• Food Science and Industry
• /
• v.54 no.1
• /
• pp.2-10
• /
• 2021

Microplastics with a size of less than 5 mm have emerged as an important environmental and food safety issue, as they have been detected not only in marine but also in terrestrial ecosystem and drinking water. Although many studies have been conducted on the exposure of microplastics and the effects on human health, the lack of standardized experimental methods for microplastics has been reviewed as a major problem. In order to overcome this, European countries such as the Netherlands and Germany are conducting a project to develop detection methods for microplastics as well as to establish the risk assessment methodologies for microplastics. Being the microplastics suggested to have a substantially potential risk on human health, reliable risk assessments should be conducted considering the various sources of microplastics, chemical pollutants and biological factors. In addition, international standards and regulations should be applied.

• Journal of Korea Society of Digital Industry and Information Management
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.129-136
• /
• 2023

In this paper, we describe a rule-based risk classification algorithm to perform Risk-based Inspection (RBI) on imported goods at customs. The RBI system is a method to automatically select which cargos have to be inspected and manage potential risks in boarder. In this study, we designed a rule-based risk classification algorithm for RBI solutions and implemented them using the Svelte web application framework. The risk classification algorithm proposed in this paper uses different indicative risk factors such as HS code, country of origin, importer's reliability, trade relationships, and logistics routes to classify cargos into Green, Yellow, and Red channels. To achieve this, we assigned risk categories to each risk factor and randomly generated risk scores within a specific range for each risk category. This system is expected to contribute to the increased efficiency of customs operations and protect public safety by minimizing the risk of imported hazardous materials.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.267-275
• /
• 2017

Background: The mining industry is known worldwide for its highly risky and hazardous working environment. Technological advancement in ore extraction techniques for proliferation of production levels has caused further concern for safety in this industry. Research so far in the area of safety has revealed that the majority of incidents in hazardous industry take place because of human error, the control of which would enhance safety levels in working sites to a considerable extent. Methods: The present work focuses upon the analysis of human factors such as unsafe acts, preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe leadership, and organizational influences. A modified human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS) was adopted and an accident predictive fuzzy reasoning approach (FRA)-based system was developed to predict the likelihood of accidents for manganese mines in India, using analysis of factors such as age, experience of worker, shift of work, etc. Results: The outcome of the analysis indicated that skill-based errors are most critical and require immediate attention for mitigation. The FRA-based accident prediction system developed gives an outcome as an indicative risk score associated with the identified accident-prone situation, based upon which a suitable plan for mitigation can be developed. Conclusion: Unsafe acts of the worker are the most critical human factors identified to be controlled on priority basis. A significant association of factors (namely age, experience of the worker, and shift of work) with unsafe acts performed by the operator is identified based upon which the FRA-based accident prediction model is proposed.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.245-254
• /
• 2017

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of organizational support, risk perception and job satisfaction on safety consciousness in confined space works. Background: Confined space works are rated as hazardous works with high injury frequency and fatalities. But there were few researches for the occupational injury of the confined space workers. Method: Questionnaire survey targeting 236 workers working in confined spaces were carried out to construct the structural equation model on safety consciousness. The participants were all male workers, and they install and maintain or clean facilities mainly in the confined spaces. Results: A structural equation model for safety consciousness was proposed, and validated based on perceived organizational support, risk perception and job satisfaction factors. Perceived 'organizational support' contributed significantly to 'worker's safety consciousness' both directly and indirectly. Also, perceived 'worker's safety consciousness' was also affected by perceived 'job satisfaction' and 'risk perception'. In terms of magnitude of relationships, the direct effect of perceived 'job satisfaction' on 'worker's safety consciousness' was the greatest among the interrelationships among latent factors. Conclusion: Workers' safety consciousness can function as a leading indicator for safety and hazard prevention of workers. Application: The results can be used in developing safety prevention programs for confined space workers.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.135-148
• /
• 2021

Purpose: This study examined socio-demographic and health status factors associated with hazardous drinking in male and female elderly with hypertension. Methods: The sample consisted of 2,322 seniors with hypertension and was obtained from the Seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (VII-1, VII-2, VII-3). Complex sample analysis was performed using the independent t-test, the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression in SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. Results: The factors associated with hazardous drinking in the male hypertensive seniors were age (OR=2.13, CI=1.37-3.32), weekly drink number (OR=0.11, CI=0.07-0.16) and weight gain control (OR=0.44, CI=0.21-0.94), and corresponding factors in female hypertensive seniors were age (OR=4.56, CI=2.37-8.80), income level (OR=1.88, CI=1.05-3.37), weekly drink number (OR=0.09, CI=0.04-0.17), current smoking (OR=6.88, CI=2.29-20.64), weight loss control (OR=1.99, CI=1.14-3.47), hypertension treatment (OR=35.62, CI=2.02-629.43), and hypertension drug (OR=0.06, CI=0.01-0.61). Conclusion: Risk drinking in elderly with hypertension was found to be related to personal characteristics and health status. Therefore, to manage hypertension effectively in the elderly, drinking patterns should be improved and active participation in the practice of healthy activities such as weight control, smoking cessation, and decreased alcohol intake, should be encouraged.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2024

Purpose : Sarcopenic obesity is associated with adverse health consequences in females. Nevertheless, there has been limited research on the hazardous components and prevailing rates of sarcopenic obesity among younger women. This study aimed to identify the hazardous components and prevailing rates of sarcopenic obesity in younger females. Methods : This study utilized data based on 2008~2011 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys by the centers for disease control and prevention. The analysis was concentrated on a subset of 1,520 women aged between 30 and 39 years of age. The participants answered a questionnaire to gather demographic information. They then underwent a physical examination to measure the human detention variables, which was conducted utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis. The blood pressure and blood laboratory tests were determined using established laboratory protocols for evaluating blood parameters. Results : This study included 1,520 patients aged 30~39 years old. The mean age of the participants was 34.97 (years)±2.74 and the overall prevailing rate was 1.84 %. The hazard components in human dimensions were the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). The hazard components in biochemical and blood pressure were high fasting glucose, increased triglyceride, elevated total cholesterol, high systolic blood pressure, and increased diastolic blood pressure with p-values <.05. Conclusion : This study examined the hazardous components and prevailing rates of sarcopenic obesity in younger women living in the community. The results contribute to the current body of knowledge on sarcopenic obesity and shed light on possible hazardous components in a younger female population. Based on these findings, there should be increased health and medical attention towards the prevention, management, and health promotion related to reducing risk factors for sarcopenic obesity in younger women.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.35-43
• /
• 2024

With continuous advancements in industry, science, and technology, there is a steady increase in the number and utilization of new chemicals. The growing societal emphasis on chemical safety management is paralleled by an increasing public demand for robust safety measures. While various ministries at the government level oversee the safety management of chemical substances, the occurrence of accidents related to chemical substances remains frequent each year due to problems such as aging facilities and careless handling. Upon analyzing domestic chemical accident cases, incidents occurred predominantly in the sequence of leakage, explosion, fire, and others. The main causes of these accidents were examined, revealing facility defects and non-compliance with safety management as the primary contributing factors. In this study, Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) was employed to identify hazardous risk factors associated with the handling of hydrofluoric acid in workplaces, and a risk assessment was performed using Bow-Tie method. Based on the results of this study, it is expected to enhance safety management plans aimed at preventing chemical accidents in workplaces dealing with similar facilities. Ultimately, these insights contribute to the development of an advanced chemical safety management system, capable of proactively preventing potential chemical accidents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
• /
• v.20 no.1 s.69
• /
• pp.148-152
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this paper is to investigate risk factors and ergonomically improve the manufacturing lines of compressors for prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, enhancement of productivity, and workers satisfaction We executed questionnaire survey, ergonomic risk factors investigation of manufacturing lines and ergonomic intervention of work methods, workplace and hand tools. The results of the questionnaire showed that $7.9\%$ of respondents were positive in WMSDs symptom survey. In ergonomic evaluation, the analysis methods such as RULA and NIOSH lifting equation were used and 28 processes in the lines were evaluated to be potentially hazardous. We ergonomically improved the processes to reduce potential WMSDs hazards : manual material handling, carts, work tables, transport methods, working posture and hand tools.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.155-163
• /
• 2016

Objective: This study aims to draw the characteristics of occupational accidents occurred in cabling work, and assess accident severity based on occupational injury data. Background: Accident factors and accident risk are different by the place of work in cabling work. Field managers require information on accident prevention that can be easily understood by workers. However, there has been a lack of studies that focus on cabling work in Korea. Method: This study classifies 450 injured persons caused in cabling work by process, and analyzes the characteristics of occupational injuries from the aspects of age, work experience and accident type. This study also analyzes accident frequency and severity of injury. Results: Results show that preparing/finishing (33.3%) was the most common type of cabling process in injuries, followed by maintenance (28.4%), routing/income (23.1%) and wiring/installation (15.1%) process. The critical incidents in the level of risk management were falls from height in the routing/incoming process, and falls from height in the maintenance process. And, incidents ranked as 'High' level of risk management were slips and trips, fall from height and vehicle incident in the preparing/finishing process, and fall from height in the wiring/installation process. Conclusion and Application: The relative frequency of accident and its severity by working process serve as important information for accident prevention, and are critical for determining priorities in preventive measures.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.150-156
• /
• 2018

As the types and usage of chemical increase, modern countries should protect their health and environment from the risk of hazardous chemical. Chemical accidents not only affect humans but also cause huge losses to the environment. Moreover, since its effects do not end in a short period of time, it is necessary to identify the extent of the damage and establish a prevention and response system in advance. In 2015, the Chemical Substances Management Act provided a system for assessing the impact on the people and the environment around the workplace. However, it is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the impact on environmental factors such as vegetation and aquatic, with the current hazard assessment methods. The purpose of this study is to analyze the quantitative risk of environmental receptors. This study improved the existing risk assessment formula by using the environmental vulnerability index and established the end point concentration criterion which can estimate the damage range to environmental media. To verify the results of the study, a virtual accident scenario was selected and a case study was conducted. As a result, the extent of impact on the environmental medium can be calculated, and the degree of environmental risk of the zone can be quantified through the risk analysis considering the environmental vulnerability. This study is expected to increase the reliability of the reliability of the existing risk anaylsis method beacause it is a risk analysis method that can be applied when the environmental factors are absolutely necessary and when the residents and environment are complex.