• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.317-330
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• 2021

Objectives: By law, companies in Korea must periodically measure workers' exposure to harmful chemicals (the system is called the Work Environment Monitoring Program (WMP)[a]) and report the results to the government. The government also measures exposure to monitor the WMP's reliability (called Reliability Assessment (RA) for WMP[b]). The issue is that measured data from these two sources are so different that the objectivity of WMP needs to be confirmed by comparing the results using the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals' Targeted Risk Assessment (ECETOC TRA). Methods: Step 1: Data collection from WMP reports submitted by companies (n=586) and RA for WMP written by the government (n=33). Step 2: Data Standardization by key information included. Step 3: Data conversion to input-variables required to run the ECETOC TRA model, and run the model with specific data (n=514) which meet the predetermined exposure scenario. Step 4: Statistical data analysis by process category (PROC) and ventilation type from each source ([A] and [B]). Step 5: Additional analysis of any unexpected results. Results: The process categories of the production and handling of Dichloromethane were classified into 12 PROCs, and ten of them were selected to run ECETOC TRA. Modeled values tended to be higher than measured values from both sources. For the measured values from WMP, RCR distribution by PROC was narrow (0.197-0.267, 95% CI) and did not have a relationship with ventilation type, which differs from the tendency of the modeling result. Meanwhile, the measured values from RA for WMP were relatively widely distributed (0.301-1.177, 95% CI) by PROC. In particular PROCs (13,19) were high enough to exceed 1. Also, they become low with better ventilation types and appear differently depending on the ventilation type, similar to the model result. Conclusions: This study revealed that ECETOC TRA might have the potential to serve as a screening tool for exposure assessment and to be used as assistive method for WMP to estimate exposure. Further empirical study is required to confirm its availability as a screening tool.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.182-194
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• 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate health status and to propose health protection measures of irregular plant construction workers in Yoesu National Industrial Complex (YNIC). The status of safety and health management was examined in five areas including safety and health education, work environment monitoring, health examination, health management record, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for plant construction workers. The safety training rate for plant construction workers was reached high at 91%, The training was mostly consisted of safety accident related things, but training on hazardous materials was found to be insufficient. Workplace monitoring results showed that the compliance rate for work environment for irregular construction workers was 54% and workplace monitoring during turnaround (TA) period with high risk of exposure to hazardous agents has not been implemented. While 61.4% of irregular workers received the general health examination but only 36.8% received the special health examination. The special health examination was found to be conducted only upon welders from 2-3 years ago. The issue of health management record upon irregular construction workers was not being implemented. In case of PPE, basic safety protective equipments such as safety shoes, safety belt, safety helmet were being supplied well while the supply rate of respirator for organic vapor was relatively low at 40%. Based on this study, two suggestions to maximize the utilization of the current safety and health program were made while boosting its effectiveness in protecting workers' health. First, the role of owners (petrochemical plant) related to safety and health should be strengthened. Second, in consideration of the characteristics of construction workers who usually engage in short term employment and frequent movement, community based health management organization is suggested that can overcome such structural problem and carry out the implementation of health examination and sustained health management.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.101-112
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• 2016

Monitoring and control of the greenhouse environment play a decisive role in greenhouse crop production processes. The network system for greenhouse control was developed by using recent technologies of networking and wireless communications. In this paper, a remote monitoring and control system for greenhouse using a smartphone and a computer with internet has been developed. The system provides real-time remote greenhouse integrated management service which collects greenhouse environment information and controls greenhouse facilities based on sensors and equipments network. Graphical user interface for an integrated management system was designed with bases on the HMI and the experimental results showed that a sensor data and device status were collected by integrated management in real-time. Because the sensor data and device status can be displayed on a web page, transmitted using the server program to remote computer and mobile smartphone at the same time. The monitored-data can be downloaded, analyzed and saved from server program in real-time via mobile phone or internet at a remote place. Performance test results of the greenhouse control system has confirmed that all work successfully in accordance with the operating conditions. And data collections and display conditions, event actions, crops and equipments monitoring showed reliable results.

• Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.854-860
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• 2014

Workers engaged in car inspection works have been exposed to many occupational hazards including noise, particulate matter, and volatile organic substances. Noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL) is one of the leading health hazards among Korean workers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the noise levels in several car inspection shops by introducing the evaluation methods of KMOEL/OSHA and ACGIH. Six sites in central area of Korea were selected to monitor the noise levels of workers by personal and area sampling methods for two consecutive days in spring, summer, fall and winter seasons. Dosimeters have been used for this noise monitoring program. Obtained noise levels by the evaluation method according to KMOEL/OSHA are the range of 50.2~88.2 dB(A), these are lower than KOEL/OSHA standards level of 90 dB(A). But highest noise by ACGIH's evaluation methodology is recorded 92.3 dB(A) and is greater than NIHL standard level of 85 dB(A). So that many workers may be exposed to the dangerous noise environment. The higher the car inspection loads daily, the higher the noise levels in the sites. Seasonal fluctuation of noise levels at the process might give monitoring results with high variations. Area noise levels showed higher than those of personal sampling, which illustrate some high noise spots in the car inspection areas.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2022.04a
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• pp.87-88
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• 2022

For an earthquake-safe urban environment, the Republic of Korea conducts seismic performance evaluation in accordance with laws and guidelines to assign safety ratings and implement necessary management measures such as repairs and reinforcements. In the seismic performance evaluation result, structures lacking in preparation for earthquakes are prioritized and classified into measures such as repair, reinforcement, or careful observation to respond to physical risks such as earthquakes. Such repair and reinforcement work is not a one-time thing, but it is necessary to further enhance the effect through continuous follow-up observation. In this study, the location of the vertical and horizontal displacement measuring part of the construction part is displayed so that the post-construction status of the reinforcement construction part can be visually checked by identifying the problems in the process of post-monitoring in 2022 for the maintenance and reinforcement work of local governments' public facilities carried out in 2021. We propose a plan to institutionalize the installation of, inspection tools, and crack gauges at certain locations in the construction department, and to have facility managers periodically inspect and manage them with a smartphone program or the 'Facility Autonomous Safety Inspection' app.

• Journal of the Korean Professional Engineers Association
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 1982

Following rapid industrial development and urbanization in Korea, there is a need for the Government to implement effective control of pollution and to undertake specific schemes in areas where pollution of the environment is severe. In response to this need, Government of Korea prepare Han River Basin Environmental Master Plan Project for water, air, solid waste to cover environmental protection of the Han River Basin. The Project area is approximately 27,000 sq. Km extending over Seoul, Kyunggi, Kwangwon, Chungbuk Province. The total population of Master Plan Project area is approximately 11.6 million, or one-third of the total population of Korea. There are about 8,000 industries, including those located in 16 industrial complexes, in the project area. The scope of work and terms of reference are the following: (1) A Summary of existing land use and forecasts for changes in land use by the year 2,000. (2) Emission inventories for air, waste water, and solid wastes. (3) Forecasts of future population growth patterns and pollution loadings. (4) Identification of specific projects needs to reduce pollution levels and satisfy the environmental quality standards. (5) A Program of enforcement to include (i) self monitoring, and (ii) governmental inspections and surveillance. (6) A program for quality improvement and quality assurance of environmental measurements. (7) Reports summarizing all data collected analyzed during the study. (8) Conceptual design and feasibility studies, including cost estimates, for needed pollution control projects. (9) A financial plan for future detailed design and construction of public facilities, for financial incentives to industry, and for user charges for industrial use of public treatment of disposal works.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.267-274
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was to assess the prevalence of workplace bullying and the relationship workplace bullying to self-esteem and turnover intention among clinical nurses. Methods: The subjects were 223 clinical nurses at 3 small and medium-sized hospitals in K and B cities. The data were collected from February 1st throughout 28th, 2013. The collected data were analyzed using the SAS program through the frequency, percentage, mean, and Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results: The rate of self-reported bullying in the nursing workplace was 24.6% of respondents. There was a negative correlation between workplace bullying and self-esteem (r=-.39, p<.001). Also there was a positive correlation between workplace bullying and turnover intention (r=.14, p=.031). Conclusion: Prevalence of self-reported bullying is high among small and medium-sized hospitals and is clearly associated with lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of turnover intention. Therefore, an organizational nursing management program as a monitoring regularly the psychosocial work environment and policies and procedures to prevent and manage workplace bullying is strongly recommended for the promotion of self-esteem and reducing the nurse's intention to leave the organization.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2024

Objective: The introduction of government support programs for small businesses in 1993 aimed to enhance awareness and capabilities in industrial health management among small business proprietors, marking a continuous expansion over the past three decades. Despite this growth, there has been a conspicuous absence of comprehensive evaluations regarding the efficacy of these initiatives. In response, this study endeavors to conduct a thorough policy evaluation. Method: Through a meticulous approach, we conducted an analysis of in-depth interviews with eight individuals possessing expertise in the administration of government support programs for small businesses. These interviews were sourced from personnel affiliated with government ministries and public agencies. Results: In the analysis, it was found that small-scale business government support programs operate primarily based on quantity rather than receiving support from business owners regarding their necessity or utility. Consequently, these programs have failed to yield substantial effects on altering the perception of business owners or improving the working environment within the businesses. Conclusion: This study assumes significance in its capacity to discern intricate procedural challenges in program implementation, which often elude quantitative scrutiny. Furthermore, it provides pivotal insights for enhancing government support programs.

• Atmosphere
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.339-348
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• 2007

Global Environment Laboratory at Yonsei University in Seoul ($37.57^{\circ}N$, $126.95^{\circ}E$) has carried out the ozone layer monitoring program in the framework of the Global Ozone Observing System of the World Meteorlogical Organization (WMO/GAW/GO3OS Station No. 252) since May of 1984. The daily measurements of total ozone and the vertical distribution of ozone amount have been made with the Dobson Spectrophotometer (No.124) on the roof of the Science Building on Yonsei campus. From 2004 through 2006, major parts of the manual operations are automated in measuring total ozone amount and vertical ozone profile through Umkehr method, and calibrating instrument by standard lamp tests with new hardware and software including step motor, rotary encoder, controller, and visual display. This system takes full advantage of Windows interface and information technology to realize adaptability to the latest Windows PC and flexible data processing system. This automatic system also utilizes card slot of desktop personal computer to control various types of boards in the driving unit for operating Dobson spectrophotometer and testing devices. Thus, by automating most of the manual work both in instrument operation and in data processing, subjective human errors and individual differences are eliminated. It is therefore found that the ozone data quality has been distinctly upgraded after automation of the Dobson instrument.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.93-105
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• 2015

Objectives: This study is for understanding the perceived job training of the public health promotion program officials and analysis the educational needs in order to serve as the basis for the development of the future educational programs. Methods: To this end, we have developed a survey based on references and consultations with experts. We had explained the purpose and the intent of the survey to nationwide public health directors in advance and an online questionnaire was conducted for health promotion program and service providing personnel; the results from a total of 763 survey respondents were used in the final analysis. Collected data were analyzed through SPSS Win 21.0. Results: The results shows that the tasks of public health promotion personnel are 'business practices,' 'planning and evaluation related work' and so on in order of importance while the duties of service providing personnel are 'counseling,' 'education' and so on. One of the factors affecting field applications of education is 'awareness of the connection between education and career development' which accounts for 33% of explanatory power; the selected six other factors constitute 41.7%. Necessary educational contents for public officials are 'public health service planning,' 'report writing skills' and 'project evaluation methods.' On the other hand, for service providers, the contents are 'counseling methods,' 'development of educational materials,' 'monitoring health status' and so on. Conclusions: In order for trained service personnel to accord with the changed health promotion environment and the demand of local residents, Public Health Promotion officials should increase educational opportunities based on the competencies for each job, provide continuous learning opportunities and information even after the training, and finally, create a system that can link to career development.