact with objects and equipment (COB); overexertion and bodily reaction. American Community Survey data were used to determine the percentage of workers in each age group. Results: From 2007-2017, among 72,416 accepted injury claims for ~166,000 construction full-time equivalent (FTE) per year, nearly half were caused by COB, followed by STFs (20%) and overexertion (20%). Claim rates related to COB and exposure to harmful substances and environments were highest among those 18-24 years old, with claim rates of 313.5 and 25.9 per 10,000 FTE, respectively. STFs increased with age, with the highest claim rates for those 55-64 years old (94.2 claims per 10,000 FTE). Overexertion claim rates increased and then declined with age, with the highest claim rate for those 35-44 years old (87.3 per 10,000 FTE). While younger workers had higher injury rates, older workers had higher proportions of lost-time claims and higher costs per claim. The total cost per FTE was highest for those 45-54 years old ($1,122 per FTE). Conclusion: The variation in rates of injury types by age suggests that age-specific prevention strategies may be useful.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
• /
• 제14권2호
• /
• pp.654-670
• /
• 2020

Workers at construction sites are easily exposed to many dangers and accidents involving falls, tripping, and missteps on stairs. However, researches on construction site monitoring system to prevent work-related injuries are still insufficient. The purpose of this study was to develop a wearable textile pressure insole sensor and examine its effectiveness in managing the real-time safety of construction workers. The sensor was designed based on the principles of parallel capacitance measurement using conductive textile and the monitoring system was developed by C# language. Three separate experiments were carried out for performance evaluation of the proposed sensor: (1) varying the distance between two capacitance plates to examine changes in capacitance charges, (2) repeatedly applying 1 N of pressure for 5,000 times to evaluate consistency, and (3) gradually increasing force by 1 N (from 1 N to 46 N) to test the linearity of the sensor value. Five subjects participated in our pilot test, which examined whether ascending and descending the stairs can be distinguished by our sensor and by weka assessment tool using k-NN algorithm. The 10-fold cross-validation method was used for analysis and the results of accuracy in identifying stair ascending and descending were 87.2% and 90.9%, respectively. By applying our sensor, the type of activity, weight-shifting patterns for balance control, and plantar pressure distribution for postural changes of the construction workers can be detected. The results of this study can be the basis for future sensor-based monitoring device development studies and fall prediction researches for construction workers.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제5권1호
• /
• pp.17-22
• /
• 2014

Background: Health care professionals (HCPs) are at high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The incidence of these infections among HCPs are higher in low income countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of occupational exposure to BBFs and its associated factors among HCPs in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used from October 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012. Three hundred and seventeen HCPs were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors related to exposure to BBFs. Results: Two hundred and nine (65.9%) HCPs were exposed to BBFs in the past year, of which 29.0% were needlestick injuries. Work experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56-10.91], inconsistent use of gloves (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.43), and not complying with standard precautions (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.00-3.22) were the factors associated with occupational exposure to BBFs. Conclusion: A high proportion of HCPs was exposed to BBFs in this study. Occupational exposure to BBFs was determined by the use of gloves and not complying with standard precautions. Ensuring the availability of gloves, training about standard precautions, and motivation of HCPs to implement standard precautions should be emphasized to avoid such exposures.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제11권4호
• /
• pp.526-532
• /
• 2020

Background: The high incidence of work-related diseases and injuries among day-laborers and workers with no legal contracts (informal workers) has received the attention of the Thai authorities. Workers' low occupational health literacy (OHL) has been reasoned as one contributing factor. Absence of a valid tool has prevented assessment of informal workers' OHL. The aim of this study was to create a valid and reliable Occupational Health Literacy Scale within the context of Thai working culture (TOHLS-IF). Methods: This study used the mixed method approach to develop TOHLS-IF. Questions were generated using in-depth interviews and an extensive review of the literature. Experts' assessment confirmed the content validity of TOHLS-IF. The scales of its psychometric properties were assessed in a sample of 400 informal workers using cluster random sampling. Results: The final version of the TOHLS-IF comprises 38 items within 4 dimensions: Ability to Gain Access, Understanding, Evaluation, and Use of occupational health and safety information. Factor analysis identified items explaining 50.22% of the total variance. The final confirmatory analysis confirmed the model estimates were satisfactory for the construct. TOHLS-IF demonstrated a high internal consistency and satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .98). Conclusion: The TOHLS-IF is a valid and reliable instrument to assess informal workers' OHL. The structural dimensions of this instrument are based on the concept of health literacy and Thai culture. Thai health professionals are encouraged to benefit from this instrument to assess their workers' OHL and apply findings as guidelines for effective occupational health and safety interventions.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제35권4호
• /
• pp.205-223
• /
• 2016

Objective:This study introduced the status of studies and the projects related with agricultural accident prevention carried out by the Rural Development Administration. This study was conducted to promote Korean farmers' agricultural safety activation by analyzing study trends on farmers' agricultural work safety. Background: Agriculture is one of the dangerous industries, and the agricultural accident rate is on the rise, due to recent serious aging and increased female work force. Such a phenomenon emerges as a serious problem from the social perspective, and therefore measures for farmers' healthy and safe agricultural activities and accident prevention are required. Method: This study conducted literature review related with domestic and international agricultural safety and health. This study also examined the hazard factors of agricultural labor and injuries, agricultural safety and health system and policy, support and education for farmers' safety practice, and the status of convenience tools and protection equipment, based on major study activities performed by the Rural Development Administration for recent four to five years. Results: Through the study results, the status of Korea's agricultural safety system, compensation support policy, safety education of farmers for actual practice, and diverse channels including media were confirmed. This study also presented the R&D implementation status on convenience equipment and protective gear to prevent agricultural diseases and safety accidents. Conclusion: This study found out that continuous monitoring and efforts are required to prevent accidents for the Korea's agricultural labor environment and agricultural safety, and that social bond of sympathy formation is demanded through effect analysis on the implemented projects including education and support projects. Furthermore, it can be understood that agricultural accident prevention should be carried out through shift from current government-led top down approach to bottom-up approach from itself. Application: The results of this study can be utilized as useful data for farmers' safety and health.

• 한국건축시공학회지
• /
• 제17권6호
• /
• pp.587-594
• /
• 2017

건설 산업은 전체산업분야들 중에서 가장 많은 재해사망자를 발생시키는 산업분야이다. 국내 건설업의 사고부상자는 중소규모 사업장에서 거의 대부분 발생한다. 또한 전체 공종 중 거푸집 공사에서 가장 많은 재해자가 발생하고 있다. 상대적으로 재해에 취약한 중소규모 건설현장의 거푸집 공사에 대하여 안전점검사항을 제시하고 어떤 항목을 중점적으로 관리해야하는지에 대한 의사결정을 지원할 수 있는 연구가 시급하다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 안전의식이 상대적으로 낮은 중소규모 사업장에 대하여 국내 건설현장의 안전사고 중 가장 많은 재해가 발생하는 거푸집 공사의 위험요소에 대한 점검사항을 명확히 제시하고 중점적으로 안전관리를 할 수 있는 체크리스트를 제안하였다. 연구 방법은 국내 건설현장에서 발생했던 재해 사례 70,618건을 분석하여 위험요인 및 사고 예방 대책을 도출하였다. 도출된 점검 항목을 안전관리전문가 5명에게 검토 받은 후 현장에 직접 적용함으로써 현장에서의 활용 가능성을 확인하였다. 연구의 결과는 실제로 발생했던 재해의 위험 요인을 도출하여 만든 체크리스트이기 때문에 현장의 작업자들에게 잘못된 점을 명확히 지시하여 시정하는 것이 가능했다. 본 연구의 결과가 중소규모 건설현장에 대한 효율적인 안전관리를 수행하고 재해율을 감소시키는데 기여할 수 있기를 기대한다.

• 한국의료질향상학회지
• /
• 제9권2호
• /
• pp.210-228
• /
• 2002

Background: The purpose of this research was to examine the fall incidence rate and its related factors of fall in inpatients. Methods: The data were collected from the 138 fall incident reports in one tertiary hospital in Seoul from April 1st 1999 to September 30th 2001. The Fall Incident Report Form was originally developed based on that of Massachusetts General Hospital revised in 1995. And this was modified for this survey by the collaborating work of QI team including researcher and department of nursing service of this particular hospital. The contents of Fall Incident Form were general characteristics of patient. factors related to fall. types and places of fall. circumstances, nursing interventions. and outcome. Results: 1) The incidence rate of fall was 0.08% of total discharged patients and 0.081 per 1000 patient-day. This incidence rate is much lower than that of several hospitals in USA. This finding might result from the different incidence report system of each hospital. 2) The characteristics of fall-prone patient were found as follows. They were mostly over 60 years old, in alert mental status, ambulatory with some assistance, and dependent on ambulatory device. The types of diseases related high incidence rate were cerebrovascular disease(3.2), hypertension(1.6), cardiovascular disease(1.4), diabetes(1.3) and liver disease(0.6). 3) The majority of fall events usually occurred m bed. bedside(walking or standing) and bathroom in patient room. Usually they were up on their own when they fell. And there were more falls of elderly occurred during night time than day or evening. 4) 63.8% of fall events resulted in physical injuries such as fracture and usually the patients had diagnostic procedures and some treatment(ex. suture) which caused additional cost to the patients and their families. 5) The found risk factors of fall were drugs(antihypertensive drug, diuretics) and environmental factors like too high bed height, long distance of bedside table and lamp switch, and slippery tile of bathroom floor. Conclusion: Considering these results, every medical and nursing staff should be aware of the risk factors of patients in hospital, and should intervene more actively the preventive managements, specially for the elderly patients during night. Therefore, it is recommended that the development of Fall Prevention Programs based on these results.

• 대한인간공학회지
• /
• 제34권3호
• /
• pp.279-291
• /
• 2015

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate appropriate weight for aged farmers in manually handling livestock feed in bags using ergonomic methods. Background: In the livestock industry in South Korea, despite the trend of aging of labor manpower, heavy items are still manually handled in many farms. In particular, among stockbreeding works, the handling of feed in bags weighing 25~30kg is reported as a cause of frequent injuries and musculoskeletal system diseases. However, studies on the standard for recommended weight allowed considering the physical characteristics of aged farmers older than 60 years with greatly decreased physical strength and muscle strength are insufficient. Method: To evaluate appropriate weight for handling of heavy livestock feed in bags, physical techniques for measuring recognized levels of physical work loads, the NLE (NIOSH lifting equation) a method that is an observation type technique, and an ergonomic modeling technique to predict compressive force imposed on L5/S1 were used. Subjects who participated in the experiment were organized into two groups of males/females with mean age exceeding 60 years, and lifting tasks were evaluated for nine weight levels. Results: Based on the results of psychophysical measurement, females showed a tendency of more drastic increases compared to males when weight was over 19kg. The results of estimation of regression models for the weight, 18.0 kg ($r^2=0.97$) and 15.3kg ($r^2=0.97$) were evaluated as stable load for males and females, respectively. In addition, both the observation type evaluation and ergonomic model evaluation showed stable loads in a range of 15~18kg. Conclusion: Given the results of the study, the weight of the feed in bags currently distributed to farms can become a cause of not only overexertion but also farm work related disasters such as musculoskeletal disorders and safety accidents. Providing livestock feed in bags weighing not more than 19kg for aged farmers is judged desirable, and managerial improvement for this matter is considered necessary. Application: The results of the present study can be utilized as useful data for institutional improvement of the weight of livestock feed in bags.

• 정신신체의학
• /
• 제12권2호
• /
• pp.103-121
• /
• 2004

감각 및 운동 이상 증상을 동반하면서 꾀병이 의심되는 환자를 가려내는 방법에 대해서 약술하고 몇 개의 증례를 예시하였다. 꾀병을 규명하기 위해서는 우선 전환 장애, 가장성 장애를 차례로 증명하여 제외시켜야 한다. 이를 위한 방법으로는 자세한 병력 수집과 조사, 면밀한 신경학적 검사, 심리검사, 장시간의 면담 그리고 광범위한 행동 관찰이 필요하다. 그러나 증상 형성의 동기나 의도의 본질을 파악하기란 어려워서 환자의 고백에 의해 알게되는 경우도 있다. 신경 심리검사를 포함한 임상심리 검사를 통하여 꾀병의 가능성을 가려내고, 질병행동 특성을 파악하거나 기계적인 측정도구를 이용하기도 한다. 그러나 아직 객관적으로 타당한 검사 방법은 부족하다. 최근, 통증 차단제를 이용한 진성(眞性) 통증 구별법은 객관적인 검사법의 하나이다. 사고나 보상 문제가 겹친 만성 통증 환자는 꾀병의 가능성이 엿보인다 하더라도 많은 수에서 시간 경과와 환경의 영향으로 인해서 정신사회적 합병증을 동반한다. 향후 임상 심리검사법이 발달되고 행동과 의도성에 관한 뇌 기능의 연구론 통해 신체 증상이나 행위의 진실성에 대한 구별력은 더욱 향상될 것이다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제63권5호
• /
• pp.631-639
• /
• 2020

Objective : Traditionally, staged surgery has been preferred in the treatment of compound comminuted depressed fracture (FCCD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and involves the removal of primarily damaged bone and subsequent cranioplasty. The main reason for delayed cranioplasty was to reduce the risk of infection-related complications. Here, the author performed immediate reconstruction using a titanium mesh in consecutive patients with FCCD after TBI, reported the surgical results, and reviewed previous studies. Methods : Nineteen consecutive patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD of the skull from April 2014 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic and radiological characteristics of the patients with FCCD were investigated. The characteristics associated with surgery and outcome were also evaluated. Results : The frequency of TBI in men (94.7%) was significantly higher than that in women. Most FCCDs (73.7%) occurred during work, the rest were caused by traffic accidents. The mean interval between TBI and surgery was 7.0±3.9 hours. The median Glasgow coma scale score was 15 (range, 8-15) at admission and 15 (range, 10-15) at discharge. FCCD was frequently located in the frontal (57.9%) and parietal (31.6%) bones than in other regions. Of the patients with FCCDs in the frontal bone, 62.5% had paranasal sinus injury. There were five patients with fractures of orbital bone, and they were easily reconstructed using titanium mesh. These patients were cosmetically satisfied. Postoperatively, antibiotics were used for an average of 12.6 days. The mean hospital stay was 17.6±7.5 days (range, 8-33). There was no postoperative seizure or complications, such as infection. Conclusion : Immediate bony fragments replacement and reconstruction with reconstruction titanium mesh for FCCD did not increase infectious sequelae, even though FCCD involved sinus. This suggests that immediate single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD is a suitable surgical option with potential benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and cosmetic and psychological outcomes.