• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2024.07a
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• pp.887-893
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• 2024

Near miss reporting is essential for improving safety performance in construction organizations. Traditional methods, however, often fail to sufficiently motivate worker participation due to a lack of incentives and the absence of secure, reliable, and transparent reporting mechanisms. This paper introduces a conceptual framework that leverages blockchain technology and token incentives to increase employee involvement in near miss reporting. The integration of blockchain ensures transparency and decentralization, while token incentives effectively monetize employees' efforts in reporting near misses. The study begins by identifying key modules essential for developing this framework and proceeds to detail their integration, illustrating a comprehensive process flow of activities within the system. This research significantly contributes to the enhancement of near miss reporting practices in construction, ultimately fostering safer and more proactive workplace environments.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.128-133
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• 2015

Background: To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and comorbid health problems, including depression/anxiety disorder, insomnia/sleep disorder, fatigue, and injury by accident, and to determine whether certain physical and psychological factors reduce comorbid health problems. Methods: In total, 29,711 employees were selected from respondents of the Third Korean Working Conditions Survey and categorized into two groups: Musculoskeletal Complaints or Musculoskeletal Sickness Absence. Four self-reported health indicators (overall fatigue, depression/anxiety, insomnia/sleep disorder, and injury by accident) were selected as outcomes, based on their high prevalence in Korea. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between comorbid health problems, musculoskeletal complaints, and sickness absence. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and musculoskeletal sickness absence due to muscular pain was 32.26% and 0.59%, respectively. Compared to the reference group, depression/anxiety disorder and overall fatigue were 5.2-6.1 times more prevalent in the Musculoskeletal Complaints Group and insomnia/sleep disorder and injury by accident were 7.6-11.0 times more prevalent in the Sickness Absence Group. When adjusted for individual and work-related physical factors, prevalence of all four comorbid health problems were slightly decreased in both groups. Conclusion: Increases in overall fatigue and depression/anxiety disorder were observed in the Musculoskeletal Complaints Group, while increases in insomnia/sleep disorder and injury by accident were observed in the Sickness Absence Group. For management of musculoskeletal complaints and sickness absence in the workplace, differences in health problems between employees with musculoskeletal complaints and those with sickness absence as well as the physical and psychological risk factors should be considered.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.35-42
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• 2016

Formamide is a colorless fluid with ammonia odor, and irritable when inhaled. It has $LD_{50}$ value of > 5,577 mg/kg in rats for acute oral toxicity and NOAEL of 113 mg/kg/day for target organ (liver) of whole body toxicity. It is also known as reproductive toxicant (1B) and TWA(Time Weighted Average) for it is 10 ppm. Workplace measurements of work places dealing with formamide showed the ppm of all 25 samples was very lower than WEL. However, the exposure concentration can change, depending on workplace condition such as the intensity of work, operating local ventilation system, and wearing protection equipment (Respirators). Therefore, considering it with the risk of whole body toxicity and reproductive toxicity, exposure quantity of each imaginary scenario was calculated at 5.16, 1.72, and $0.43mg/m^3$. The average value was calculated at 0.02-0.58, 0.02-0.66 at 90 percent of cumulative distribution, 0.02-0.69 at 95 percent of cumulative distribution. Therefore, it was generally evaluated to be safe because all values were below 1. However, caution is required to prevent health hazard because it has hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity and risk of a high level momentary exposure, depending on the condition of workplace.

• International Journal of Safety
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.6-9
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• 2004

This paper deals with the noise evaluation technique of a reciprocating air-compressor and its noise reduction. The reciprocating air-compressors are widely used in the small, medium sized industrial firms, and lots of their employees are affected and irritated by their noise in the workplace. Thus, noise control actions should be taken appropriately by considering the hearing loss due to the occupational noise exposure. Lead-wrapping techniques are employed to identify the contribution of principal noise sources which are generally known as motor, belts, suction/discharge valves, moving pistons, and flow-induced noise caused by edges or discontinuities along the flow path e.g. expansions, contractions, junctions and bends etc .. As a result, main noise sources of the air-compressor can be categorized by the suction/discharge noise, valve noise, and compressed-air tank noise. Based on the investigations, mufflers are designed to reduce both the suction/discharge noise and the compressed-air tank noise. Instead of the conventional valve plate, polyethylene resin is used as a new one for the reduction of valve impact noise. In addition, attempts are made to reduce the valve noise propagation to the cylinder head and the compressor tank by using the insulation casings. As a result of the countermeasure plans, it can be achieved that the noise reduction of the air-compress is up to 10dB.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.175-189
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• 2018

Objectives: In this study, we analyze statistics on industrial accidents caused by chemical skin contact and provide skin toxicity hazard information on the related domestic system and circulation volumes. Methods and Results: We analyzed occupational fatalities and skin diseases caused by chemical leaks and contact from 2007 to 2016(10 years) and surveyed data on occupational skin diseases using the 2014 work environment survey data. The NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles for 57 chemical substances, which are provided to prevent occupational skin diseases, were searched and hazard information on skin contact with chemical substances was classified. In order to identify skin toxicity information among domestically distributed and legally regulated substances and to investigate skin-toxic substances, MSDS basic data on 19,740 chemical substances provided on the homepage of Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency were searched. Acute toxicity(dermal) category 1-4 substances totaled 1,020, and the number of chemical substances classified as category 1 and 2 substances were 135 and 137, respectively. In the chemical substances prescribed by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 173 substances were classified into acute toxicity(dermal) categories 1-4, 58 of which correspond to category 1 or 2. Conclusions: Within the present range of industrial accidents, the proportion of skin diseases due to contact with chemicals is not high. However, there is always a risk of occupational skin diseases due to increasing chemicals and due to the use of new chemicals. It is hoped that this information will be used by workplace safety and health officials and health and safety experts to prevent acute toxity(dermal) due to chemical skin contact.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.106-111
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• 2014

Background: The manufacture of paint involves a variety of processes that present with medical hazards. Safety initiatives are hence introduced to limit hazard exposures and promote workplace safety. This aim of this study is to assess the use of available control measures/initiatives in selected paint factories in Lagos West Senatorial District, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 400 randomly selected paint factory workers were involved in the study. A well-structured World Health Organization standard questionnaire was designed and distributed to the workers to elicit information on awareness to occupational hazards, use of personal protective devices, and commonly experienced adverse symptoms. Urine samples were obtained from 50 workers randomly selected from these 400 participants, and the concentrations of the heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The results show that 72.5% of the respondents are aware of the hazards associated with their jobs; 30% have had formal training on hazards and safety measures; 40% do not use personal protective devices, and 90% of the respondents reported symptoms relating to hazard exposure. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean heavy metal concentrations in the urine samples obtained from paint factory workers as compared with nonfactory workers. Conclusion: The need to develop effective frameworks that will initiate the integration and ensure implementation of safety regulations in paint factories is evident. Where these exist, there is a need to promote adherence to these practice guidelines.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.170-179
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• 2022

Background: The vulnerability of international migrant workers is on the rise, affecting the frequency of occupational accidents at workplaces worldwide. If migrant workers are managed in the same way as native workers, the consequences on safety assurance and risk management will be significant. This study aimed to develop the vulnerability factor model for migrant workers in seafood processing industries because of significant risk-laden labor of Thailand, which could be a solution to control the risk effectively. Methods: A total of 569 migrant workers were surveyed (432 Burmese and 137 Cambodian), beginning with 40 initial vulnerability factors identified in the questionnaire established from experts. The data were analyzed through descriptive analysis; exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to ascertain the model. Results: The result of content validity >0.67 and the Cronbach's alpha of 0.957 specified the high reliability of 40 factors. The EFA indicated a total variance of 65.49%. The final CFA validated the model and had an empirical fitting; chi-square = 85.34, Adjust Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.96, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.016. The structure concluded with three dimensions and 18 factors. Dimension 1 of the structure, "multicultural safety operation," contained 12 factors; Dimension 2, "wellbeing," contained four factors; and Dimension 3, "communication technology," contained two factors. Conclusion: The vulnerability factor structure developed in this study included three dimensions and 18 factors that were significantly empirical. The knowledge enhanced safety management in the context of vulnerability factor structure for migrant workers at the workplace.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2024

Background: Glove reuse poses risks, as chemicals can persist even after cleaning. Decontamination methods like thermal aeration, recommended by US OSHA, vary in effectiveness. Some studies show promising results, while others emphasize the importance of considering both permeation and tensile strength changes. This research advocates for informed glove reuse, emphasizing optimal thermal aeration temperatures and providing evidence to guide users in maintaining protection efficiency. Methods: The investigation evaluated Neoprene and Nitrile gloves (22 mils). Permeation tests with toluene and acetone adhered to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F739 standards. Decontamination optimization involved aeration at various temperatures. The experiment proceeded with a maximum of 22 re-exposure cycles. Tensile strength and elongation were assessed following ASTM D 412 protocols. Breakthrough time differences were statistically analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results: At room temperature, glove residuals decreased, and standardized breakthrough time (SBT)₂ was significantly lower than SBT₁, indicating reduced protection. Higher temperature decontamination accelerated residual removal, with ∆SBT (SBT₂/SBT₁) exceeding 100%, signifying restored protection. Tensile tests showed stable neoprene properties postdecontamination. Results underscore thermal aeration's efficacy for gloves reuse, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Findings recommend meticulous management strategies, especially post-breakthrough, to uphold glove-protective performance. Conclusions: Thermal aeration at 100℃ for 1 hour proves effective, restoring protection without compromising glove strength. The study, covering twenty cycles, suggests safe glove reuse with proper decontamination, reducing costs significantly. However, limitations in chemical-glove combinations and exclusive focus on specific gloves caution against broad generalization. The absence of regulatory directives on glove reuse highlight the importance of informed selection and rigorous decontamination validation for workplace safety practices.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.196-208
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• 1998

To improve the quality of environmental measurements and evaluation of the workplace air in the pigment manufacturing industries, we analyzed metal(chromium, cadmium, lead, iron, cobalt, manganese, antimony, titanium, arsenic, and selenium) concentrations by ICP-AES in sixty seven samples of inorganic bulk pigments which are produced and/or used in Korea. We also collected MSDS which has to be supplied by manufacturer and/or supplier and posted in the workplace according to the Hazard Communication Standards, and compared the number of metals listed in each MSDS with the number of metals determined by ICP-AES. Results were as followed; 1. Among seventeen yellowish-colored samples, chromium(2~19%) and lead(0.1~61%) were the two major metals. In thirteen reddish-colored samples, iron was the major component with 37~81%. Cobalt and manganese were detected in blue-colored samples with less than 1%, while antimony and titanium were the major two metals in white-colored pigments with 178~300 ppm and with 36~65%, respectively. 2. In area samples collected in workplace air(one pigments producing factory and five retailer stores), iron and manganese were detected but the concentrations not exceeded the TLVs(1 and $5mg/m^3$, respectively). In three of fifteen samples, the concentrations of lead exceeded the TLV ($0.05mg/m^3$). 3. Two out of seven companies provided MSDS, and the average provision rate was 22.4%. And the coincidence rate of the number of metals referenced in MSDS and determined by ICP-AES mostly accorded, but in one sample, different metal was detected from MSDS. In summary, metals have to be concerned in evaluation of the workplace air dealing with compounds of inorganic pigments dust are cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, lead and antimony, and these are simultaneously determined by ICP-AES. Taking this opportunity, it is needed to reinforce that the personnel is to be concerned about prevention of workers' ill health regarding to provision of MSDS.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.429-453
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• 2023

Due to recent demographic changes, employees from diverse generations now work together in organizations. Thus, there is a need for research on intergenerational cooperation. However, the lack of valid and reliable measures to capture intergenerational climate in the workplace is an obstacle to research. Therefore, we translated the Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale(WICS) into Korean and validated it with a sample of 1,052 Korean full-time employees. Firstly, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis by using sample 1(N = 460) and revealed a five-factor solution. Secondly, the confirmatory factor analysis(sample 2; N = 592) showed a good model fit of the correlated five-factor model. Thirdly, the scale's discriminant and convergent validity was supported by negative correlations with four types of existing ageism scales and by positive correlations with trust, organizational commitment, work engagement, psychological safety, intention to remain, job satisfaction, and communication satisfaction. Moreover, it further demonstrated significant incremental validity in predicting positive outcome variables even when controlling for pre-existing agism scales. Lastly, we confirmed strict measurement invariance of the scale between the age groups(below 40 versus above 40). The findings support the reliability and validity of the Korean version of WICS among Korean employees. The scale will be broadly applied to measure intergenerational climate of organizations and provide practical implications for HR management.