• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.223-249
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• 2007

In the health care setting which social work services are provided by interdisciplinary team approach, understanding the perception and expectation on the role of social workers worked with medical team is important for social workers to play their role effectively. This study is focused on the medical team members such as doctors, nurses, nutritionists and administrative staffs by researching the type of perception and each characteristics through using the Q methodology. It is concluded that perception on medical social workers is categorized into three types : psycho-social counselor, coordinator/developer of resources, multiple function player. Finding for this study suggest that the implications on social work practice in health care setting.

• Journal of forensic and investigative science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.30-49
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• 2007

An autopsy is a postmortem assessment or examination of a body to determine cause of death or manner of death. The author had surveyed Personnel's perception toward conducting an autopsy in general hospital with autopsy at YeungNam University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea from April, to May, 2007. The total number of 286 personnel consisted of 121 men(42.3%), 165 women(57.7%). There were 57 doctors(19.9%), 71 nurses(24.8%), 83 medical technicians (29.0%), 58 office workers(20.3%), and 17 others(5.9%). 61.4% of doctors had an experience of education for autopsy more than 2 times, but nurses(1.4%), medical technicians(15.7%), office workers(1.7%), and others(5.9%) had little experience. Response of conducting an autopsy for sudden death of respondent or respondent's family member was 59.6% of doctors, 22.5% of nurses, 39.8% of medical technicians, 41.4% of office workers, and 35.3% of others. Response of conducting an autopsy for sudden death of respondent's companion was 66.7% of doctors, 33.8% of nurses, 39.8% of medical technicians, 43.1% of office workers, and 17.6% of others. Response of conducting an autopsy for sudden death of patients in general hospital was 50.9% of doctors, 8.5% of nurses, 19.3% of medical technicians, 24.1% of office workers, and 17.6% of others. Survey about a proper institution for autopsy showed 73.7% of doctors for department of forensic medicine in medical school, and 62.0% of nurses, 59.0% of medical technicians, 46.6% of office workers, and 58.8% of others for National Institute of Scientific Investigation. Most of the respondents agreed with the forensic pathologist as the director of autopsy:98.2% of doctors, 94.4% of nurses, 96.4% of medical technicians, 89.7% of office workers, and 88.2% of others. Survey for necessity for autopsy showed responsiveness of doctors, 23.9% of nurses, 47.0% of medical technicians, 34.5% of office workers, and 23.5% of others. Survey for donation of him- or herself after death to the medical school or institution for the death investigation revealed responsiveness of 22.8% of doctors, 11.3% of nurses, 24.1% of medical technicians, 22.4% of office workers, and 23.5% of others. The result of the survey questionnaire showed more negative awareness for autopsy in nurses, medical technicians, office workers, others and than doctors. To improve the negative awareness for autopsy and settle proper postmortem inspection system, education of professional manpower for forensic medicine and inaction of law which is adequate for the actual circumstance of Korea should be considered.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.2 s.50
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• pp.421-432
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• 1995

The influence of lead exposure on renal function was studied. Eighty nine lead exposed workers who worked in 2 storage battery factories, and seventy one control workers were chosen for this study. Blood lead(PbB) and zinc protoporphyrin in whole blood(ZPP) were selected as indicators of lead exposure. As indicators of renal function, urinary N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase(NAG), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(S-Cr), total protein in urine(U-TP),and serum uric acid(S-Ua) were selected. The results obtained were as follows: 1. While the mean values of lead exposure indicators of lead workers were significantly different from non-exposed ones, the mean values of NAG, U-TP, BUN and S-Cr of renal function indicators of exposed were also significantly different from non-exposed but their mean values were all within normal limits. 2. BUN, logarithmic U-TP, logarithmic NAG and S-Cr showed statistically significant correlation with PbB. 3. The proportion of workers whose values of renal function indicators were over the normal limits(NAG7.5 U/g Cr ; U-TP10.9 mg/dl ; BUN20 mg/dl ; S-Crl.2 mg/dl ; S-Ua7.0 mg/dl) by the level of lead absorption in terms of PbB and ZPP were calculated. The proportion of workers with over the normal limits of U-TP among total workers showed the dose-response relationship. When age is adjusted, U-TP showed significantly strong dose-response relationship with the level of PbB and ZPP.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2015

Background: The physical work demands of construction work can be reduced using ergonomic measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers. Methods: A questionnaire was sent at baseline and 2 years later to 1,130 construction workers. We established (1) the proportion of workers reporting an increase in their use of ergonomic measures, (2) the proportion of workers reporting a decrease in MSDs, (3) the relative risk for an increase in the use of ergonomic measures and a decrease in MSDs, and (4) workers' knowledge and opinions about the use of ergonomic measures. Results: At follow-up, response rate was 63% (713/1,130). The proportion of workers using ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased (34%, 144/419, p < 0.01); for measures regarding horizontal transport and the positioning of materials, no change was reported. The proportion of workers reporting shoulder complaints decreased (28%, 176/638, p = 0.02). A relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was not found; 83% (581/704) of the workers indicated having sufficient knowledge about ergonomic measures. Lightening the physical load was reported to be the main reason for using them. Conclusion: Only the use of ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased over a 2-year period. No relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was found. Strategies aimed at improving the availability of ergonomic equipment complemented with individualized advice and training in using them might be the required next steps to increase the use of ergonomic measures.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.52-59
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• 2013

The internal contamination screening method using gross beta measurement was performed for radioisotope workers. 24 h and spot urine samples from workers of medical isotope production facilities were collected and measured. Most of the results were similar with the background level of gross beta activity except for a specific worker. Gross beta activity was slightly increased in several hours after finishing work. And the environmental factor of production facilities causing internal contamination were estimated based on screening results. The additional detailed internal dose assessment must be followed after the screening for protection of workers. Moreover, a procedure was established to apply a simple internal contamination assessment for radiation workers.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.160-165
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• 2013

Background: Occupational accidents are unplanned events that cause damage. The socio-economic impacts and human costs of accidents are tremendous around the world. Many fatalities happen every year in workplaces such as electricity distribution companies. Some electrical injuries are electrocution, electric shock, and burns. This study was conducted in an electricity distribution company (with rotational 12-hour shift work) in Iran during an 8-year period to survey descriptive factors of injuries. Methods: Variables collected included accident time, age of injured worker, employment type, work experience, injury cause, educational background, and other information about accidents. Results: Results indicated that most of the accidents occurred in summer, and 51.3% were during shift work. Worker negligence (malpractice) was the cause of 75% of deaths. Type of employment had a significant relationship with type of injuries (p < 0.05). Most injuries were electrical burns. Conclusion: High rate of accidents in summer may be due to the warm weather or insufficient professional skills in seasonal workers. Shift workers are at risk of sleep complaints leading to a high rate of work injuries. Acquiring knowledge about safety was related to job experiences. Temporary workers have no chance to work all year like permanent workers, therefore impressive experiences may be less in them. Because the lack of protective equipment and negligence are main causes of accidents, periodical inspections in workshops are necessary.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.235-240
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• 2020

Background: Cadmium exposure may induce chronic intoxication with renal damage. Silver soldering may be a source of cadmium exposure. Methods: We analyzed working environment measurement data and periodic health screening data from a small-scale silver soldering company with ten workers. Concentrations of cadmium in air from working environment measurement data were obtained. Concentrations of blood and urinary cadmium, urine protein, and urine β2-microglobulin (β2M) were obtained. The generalized linear model was used to identify the association between blood and urine cadmium and urine β2M concentrations. Clinical features of chronic cadmium intoxication focused with toxicological renal effects were described. Results: The mean duration of work was 8.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.9, range = 3-20 years). Cadmium concentrations in air were ranged from 0.006 to 0.015 mg/㎥. Blood cadmium concentration was elevated in all ten workers, with a highest level of 34.6 ㎍/L (mean = 21.288 ㎍/L, SD = 11.304, range = 9.641-34.630 ㎍/L). Urinary cadmium concentration was elevated in nine workers, with a highest level of 62.9 ㎍/g Cr (mean = 22.151 ㎍/g creatinine, SD = 19.889, range = 3.228-62.971 ㎍/g creatinine). Urine β2M concentration was elevated in three workers. Urinary cadmium concentration was positively associated with urine protein concentration (beta coefficient = 10.27, 95% confidence interval = [4.36, 16.18]). Other clinical parameters were compatible with renal tubular damage. Conclusion: Cadmium intoxication may occur at quite low air concentrations. Exposure limit may be needed to be lowered.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2015

Objective: In this review we discuss the health effects among office workers. Background: Even if office workers are not exposed hazardous or harmful environment frequently, some problems could be happened to the office workers. Although serious occupational diseases rarely occur to the office workers, it is important to consider occupational risk factors for the office worker because the portion of the office workers is relatively high in all industries. Method: We divided possible health effects for the office workers into three categories; musculoskeletal disorders, indoor environment, and cerebro-cardiovascular diseases. We reviewed related articles, textbooks, and statistical materials non-systematically and described risk factors, related illnesses, and prevention strategies on each category. Results: Office workers have various musculoskeletal disorders to be intervened. By medical treatment, improving working environment, and ergonomic intervention, office workers can be prevented from musculoskeletal injuries. Poor indoor environment can cause many building-related illnesses or sick building syndrome. Although the etiology of some problems by poor indoor environment is not clear, it helps to maintain adequate humidity, temperature, and clarity of indoor air. Cerebro-cardiovascular diseases are a rising issue because office workers in Korea tend to work for a lot of time. To prevent the diseases, it is needed to work for adequate time, lengthen activity level, and manage other medical risk factors for the diseases. Conclusion: There is no distinct occupational disease for office workers. However, there are some aspects to consider the health effects of office workers and it is important to prevent the possible health problems. Application: A strategy against occupational diseases among office workers can be established by reviewing this article.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.3 s.35
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• pp.441-458
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• 1991

The objective of this study was to provide basic reference data for stabilization scheme of medical insurance benefits through forecasting of the medical care utilization rate, the medical expence per case, and the treatment days per case in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers and for industrial workers. For the achievement of above objective, this study was carried out by Box-Jenkins time series analysis (ARIMA Model), using monthly statistical data from Jan. 1979 to Dec. 1989, of medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers and for industrial workers. The results are as follows ; ARIMA model of the medical care utilization rate in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers was ARIMA (1, 1, 1) and it for outpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was ARIMA (1, 1, 1), while it for inpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was ARIMA (1, 0, 1). ARIMA model of the medical expense per case in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers and for outpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers were ARIMA (1, 1, 0), while it for inpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was ARIMA (1, 0, 1). ARIMA model of the treatment days per case of both medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers and industrial workers were ARIMA (1, 1, 1). Forecasting value of the medical care utilzation rate for inpatient in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers was 0.0061 at dec. 1989, 0.0066 at dec. 1994 and it for outpatient was 0.280 at dec. 1989, 0.294 at dec. 1994, while it for inpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was 0.0052 at dec. 1989, 0.0056 at dec. 1994 and it for outpatient was 0.203 at dec. 1989, 0.215 at 1994. Forecasting value of the medical expense per case for inpatient in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers was 332,751 at dec. 1989, 354,511 at dec. 1994 and it for outpatient was 11,925 at dec. 1989, 12,904 at dec. 1994, while it for inpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was 281,835 at dec. 1989, 293,973 at dec. 1994 and it for outpatient was 11,599 at dec. 1989, 11,585 at 1994. Forecasting value of the treatment days per case for inpatient in medical insurance program for government employees & private school teachers was 13.79 at dec. 1989,13.85 at an. 1994 and in for outpatient was 5.03 at dec. 1989, 5.00 at dec. 1994, while it for inpatient in medical insurance program for industrial workers was 12.23 at dec. 1989, 12.85 at dec. 1994 and it for outpatient was 4.61 at dec. 1989, 4.60 at 1994.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.88-96
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• 1996

This study was conducted to establish model between lead and ZPP concentration in blood of workers exposed to lead. Workers employed in secondary smelting manufacturing industry showed $85.1{\mu}g/dl$ of blood lead level, exceeding $60{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria for Removal defined by Occupational Safety and Health Act of Korea. Average blood lead level of workers in the battery manufacturing industry was $51.3{\mu}g/dl$, locating between $40{\mu}g/dl$ and $60{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria for Requiring Medical Removal. Blood lead level of in the litharge and radiator manufacturing industry was below $40{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria Requiring Temporary Medical Removal. Blood lead levels of workers by industry were Significantly different(p<0.05). 50(21 %) showed blood lead levels above $60{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria for Removal and 66(27.7 %) showed blood lead levels between the Criteria for Requiring Medical Removal, $40-60{\mu}g/dl$. Thus, approximately 50 percent of workers indicated blood lead levels above $40{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria Requiring Temporary Medical Removal and should receive medical examination and consultation including biological monitoring. Average ZPP level of workers employed in the secondary smelting industry was $186.2{\mu}g/dl$, exceeding above $150{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria for Removal. Seventy seven of all workers(32.3 %) showed ZPP level above $100-150{\mu}g/dl$, the Criteria for Requiring Medical Removal. The most appropriate model for predicting ZPP in blood was log-linear regression model. Log linear regression models between lead and ZPP concentrations in blood was Log ZPP(${\mu}g/dl$) = -0.2340 + 1.2270 Log Pb-B(${\mu}g/dl$)(standard error of estimate: 0,089, ${\gamma}^2=0.4456$, n=238, P=0.0001), Blood-in-lead explained 44.56 % of the variance in log(ZPP in blood).