• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.525-534
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• 2011

This paper describes the current status of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) and its ergonomic risk factors, including the preventive intervention in terms of the working conditions and health promotion among agricultural workers. Korean agricultural workers have been exposed to the poor working condition. They have suffered from a variety of work-related injury and diseases more than the general population or the other occupational group. MSDs are one of the most prevalent problems threatening the agricultural worker's health and quality of life. Low back pain, osteoarthritis of hip and knee joint and carpal tunnel syndrome are well known MSDs that was found easily and frequently among agricultural workers. MSDs are worsened by poor ergonomic working conditions such as heavy weight lifting, repetitive movement and awkward posture which involves squatting with long sitting work on the ground, long working hours and heavy workload which are inherent in the greater part of agricultural works. Even though Korean agricultural workers are very weak population in terms of occupational safety and health, no many studies were conducted in the past and no many social and institutional supports were provided sufficiently. We need more interests and efforts in agricultural fields to improve its working condition and to promote health status of agricultural workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.60-67
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• 2023

This study identified hazard exposures, health problems, and job satisfaction among elderly agricultural workers. A total of 1,340 agricultural workers (1,079 males and 261 females) were extracted from the 6^th Korean Working Conditions Survey data. Three age groups (A: 40s or below, B: 50s, and C: 60s or above) were statistically compared in hazard exposures, health problems, and job satisfaction. Elderly agricultural workers (60s or above) had significantly more exposure to ergonomic hazards, severe health problems, and lower job satisfaction than young agricultural workers. The study findings may help understand the characteristics of hazard exposures, health problems, and job satisfaction of elderly agricultural workers and will be useful for improving these conditions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.287-301
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• 2022

Objectives: This study compared the characteristics of the work environment between agricultural and general workers and analyzed the effects of agricultural working characteristics on work-related health problems. Methods: The participants of this study were 2,347 agricultural workers and 48,042 general workers who were selected by applying standardized weights to the raw data of 50,538 respondents from the 6th Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). Variables applicable to both worker groups and related to exposure to hazardous risk factors in the working environment, working hours and intensity of work, health problems and work-related status, and satisfaction with the work environment were selected. Chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests were performed to evaluate the differences in the variables between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of work environment characteristics on work-related health problems. Results: Compared to general workers, agricultural workers were more exposed to hazardous environments, irregular work patterns such as working on Saturday/Sunday, and short repetitive tasks. They reported more work-related and general health problems, including back pain, upper extremity muscle pain, lower extremity muscle pain, and general fatigue. Agricultural workers showed lower satisfaction with their work environment than general workers. Factors affecting one or more work-related health problems included gender, working years, hazardous factors, irregular work pattern, working hours, and labor intensity. Conclusions: Our findings showed that agricultural workers were relatively more vulnerable to safety issues compared to other occupational groups. Therefore, it is necessary to establish standardized safety and health standards and strengthen systematic safety and health management policies and services for agriculture.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.643-650
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was to obtain information regarding to agricultural accidents in farm workers in the Kyungpook area. Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out for 528 workers from the 1st to 31st of March, 2007. Frequency, percentage, mean and chi-square test with the SPSS program were used to analyze the data. Results: The causes of agricultural accidents include falling(29.0%), overseeing(18.9%), traffic accident(17.4%), putting between machinery(11.7%), crashing(5.3%), fire (0.6%) in the order of frequency. Injuries from agricultural accidents include fracture(44.7%) cerebral bleeding (10.4%), amputation(7.0%), airway obstruction (2.3%) burn(1.9%), drug addiction(1.9%) in the order of frequency. The largest proportion of the subjects of hospital treatment were in their 50s and belonged to the group of high-level economic state. Agricultural machinery collision was the most frequent cause among the subjects of hospital treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that carelessness can be a potential risk factor for agricultural accidents in farm workers. These findings may give useful information for developing agricultural accident prevention programs for farm workers.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.203-224
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• 2022

This study aims to examine the educational needs of migrant farm workers and farmers in Korea. For developing survey instruments, content analysis of migrant workers & employer training programs, in-depth interviews with farmers and expert reviews had been conducted. Therefore, eight parts and twenty nine educational contents for migrant workers, five parts and twenty educational contents for farmers have been constructed. For data analysis, Borich analysis and The Locus for Focus Model were hired to analyze the educational needs assessment. Results showed that migrant workers' educational priorities were 'basic korean for farming, working attitude in farming, safety guidelines and first aid skills for rural life, safe use of pesticides and protective equipment, driving skills, safe use of agricultural machinery, operation & maintenance of agricultural machinery, pest control by crop', and for the farmers' were 'communication with migrant workers, trouble controls with employment, farming guidance, industrial accident cases and countermeasures, preventing disease and promoting mental health of migrant workers'.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.861-877
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to survey job stress and Musculoskeletal Disorder(MSDs) of workers in small plants with agricultural products. The subjects were comprised of 69 workers participated in "Helping the rural women to get the small businesses" project. The questionnaire surveys were Korean Occupational Stress Scale(KOSS), and Legal Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003). As a result of the survey, scores of KOSS 8 sub-items except for job demand were similar to that of Korea workers. Prevalence of MSDs symptoms of small plants workers was high percent (44.9%). And the rate according to kinds of product was significant difference at neck (p<0.01), lumbar (p<0.01), and leg (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between view person sign of MSDs and non MSDs according to sex, year, the number of workers, working years, working time per one day, rest time per one day, and subjective working intensity, but there were significant difference between high stress group and low stress group about MSDs at interpersonal conflict(p<0.05). Job stress and MSDs were important factor to workers of small plants producted agricultural products. Therefore, starting a business with small plats, workers consider interpersonal conflict and body part showing MSDs.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.45-64
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• 2000

The purposes of the study were to identify the present status of the agricultural extension services in Korea and its surrounding environment, and to search the desirable ways of improvement under the serious restructuring period occurred by the nation-wide localization, globalization and development of information technology. Agricultural extension services have made great accomplishment in the education for rural people and agricultural technology diffusion, but agricultural extension service system no longer well fits in the changed environment. Agricultural extension services in Korea should restructure the system, function and methods in order to cope with the changing technology and rural society. The objectives of the extension services should be clear and simplified so that the extension workers can understand their role and duty more clearly. The local governments should encourage the extension workers to carry out their services diligently and with the pride. Also, the extension workers should change their mind to fit in the changing world and should improve their capability for their services.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify health promotion lifestyle (HPL), farmers' syndrome and related factors of workers in agricultural industry. Methods: A total of 454 agricultural workers were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected from July 1 to August 10, 2009. Data analysis included frequency, t-test, ANOVA, Scheff$\acute{e}$ test, and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS/WIN 17.0. Results: 1. The mean score of HPL was 3.30 and the prevalence of farmers' syndrome was 29.3%. 2. Analysis of farmers' syndrome showed there were statistically significant differences for gender, age, sleeping time, perceived health status, breakfast and exercise. 3. Gender, age, perceived health status, breakfast and exercise were identified as variables influencing the farmers' syndrome. Conclusion: This study suggested that we should develop health promotion programs for workers of agricultural industry considering these results.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.113-130
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• 2024

A questionnaire survey of farmers engaged in actual farming was conducted to investigate the farmers' actual wearing conditions and preferences for agricultural workwear to develop workwear that is suitable for improved agricultural work efficiency. We extracted basic data necessary for the development of agricultural workwear. Analysis of the photographs taken showed differences in the shoes and gloves worn depending on the type of work. The percentages of men and women were equal among the agricultural workers. The age of the agricultural workers was analyzed and the results showed a higher percentage of those over 50 years old, indicating that the age of the agricultural workers was higher than in other industries. It was found that the waist, knees, and elbows of the workers were pulled during work, and analysis showed that the symptoms resulting from clothing pulling were more severe when the wearing dimensions were larger. It was recognized that the important aspects of workwear are those related to work, such as functionality, activity, and work efficiency. In addition to workwear, the most commonly worn auxiliary equipment was gloves, and other items included hats, armbands, work shoes, boots, seat chairs, and masks. When developing rural workwear, it is necessary to consider the fit, type of work, and materials of the workwear. Future research should focus on materials that can improve the functionality of workwear and pattern development that reflects physical and movement characteristics.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.239-248
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• 2018

Background: Workers may be exposed to various types of occupational hazards at the same time, potentially increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this review was to analyze the effects of multiple occupational exposures and coexposures to chemical, biomechanical, and physical hazards on adverse health outcomes among agricultural workers. Methods: Articles published in English between 1990 and 2015 were identified using five popular databases and two complementary sources. The quality of the included publications was assessed using the methodology developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project assessment tool for quantitative studies. Results: Fifteen articles were included in the review. Multiple chemical exposures were significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, cancer, and DNA and cytogenetic damage. Multiple physical exposures seemed to increase the risk of hearing loss, whereas coexposures to physical and biomechanical hazards were associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders among agricultural workers. Conclusion: Few studies have explored the impact of multiple occupational exposures on the health of agricultural workers. A very limited number of studies have investigated the effect of coexposures among biomechanical, physical, and chemical hazards on occupational health, which indicates a need for further research in this area.