• Title/Summary/Keyword: workers' health and safety

Search Result 1,430, Processing Time 0.027 seconds

The Effect of working Noise Exposure and Military Background on the Hearing Threshold (특수병과의 과거 군 소음 노출이 소음 노출 작업자의 청력에 미치는 영향)

  • Chung, Ho-Keun;Kim, Kyoo-Sang
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.36 no.2
    • /
    • pp.137-146
    • /
    • 2003
  • Objectives : Impaired hearing is a prevalent occupational hazard, not only in industry, but also in the armed forces. In military life, noise has unusual characteristics, and constitutes a serious hazard to hearing. The aim of this study was to analyze the hearing threshold data in order to compare the hearing loss among shipyard workers, representing different workers, and a military service background. Methods : A cross-sectional audiological survey, combined with a questionnaire study, was conducted on a stratified random sample of 440 shipyard workers, with long-term exposure to noise. The employees were divided into four groups, according to their working and military service backgrounds, in relation to their exposure to noise. Results : As expected, the working and military noise exposure group (Group I) had significantly poorer hearing than the other groups. The high frequencies (2-8 kHz) showed the greatest difference in terms of poorer fearing in both ears. The prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was highest in Group I. A logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the dependence of the NIHL in relation to age, smoking, drinking, working duration, ear protection, past history of ear diseases, and working and military sonics backgrounds, on the noise exposure The important factors found to be related to the NIHL, in relation to noise exposure were: age, work duration, and working and military service backgrounds. The adjusted odds ratio estimates for NIML in the right ear were 4.5 times greater (95% CI 1.7-11.6) for the military noise exposed group, and 7.9 times greater (95% CI 2.0-31.3) for the working noise exposed group than in the controls. The hearing thresholds at the pure-tone average and 4 kHz were significantly increased with age and work duration with both the working and military service backgrounds. Conclusions : From these results, specific preventive programs were planned, which should be assessed by epidemiological surveillance of the military noise exposed population.

A Study on How to Vitalize the ESG Management Strategy of SMEs through ESG Management Cases

  • KIM, Jin-Kwon;KIM, Min-Su;AHN, Tony-DongHui
    • The Journal of Economics, Marketing and Management
    • /
    • v.10 no.6
    • /
    • pp.39-46
    • /
    • 2022
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to look at the current status and cases of ESG at home and abroad, and through this, seek ways to activate the ESG strategy of domestic SMEs and suggest a direction. Research design, data and methodology: This study examines the current status of ESG management at home and abroad and examples of companies through related literature on ESG management and performance. Through this, the strategic direction of ESG management of domestic SMEs was presented. Results: Compared to the government and major corporations, SMEs can be said to lack ESG management activities. ESG activities include environmental activities such as carbon neutrality, waste management, eco-friendly supply chain management, establishment of safety and health processes to improve workers' environment, expansion of governance to guarantee autonomy and profitability such as fair trade, protection of social and shareholder rights such as anti-corruption, etc. should be based on Therefore, there are difficulties in ESG activities of SMEs that lack funds and manpower. Conclusions: Compared to the government and major corporations, SMEs can be said to lack ESG management activities However, it will be possible to establish and implement ESG management strategies based on the strengths of SMEs and the characteristics of each company.

An Implementation of an Integrated Degasing System for Aluminum Molten Metal in Continuous Casting (알루미늄 연속주조 용탕의 탈 가스 일체화 장치 개발)

  • Lee, Yong-Joong
    • Transactions of the Korean Society of Machine Tool Engineers
    • /
    • v.17 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-6
    • /
    • 2008
  • There are some methods that have been used to manage a degasing process in recent years, such as an injection method that uses aluminum molten metal powder and chemicals supplier and input method that supplies argon and nitrogen, or chlorine gas by using a gas blow-tube. However, these methods show some problems, and it shows that it is a difficult process to handle, pollution due to producing a lot of toxic gases like chlorine and fluoride gas, irregular effects, and lowering work efficiency due to the excessive processing time. The problems that are the most fatal are the producing a lot of sludge due to the reaction of aluminum molten metal with chemicals, loss of metals, and decreasing the life of refractory materials. In order to solve these problems, this paper develops a technology that is related to aluminum continuous casting molten metal and monolithic degasing apparatus. A degasing apparatus developed in this study improved the existing methods and prevented environmental pollution with smokeless, odorless, and harmlessness by using a new method that applies argon and nitrogen gas in which the methods used in the West and Japan are eliminated. The method developed in this study decreases the molten metal processing and settling time compared to the existing methods and improves the workers' health, safety, and environment because there is no pollution in processes.

Common and scientific names of amphibians, domestic animals, birds, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, and aquaculture

  • Song, Jeong-Mee;Jang, Hyung-Kwan;Song, Hee-Jong
    • Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
    • /
    • v.25 no.4
    • /
    • pp.385-407
    • /
    • 2002
  • The planning of any experiment or trial involving the use of animal (material) requires the most detailed and careful consideration of the wide variety of species and strains that are now available. Unfortunately, although many research workers carefully define their requirements with respect to chemicals or complicated laboratory equipment, often they appear to be unaware of the specifications that should be similarly applied to laboratory animals and end up simply asking for a white mouse! The aim of any user of laboratory animals should be to achieve maximum accuracy with the minimum number of animals, and it is, therefore, essential that careful consideration should be given to the choice of the animal(Bleby J, 1987). The first step when selecting an experimental animal is to specify the type needed, taking into account the following factors: 1. species, 2. breed or strain, and 3. quality, especially with respect to health and genetical status. The correct choice of species cannot be emphasized too strongly and failure to do so can sometimes have dire consequences, frequently very expensive in financial terms and sometimes extremely tragic in manifestations of human and animal suffering. In this paper, we reorganized a lot of collected articles described previously for common and scientific names of amphibians, domestic animals, birds, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, and aquaculture as mentioned in the text.

Filtration efficiency and Manikin-based Total Inward Leakage Study of Particle Filtering Mask Challenged with Silver Nanoparticles (은나노입자에 대한 방진마스크 포집효율 및 총누설율)

  • Kim, Jong-Kyu
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.26 no.3
    • /
    • pp.367-376
    • /
    • 2016
  • Objectives: The production and use of nanoparticles have been increased. In 2014 Workplace Survey Results, 335 companies produce and treat nanoparticls. However, lack of data on nano-toxicity and a method for risk management and regulation on nanoparticles and the standard test method are not sufficient. Protective equipment selection guidelines for nanoparticles are not established. It is required to carry out respirator efficiency test against nanoparticles. This study was performed to evaluate filtration efficiency and manikin-based total inward leakage of particle filtering mask using in Korean country challenged with silver nanoparticles. Methods: We investigated filtration efficiency and total inward leakage of 7 respirator with silver nanoparticle. Results: The geometric mean diameters of Silver nanoparticles were 30 nm and number concentration were about $10^6{\sharp}/cm^3$. Filtration efficiency of six of the seven particle filtering masks was more than 98% and one particle filtering masks filtration efficiency was 94.9%. The filtration efficiency of particle filtering masks to 20 nm silver nanoparticels was highest. Artificial breathing machine with manikin based total inward leakage were 7.6% ~ 42.3%. Conclusions: The results of this study nano-silver filter efficiency was high but the total inward leakage was higher than filter penetration. Therefore, education on how to wear a respirator should be demanded. Especially for workers handling nanoparticles and toxic material, user seal checking and fit test must be performed.

A Study on the Development of Self-Checklists for Small and Medium-Sized Chemical Industries (중소규모 화학업종을 위한 자율점검표 개발 연구)

  • Woo Sub Shim;Kyeong-Seok Oh
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
    • /
    • v.26 no.5
    • /
    • pp.757-763
    • /
    • 2023
  • Major industrial accidents in which workers die due to fires or explosions while working at chemical substance handling workplaces continue to occur. Among the major industrial accidents that occurred between 2005 and 2021, the accident status by work situation and equipment was analyzed. Through analysis, it was confirmed that storage, reaction, and piping facilities were the main causes of the accident, and a self-checklist for each facility was developed. Verification was conducted through the supply and use groups to evaluate the suitability of the use, duties, and items of the self-checklist. The user group showed higher satisfaction than the supplier group for all three suitability of use, job, and item. In particular, since the inspection items of the self-checklist were organized around the cause of the accident derived through the analysis of actual accident cases, the satisfaction level was high in all groups. It is expected that the self-checklist developed through this study will be useful not only for large companies but also for small and medium-sized chemical industries that lack professional manpower.

A Scientific Critique of a Korean Court's Acquittal for Involuntary Manslaughter Related to 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT), a Humidifier Disinfectant (HD) Part I: Material safety, exposure and delivery to target organ from an HD perspective (CMIT/MIT 함유 가습기 살균제 제품의 제조 및 판매기업 형사판결 1심 재판 판결문에 대한 과학적 고찰 (I) - 제품 위험성과 노출평가 측면에서)

  • Park, Dong-Uk;Zoh, Kyung Ehi;Kim, Jiwon;Choi, Sangjun;Kwon, Jung-Hwan;Jun, Houngbae;Kim, Sungkyoon
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.47 no.2
    • /
    • pp.111-122
    • /
    • 2021
  • Objectives: There was a judgment of acquittal for the manufacturer SK Chemical and the vendor Aekyung regarding humidifier disinfectant (HD) containing 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMIT/MIT). The rationale used in this judgement is discussed here in the light of scientific consideration. Methods: The sentencing document for the judgements was obtained from the Korea Supreme Court Service. In particular, the judgements made by the court related to the risk of HD and external and internal exposure to CMIT/MIT are discussed based on scientific evidence. Results: Rendering a determination in a criminal trial of insufficient evidence of causation, the court dismissed the prosecution's motion that humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injuries (HDLI) and asthma were associated with the utilization of these products. However, CMIT/MIT, a strong sensitizing and corrosive substance, has been reported to be associated with brain toxicity, allergic contact dermatitis, and asthma. Furthermore, the judgment did not consider total consumption amounts or the cumulative dose of CMIT/MIT in the humidifier. Lastly, there are several cases supporting the fact that exposure to water-soluble substances including CMIT/MIT can cause lower respiratory tract diseases. In addition to cases of asthma among the workers exposed to CMIT/MIT, we identified lung injury victims who were exposed to HDs exclusively containing CMIT/MIT. Conclusions: We conclude that there is sufficient evidence supporting the assertion that HDs containing CMIT/MIT cause lung injuries, including asthma, contrary to the court's judgement.

Radiation Dose Measurement and Model Comparison at the Flight Level (비행고도 상에서의 우주방사선 관측 및 모델 비교)

  • Yi, Wonhyeong;Kim, Jiyoung;Jang, Kun-Il
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
    • /
    • v.26 no.2
    • /
    • pp.91-97
    • /
    • 2018
  • High-energy charged particles are comprised of galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles which are mainly originated from the supernova explosion, active galactic nuclei, and the Sun. These primary charged particles which have sufficient energy to penetrate the Earth's magnetic field collide with the Earth's upper atmosphere, that is $N_2$ and $O_2$, and create secondary particles and ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can be measured at commercial flight altitude. So it is recommended to manage radiation dose of aircrew as workers under radiation environment to protect their health and safety. However, it is hard to deploy radiation measurement instrument to commercial aircrafts and monitor radiation dose continuously. So the numerical model calculation is performed to assess radiation exposure at flight altitude. In this paper, we present comparison result between measurement data recorded on several flights and estimation data calculated using model and examine the characteristics of the radiation environment in the atmosphere.

Investigation of Job Satisfaction and Hazardous Factors of Aircraft Cleaning Worker (항공기 청소 노동자의 작업 만족도 및 유해인자 조사)

  • Choi, Yeonhak;Kim, Ki-Youn
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.30 no.2
    • /
    • pp.174-184
    • /
    • 2020
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to improve the working environment by identifying the work satisfaction of the cleaning workers of the aircraft and measuring and assessing the harmful factors of the cleaning process. Methods: We asked 23 cleaning companies for questionnaires and got 100 answers from 5 companies. The A-E Airline health manager has been contacted to establish a site survey schedule. The in-flight and lounge were measured using direct reading equipment. The harmful factor to be measured are noise, dust, temperature, volatile organic compound, total airborne bacteria, and total airborne bacteria. Results: Uncomfortable positions when replacing blanket, cleaning the table, and cleaning the floor have been identified as factor that reduce work satisfaction. Noise when replacing newspapers and cleaning toilets has been identified as a factor that lowers work satisfaction. Temperature and humidity were found to reduce work satisfaction during in-flight disinfection. Measurements of aircraft cabin and lounge with direct read equipment have shown that none of the items exceed the exposure criteria. Conclusions: As a result of measuring direct-reading equipment, no items exceeded the exposure criteria for each harmful factor. A clear survey of the working environment is required based on the results, and additional research is needed using personal sample measurement.

Physical Therapy and Ergonomic Interventions in Patients with VDT Syndrome: 4 Cases Study (VDT 증후군 환자에 물리치료와 인간공학적 개입: 사례 연구)

  • Lee, In-Hee;Park, Sang-Young
    • The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
    • /
    • v.22 no.4
    • /
    • pp.91-96
    • /
    • 2010
  • Purpose: Among computer users, the awkward posture and workstation setups of workers contribute to work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a traditional physical therapy and ergonomic intervention by physical therapists in 4 computer users. Methods: After checking Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), four subjects who were treated by physical therapy for neck and shoulder problems related to VDT syndrome were enrolled in the study. All subjects spent at least 40 hours per week at a computer workstation. All subjects had pain and ergonomic states evaluated using methods such as VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Workstyle short form, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and OSHA VDT checklist (Occupational Safety and Health Administration video display terminal) before a physical therapy + ergonomic intervention. Participants were re-evaluated 1 month later. Results: Participants showed more improvement of their neck pain after being treated with a physical therapy plus ergonomic intervention than when treatment consisted only of physical therapy. Improvements in RULA, Workstyle short form, and OSHA VDT checklist also were achieved. Conclusion: This case study suggests the importance of examining the work habits and work-related postures of subjects who complain of neck and shoulder pain that is exacerbated by computer use. Personalized ergonomic interventions and physical therapy can lead to improvement of patients with VDT syndrome.