• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.295-304
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• 2015

Background: While attention has been paid to physical risks in the work environment and the promotion of individual employee health, mental health protection and promotion have received much less focus. Psychosocial risk management has not yet been fully incorporated in such efforts. This paper presents good practices in promoting mental health in the workplace in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance by identifying barriers, opportunities, and the way forward in this area. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 experts who were selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise in relation to good practice identified tools. Interviewees were asked to evaluate the approaches on the basis of the WHO model for healthy workplaces. Results: The examples of good practice for Workplace Mental Health Promotion (WMHP) are in line with the principles and the five keys of the WHO model. They support the third objective of the WHO comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2020 for multisectoral implementation of WMHP strategies. Examples of good practice include the engagement of all stakeholders and representatives, science-driven practice, dissemination of good practice, continual improvement, and evaluation. Actions to inform policies/legislation, promote education on psychosocial risks, and provide better evidence were suggested for higher WMHP success. Conclusion: The study identified commonalities in good practice approaches in different countries and stressed the importance of a strong policy and enforcement framework as well as organizational responsibility for WMHP. For progress to be achieved in this area, a holistic and multidisciplinary approach was unanimously suggested as a way to successful implementation.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.530-535
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• 2021

Background: Despite the lack of official COVID-19 statistics, various workplaces and occupations have been at the center of COVID-19 outbreaks. We aimed to compare legal measures and governance established for managing COVID-19 infection risks at workplaces in nine Asia and Pacific countries and to recommend key administrative measures. Methods: We collected information on legal measures and governance from both general citizens and workers regarding infection risks such as COVID-19 from industrial hygiene professionals in nine countries (Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand) using a structured questionnaire. Results: A governmental body overseeing public health and welfare was in charge of containing the spread and occurrence of infectious diseases under an infectious disease control and prevention act or another special act, although the name of the pertinent organizations and legislation vary among countries. Unlike in the case of other traditional hazards, there have been no specific articles or clauses describing the means of mitigating virus risk in the workplace that are legally required of employers, making it difficult to define the responsibilities of the employer. Each country maintains own legal systems regarding access to the duration, administration, and financing of paid sick leave. Many workers may not have access to paid sick leave even if it is legally guaranteed.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.401-407
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• 2022

Background: The present study aimed to digitally evaluate the risk of overwork-related adverse effects (OrAEs) among employees from various occupational categories in Taiwan. Methods: Anonymous data of employees from seven companies/factories providing occupational health services were analyzed. The studied population comprised 5505 employees, and the data analyzed included employment duration, working hours, shift work schedules, and health checkup results. The risk for OrAEs was assessed by an index, Karo index (0-4, the larger the value, the higher the risk for OrAEs) obtained using a risk matrix made up of cardiocerebral and occupational risk factors. Karo index values of 3 and 4 were categorized as at high risk for OrAEs (h-OrAEs). Results: The 5505 employees had an average employment duration of 8.5 years and a mean age of 39.4 years. The prevalence rates for h-OrAEs of the seven companies/factories ranged from 3.9% to 34.2%. There were significant differences in prevalence rates for h-OrAEs between employees of retail stores and high-tech manufacturing factories. Multivariate analysis results indicated that workers of high-tech manufacturing factories had significantly higher risk for h-OrAEs compared with retail store workers. Conclusion: In terms of satisfying health risk management and legal requirements in Taiwan, the newly issued Karo index, which covers a wide range of occupational risk factors, can serve as an assessment and a warning tool for managing the risk of OrAEs in workplaces. To reduce risks for h-OrAEs, active and prudent control of cerebrocardiovascular risks and working hours is recommended.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.136-138
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• 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is a newly emerging infectious disease worldwide, can be categorized as an occupational disease, because employees, particularly in the healthcare system, can be infected at the workplace. As of December 15, 2020, we summarized the occupational safety and health practices in selected countries on the recognition of COVID-19 as one of the occupational risks. The situation has differed among countries, including the recognition status and whether a specific regulation existed. International organizations, namely the International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, and European Union, should plan and conduct studies on the work-relatedness of COVID-19, propose criteria for recognition, and add the infection to the occupational disease list to provide a basis for specific country regulations. Stakeholders should also act to adjust country-level legislation.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.272-278
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• 2023

Background: Some working conditions may pose a higher physical or psychological demand to pregnant women leading to increased risks of pregnancy complications. Objectives: We assessed the association of woman's employment status and the industrial classification with obstetric complications. Methods: We conducted a national population study using the National Health Information Service database of Republic of Korea. Our analysis encompassed 1,316,310 women who experienced first-order live births in 2010-2019. We collected data on the employment status and the industrial classification of women, as well as their diagnoses of preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) classified as A1 (well controlled by diet) or A2 (requiring medication). We calculated odds ratios (aORs) of complications per employment, and each industrial classification was adjusted for individual risk factors. Results: Most (64.7%) were in employment during pregnancy. Manufacturing (16.4%) and the health and social (16.2%) work represented the most prevalent industries. The health and social work exhibited a higher risk of PE (aOR = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.21), while the manufacturing industry demonstrated a higher risk of class A2 GDM (1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.41) than financial intermediation. When analyzing both classes of GDM, women who worked in public administration and defense/social security showed higher risk of class A1 GDM (1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.07). When comparing high-risk industries with nonemployment, the health and social work showed a comparable risk of PE (1.02, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.07). Conclusion: Employment was associated with overall lower risks of obstetric complications. Health and social service work can counteract the healthy worker effect in relation to PE. This highlights the importance of further elucidating specific occupational risk factors within the high-risk industries.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.139-147
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• 2021

In this study, we proposed the possibility of reliability analysis of risk index by using Monte Carlo simulation as basic data of safety accident occurrence data and expert opinion by construction industry type. Through this, it is expected that risk index for safety accidents according to detailed types of works will be presented stochastically and it will be possible to predict the risk factors and the expected range of damage based on the reliability analysis in the construction safety management plan. It will also reduce many of the planning risks that are common to decision makers in the field of construction management. In identifying risks, road bridge construction was classified into earthworks, drainage works, and bridge construction, and possible safety accidents were classified based on expert data. The risk index was calculated for each detailed construction of road and bridge construction, drainage construction, and bridge construction.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.246-254
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aims to provide baseline data on children's health care and household safety management in one region and to support implementation of customized visiting health care services for children. Methods: 51 children and their caregivers from socially vulnerable group and 69 children and their caregivers from general group are selected as research participants. Data were collected through home visiting survey by 10 professional nurses. Results: Children from socially vulnerable group are at higher risks of poor health care and safety accidents in households than general group. Rates of taking developmental screening tests, medical check-up remain considerably low in vulnerable social group. Regarding home safety, vulnerable children are more likely to be exposed to unsafe conditions. Conclusion: These results indicate that in order to promote health care and safety conditions for vulnerable children, it is necessary to implement customized visiting health care programs which actually can reach vulnerable households and meet their demands. These findings can be used as baseline data to develop customized visiting health care programs for children.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.375-379
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• 2011

Objective: The aim of this paper is to introduce the Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from vibration. Background: Human beings interact with machinery, and contact with vibration is commonplace. Unfortunately, continuous exposure to mechanical vibration can lead to physical injury. And standards are needed for identifying those at risk and for taking steps to mitigate the problem and reduce risk of injury. Method: The contents of the Directive were summarized and discussed, especially against its ISO counterparts. Results: The Directive deals with minimum safety and health prescriptions relative to workers' exposure to risks due to mechanical vibration. This directive specifies exposure limit values and action values. It also specifies employers' obligations with regard to determining and assessing risks, sets out the measures to be taken to reduce or avoid workers' exposure. Finally, it details how to make exposed workers aware of this issue. Conclusion: In spite of some limitations, it has recently been transcribed into all national laws of member States of European union. Application: The results of the paper might help to establish or update the domestic standards on vibration.

• Journal of Construction Engineering and Project Management
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.1-7
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• 2016

Construction in the UK is the second most dangerous industry in terms of fatal and minor injuries according to the 2014 report of HSE. The use of mobile devices such as iPad, Tablets and Smart phones on the live construction projects is also on the increase in the UK due to the 2016 - Level 2 BIM (Building Information Modelling) implementation target, set by the UK Government. Hence, the use of such devices may become a distraction from work activities on the construction sites and will cause a major risk to the end users. The subject of improving safety of BIM use is widely researched, but there is a gap in knowledge about the actual use of the mobile devices and perception of 'Site BIM', on the construction site activities. The main gap identified in the 'Site BIM' is the health and safety aspect of using such devices on the construction sites. A safer way of working with such devices needs to be identified to avoid any potential site hazards and fatalities before the widespread use of the devices are found on the construction projects. In that context, the paper is aimed to highlight the safety issues that are required to address for the successful implementation of the mobile devices for safer use of the 'Site BIM'. Questionnaire survey was used to collect the site information among construction professionals in the UK. The survey findings suggested that a proactive approach may be helpful to stop potential hazards and risks causing by the use of mobile devices and potential measures need to be identified before any injuries and incidents occur. The paper concludes that training, changing size of mobile devices and ensuring a separate induction training for 'Site BIM' tools will improve the health and safety of the end users of the mobile devices at the live construction sites.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.78-84
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• 2021

In addition to physical risks such as electrical, chemical, and mechanic ones in the workplace, psychosocial risks are also raising as an important issue in recent years in connection with human rights and work-life balance policies. The purpose of this study is to confirm the degree of effect of the psychosocial risk management plan at the workplace on workers through logistic regression analysis. Input data for logistic regression analysis is the results of a survey of 4,558 people conducted by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were used. There are 9 independent variables, including the change a workplace and confidential counseling, and the dependent variable is whether the worker feels the effect on the psychosocial risk management plan. As a result of this study, changes in work organization, dispute resolution procedures, provision of education program, notification of the impact of psychosocial risks on safety and health, and the persons in charge of solving psychosocial problems are shown effective in reducing worker's psychosocial risks. This study drives which of the management plans implemented to reduce the psychosocial risk of workers in the workplace are effective, so it can contribute to the development of psychosocial risk management plans in the future.