• Title/Summary/Keyword: employee risk

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Examples of Holistic Good Practices in Promoting and Protecting Mental Health in the Workplace: Current and Future Challenges

  • Sivris, Kelly C.;Leka, Stavroula
    • 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.

Microbusinesses and Occupational Stress: Emotional Demands, Job Resources, and Depression Among Korean Immigrant Microbusiness Owners in Toronto, Canada

  • Kim, Il-Ho;Noh, Samuel;Choi, Cyu-Chul;McKenzie, Kwame
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.52 no.5
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    • pp.299-307
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    • 2019
  • Objectives: While occupational stress has long been a central focus of psychological research, few studies have investigated how immigrant microbusiness owners (MBOs) respond to their unusually demanding occupation, or how their unresolved occupational stress manifests in psychological distress. Based on the job demands-resources model, this study compared MBOs to employees with regard to the relationships among emotional demands, job resources, and depressive symptoms. Methods: Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey of 1288 Korean immigrant workers (MBOs, professionals, office workers, and manual workers) aged 30 to 70, living in Toronto and surrounding areas. Face-to-face interviews were conducted between March 2013 and November 2013. Results: Among the four occupational groups, MBOs appeared to endure the greatest level of emotional demands, while reporting relatively lower levels of job satisfaction and job security; but MBOs reported the greatest job autonomy. The effect of emotional demands on depressive symptoms was greater for MBOs than for professionals. However, an inspection of stress-resource interactions indicated that though MBOs enjoyed the greatest autonomy, the protective effects of job satisfaction and security on the psychological risk of emotional demands appeared to be more pronounced for MBOs than for any of the employee groups. Conclusions: One in two Korean immigrants choose self-employment, most typically in family-owned microbusinesses that involve emotionally taxing dealings with clients and suppliers. However, the benefits of job satisfaction and security may protect MBOs from the adverse mental health effects of job stress.

Development of Electronic Management System for improving the utilization of Engineering Model in Domestic Nuclear Power Plant (국내 원전 엔지니어링운영모델 활용성 향상을 위한 시스템 개발)

  • Lee, Sang-Dae;Kim, Jung-Wun;Kim, Mun-Soo
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.36 no.5
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    • pp.79-85
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    • 2021
  • A standard engineering model that reflects the current organization system and engineering operation process of domestic nuclear power plants was developed based on the Standard Nuclear Performance Model developed by the American Nuclear Energy Association. The level 0 screen, which is the main screen of the engineering model computer system, consisted of an object tree structure, which provided information that is phased down from a higher structure level to a lower structure level (i.e., level 3). The level 1 screen provided information related to the sub-process of the engineering operation, whereas the Level 2 screen provided information related to each engineering operation activity. In addition, the Level 2 screen provided additional functions, such as linking electronic procedures/guidelines, providing electronic performance forms, and connecting legacy computer systems (such as total equipment reliability monitoring system, configuration management systems, technical information systems, risk monitoring systems, regulatory information, and electronic drawing system). This screen level increased the convenience of user's engineering tasks by implementing them. The computerization of an engineering model that connects the entire engineering tasks of an establishment enables the easy understanding of information related to the engineering process before and after the operation, and builds a foundation for the enhancement of the work efficiency and employee capacity. In addition, KHNP developed an online training module, which operates as an e-learning process, on the overview and utilization of a standard engineering model to expand the understanding of standard engineering models by plant employees and to secure competitiveness.

Differences in Users' Insights and Increase in The Acceptance Level for Using The BYOD Approach in Government, Non-Profit Organizations, and Private Sectors in Saudi Arabia

  • Alghamdi, Ahmed M.;Bahaddad, Adel A.;Almarhabi, Khalid A.
    • International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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    • v.22 no.7
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    • pp.332-346
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    • 2022
  • Digital transformation represents one of the main obstacles facing several government, private, and non-profit sectors that help stabilize digital transformation in the Arabic region. One of the helpful ways to improve the level of freedom, productivity, and flexibility among employees to accept the BYOD approach is using their own devices to perform their work both in and outside the workplace. This study focuses to present the differences between the main three economic sectors, which represent the most important pillars of the economy in Saudi Arabia within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. BYOD also has great importance to the stakeholders for raising their awareness by expressing the implications, if the concept of BYOD is widely and correctly adopted. The study uses the diffusion of innovation (DOI) framework and quantitative analysis data to determine the main dimensions and important factors that help increase the awareness of the target audience. The number of participants in this study was 830, and the participants are mixing between the government, private, and non-profit sectors. The main findings showed a significant impact of several factors such as the importance of knowledge, ease of use, employee satisfaction, risk awareness, and attention to increase the level of acceptance in three main sectors study for using the BYOD approach widespread and professional use.

A Study on the Response to Acts of Unlawful Interference by Insider Threat in Aviation Security (항공보안 내부자 위협에 의한 불법방해행위의 대응을 위한 연구)

  • Sang-hoon Lim;Baek-yong Heo;Ho-won Hwang
    • Journal of Advanced Navigation Technology
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.16-22
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    • 2023
  • Terrorists have been attacking in the vulnerable points of aviation sector with the diverse methods of attacks. Recently, Vulnerability is increasing because the Modus Operandi of Terrorism is carried out by exploitation of people in the form of employee working in aviation sector whose role provides them with privileged access to secured locations, secured items or security sensitive information. Furthermore, cases of insider threat are rising across the world with the phenomenon of personal radicalization through internet and social network service. The government of ROK must respond to insider threat could exploit to acts of unlawful interference and the security regulations should be established to prevent from insider threat in advance refer to the acts of unlawful interference carried out in foreign countries and the recommendations by USA, UK and ICAO.

Reinterpretation of Behavior for Non-compliance with Procedures : Focusing on the Events at a Domestic Nuclear Power Plants (절차 미준수 행동의 재해석 : 국내 원전 사건을 중심으로)

  • Dong Jin Kim
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.39 no.1
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    • pp.82-95
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    • 2024
  • Analyzing the aftermath of events at domestic nuclear power plants brings in the question: "Why do workers not comply with the prescribed procedures?" The current investigation of nuclear power plant events identifies their reasons considering the factors affecting the workers' behaviors. However, there are some complications to it: in addition to confirming the action such as an error or a violation, there is a limit to identifying the intention of the actor. To overcome this limitation, the study analyzed and examined the reasons for non-compliance identified in nuclear power plant events by Reason's rule-related behavior classification. For behavior analysis, I selected unit behaviors for events that are related to human and organizational factors and occurred at domestic nuclear power plants since 2017, and then I applied the rule-related behavior classification introduced by Reason (2008). This allowed me to identify the intentions by classifying unit behaviors according to quality and compliance with the rules. I also identified the factors that influenced unit behaviors. The analysis showed that most often, non-compliance only pursued personal goals and was based on inadequate risk appraisal. On the other hand, the analysis identified cases where it was caused by such factors as poorly written procedures or human system interfaces. Therefore, the probability of non-compliance can be reduced if these factors are properly addressed. Unlike event investigation techniques that struggle to identify the reasons for employee behavior, this study provides a new interpretation of non-compliance in nuclear power plant events by examining workers' intentions based on the concept of rule-related behavior classification.

An Experience of Korean Consumer's Monitoring on Nanoproducts (국내 나노제품에 대한 시민 모니터링 결과 고찰)

  • Kim, Hoon-Gi
    • Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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    • v.19 no.6
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    • pp.442-452
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    • 2010
  • Our team carried out a new program for public engagement on nanotechnology in Korea. We chose 22 monitors, who majored in science or technology and graduated from universities long time ago. Most of them were married and housewives. This 'focus group' had not only general knowledge about science or technology but also much interest in social activities. The 167 nanoproducts to be monitored were for daily life, e.g. home appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, water purifier, etc), clothing, cosmetics, food, toy, and others. And the period of it was one month. The monitors had a sheet with 10 questions, and filled them out in essay form. All of them submitted 2~3 sheets every weekend to our team. Before monitoring, our team had a meeting for introduction and explanation about the potential risk of nanotechnology as well as benefits from it. Another meeting was held after finishing monitoring to share their experience one another. The main results of the monitoring were as follows: the number of nanoproducts describing both the definition of 'nano' and the size of nanomaterials was just 2 (1.2%) the number of them explaining the technical methods enough was 15 (9/0%) the number of them accounting for the reason of functional improvement enough was 14(8.4%); the number of them doubtful as if there would be exaggeration or false knowledge was 27 (16.2%); the number of them commenting potential hazards to human health or environment was almost zero; the number of them describing about safety certification acceptable was 9 (5.4%). The monitors made a proposal containing recommendation to Government and industry. The contents were as follows: industry should make the manual in detail and correctly, Describe Certificate detailed and correctly, Do research on risk and toxicity continually, Educate employee about nanoproducts at consumer's center; Government should make indication of nanoproducts compulsory, Appoint Certificate Authority and make Certificate Mark guaranteeing the safety on nanoproducts, Make detailed explanation about nanoproducts compulsory.

The Convergence correlational Study on Office Workers' Health Related Behaviors and Prevalence Rates of Metabolic Syndrome (직장인의 건강관련 행위와 대사증후군 요인별 차이 융합적 연구)

  • Kim, Mi Jin
    • Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.99-109
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    • 2016
  • The purpose of this study is to offer evidence that supports effective prevention strategies for people with chronic lifestyle related disease and cardiovascular disease based on understanding relations between health related behaviors and risk factors of metabolic syndrome, to suggest a basic indicator that are related to office workers' chronic lifestyle related disease and to provide basic information for educating people who are diagnosed with chronic lifestyle diseas.Research methods include SPSS / Win Program ver 20.0 utilization analyzes were, variables and relationships to analyze it to F-test verification and ANOVA test conduct was, associations verify the order $x^2$(Chi-square) validation was conducted.Participants of this study are office workers who took medical examination covered by employee health insurance athealth screening centers in the city of Seoul. All 291 participants were explained about the purpose of this study and signed consent forms. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome for 291 participants is 19.2 %. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome for a non-smoker group is 12.7 %, for a group of people who used to smoke lightly is 25.0 %, for a group of people who used to smoke heavily is 25.9 %, for light smokers group is 29.7 % and heavy smoker group is 26.7 %. As results of this convergence study exhibits, there is a strong correlation between smoking and drinking habits, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Analysis of Fine Needle Aspiration Results of Thyroid Nodules in Ultrasonography (초음파검사에서 갑상샘 결절의 세침흡인세포검사 결과에 따른 분석)

  • Kwak, Jong-Gil;Han, Jae-Bok;Song, Jong-Nam;Moon, Il-Bong;Choi, Nam-Gil
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.16 no.5
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    • pp.290-297
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    • 2016
  • This study analyzed the features of the nodules requiring a fine needle aspiration, which were found in thyroid ultrasonography of the employee health check-up examinees. Based on the fine needle aspiration results, over 1 cm nodules or those implying malignancy on the ultrasonography were categorized into the 1st group. Whereas, regardless of the size the fine needle aspiration results implying malignancy on the ultrasonography were categorized into the 2nd group. In the 1st group, 15.8% were malignant, and in the 2nd group, 28% were malignant. The findings implying malignancy were statistically significant. However, even though the nodules were larger than 1 cm, when the nodules were not accompanied by a high risk factor and showed a spongiform structure in the ultrasonographic results, most of them were benign, and a fine needle aspiration was not required. The ultrasonographic findings are important rationales in making a decision on whether or not a fine needle aspiration is required for thyroid nodules. Currently, the fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules is commonly performed when the size of the nodule is larger than 1 cm, even though it has a spongiform structure, to relieve the patient's anxiety. However, if ultrasonographic findings of thyroid are correctly understood in differentiating malignant from benign nodules, unnecessary fine needle aspiration can be avoided.

A Study on Health-related PSR Model using Korean Working Conditions Survey Data (PSR 모델을 적용한 근로환경조사 지표 개발)

  • Kim, Youngsun;Jo, Jinnam
    • The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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    • v.27 no.7
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    • pp.1243-1255
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    • 2014
  • This study is aimed at developing an index and indicator in the light of social factors by analyzing the basic materials on Korean working conditions survey to make it possible to grasp various working environment factors consequent on business type and to judge the industrial safety & health policy of the related area. For the purpose of developing an index, this study was conducted by benchmarking the OECD-suggested index development guidelines and overseas cases of index development. This study suggested indexes related to health by benchmarking OECD's press-state-response model. The press-state health-related indexes specified in Korean working condtions survey were found to consist of physical risk environment, working hours, business environment, and social environment, and its consequent 'state' items were comprised of mental health, physical health, absence from work due to health problems and work satisfaction as health-related items. As a result, it was found that the 'press-state index' for wage worker, regular employee, manager, clerks, expert & related personnel involved, and workers aged under 50 was relatively good; in contrast, the 'press-state index' for people aged over 50, owner-operator, daily job, skilled position in agriculture & fisheries, simple labor service, and apparatus & machines assembly worker was found to be relatively vulnerable.