• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.151-174
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• 1991

The purpose of this study is to research the actual conditions of industrial accident patients and to produce worker satisfaction and a rational and effective counter measure plan. Direct interviews with 179 cases (in and out patients) were carried out during a three month period from April to July 1990, at six hospitals : two general hospitals Sun Lin and Sung Mo in Po Hang, and four general hospitals in Taegu : Kyung pooh University Hospital, Dong San Medical Center, Young Nam Medical Center and Catholic Hospital. The results of this study are summarized as fellows : 1. Among the 179 cases, $51.6\%$ were male and $48.4\%$ were female. The two largest age groups were 30-39, $31.8\%$ and 20-29, $27.4\%$. Among the 179 cases, $51.6\%$ were married, the largest family number was 2 to 3, $41.1\%$ and 4 to 5, $25.6\%$. Educationally, graduation from high school was the largest group, $46.4\%$ among ,the patients, followed by middle school and primary school. The largest group income level was from 40-69 만원, $45.2\%$. The largest group of patients who worked over 50 hrs. a week was $52.0\%$. The largest group of patients who worked less than 1 year was $44.7\%$, of the patients in work places of less than 100 people, $60.3\%$ were injured and in work places of 100-299 people, $20.1\%$ were injured. In manufacturing, the largest group injured was $55.3\%$, the next group was transport, storage, communication. The largest group of production workers injured was $40.2\%$. 2. The cause of injury in the largest group was facility problems, $33.5\%$. The next group was unsafe habits, $30.2\%$ ; a lack of safety knowledge, $17.9\%$ ; and insufficient supervision, $12.3\%$. The 30-39 year age group head the highest number of injuries, $40.4\%$ ; work places with more than 10 years of work, $44.4\%$ ; work places with more than 1000 people, $56.3\%$ and mining accidents, $80.0\%$. Among. these groups the highest cause of injury was due to facility problems. 3. The accident pattern showed machinery injuries $28.5\%$ as the largest group, followed by falls & falling objects $17.3\%$, fire & electric $15.1\%$, strucke by an object $14.5\%$, followed by overaction and vehicular accidents. The accident pattern showed $46.4\%$ among workers over the 50 year age group, workers in the 5-10 year group, $50.0\%$ ; places employing more than 1000 workers, $35.3\%$ ; construction $73.7\%$, and construction workers $57.1\%$, among these fall & falling objects caused the greatest number of injuries. 4. The largest group of injuries was fractures $54.8\%$, trauma $14.5\%$, amputation $11.7\%$, open wound, and burns. The largest number of fractures occurred in people in the 30-39 year age group, $63.2\%$ : over 10 years of work, $55.0\%$ ; in work places of 300-490 people, $63.6\%$ ; construction $63.2\%$ and general workers $57.2\%$. 5. The largest group of injuries was upper extremity $45.3\%$, lower extremity $24.0\%$, trunk $18.5\%$ and head or neck $12.2\%$. Of these groups, upper extremity injuries were the highest in those less than 20 years old $75.0\%$, less than 1 year or work $59.5\%$, in work places of 500-999 people $60.0\%$, manufacturing $56.6\%$ and production workers $55.6\%$. 6. Periods of injury showed 34 people injured in September, to be the largest followed by October, 32 ; August, 22 people : July, 19 people and the lowest December, 2 people. During the week, Friday had the largest group injured, 35 people ; followed by Saturday, 26 people and the lowest was Wednesday, 17 people, During the day 1400 hours had the largest group injured, 38 people ; followed by 800 hours, 31 people. 7. On a basis of 5 as the highest mark, the average, according to worker satisfaction showed facility safety 3.55, work environment 3.47, income 3.44, job 3.21 and treatment 2.98. 8. The correlation between general characteristics and injury showed that age was directly correlated to the duration of work (r=2591) p<0.01, age was directly correlated to industry (r=2311) p<0.01, and the duration was directly correlated to occupation (r=4372) p<0.001.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.289-297
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• 1997

Work-related low back pain(below LBP) is one of the major cause of morbidity, disability, limitation of activity and economic loss. Therefore the work-related LBP is one of the major issue in the field of industrial safety and health. This study was performed for detecting the risk factors and proposing the effective control programs of work-related LBP. The subjects were male workers employed at the welding and metal factory. The data was collected by self-reported questionnaire, interview and checking abdomen muscular and grasping power for two days on October, 1993. The contents of questionnaire were as follow: the experience of LBP, general characteristics, physical characteristics, employment status, type of work and working environment. The number of cases was 104 with a history of work-related LBP, so the prevalence of work-related LBP was 35.0%, and the number of controls was 140 without any history of LBP. As a result, marital status, educational level, abdomen muscular power, tenure, category of job, satisfaction of job, working posture, satisfaction for table and chair and lifting materials showed a statistical significance between the case and control groups. 284 Lifting jobs were quantified by NIOSH lifting equation method and ergonomic computer modelling methods. There were no significant differences in the action limit and disc compression force between group with LBP and without LBP. But in the lifting frequency and cumulative disc compression force there were significant differences. Therefore work-related LBP should be prevented by the ergonomic and environmental control.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.248-253
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• 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) on immune system. The subjects were 42 male workers, among whom 13 office workers (Group I) had never been occupationally exposed to heavy metals, 21 were worked in manufacturing factories (Group II) and 8 were welders (Group III). The mean blood Mn and Pb level by groups were significantly different. The numbers of CD19+ and total lymphocytes in Group I were significantly higher than those in other groups, but no significant differences were found in other T lymphocytes subpopulation. Mn and Pb concentrations showed negative correlation with T lymphocytes subpopulation, but Mn concentrations were statistical significances with T lymphocytes subpoplation except CD4+CD45RO+ and natural killer cell. Pb concentration was only statistical significance with total lymphocytes. Our results suggest that occupationally exposed to Mn and Pb can affect the cellular immune response.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2005

The study was performed to examine the scaling behavior about dental health. The subjects of this study were 700 workers selected in Daegu. This survey was carried out during 2003. 7. 15 - 2003. 7. 31. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. 1. Distribution of respondent's class was male of $53.5\%, female of $46.2\%, and 30's age of $36.2\%, 20's age of $28.2\%. Concerning about dental health was appeared that female was higher rate than male. also, difference was related in their age, working department and residence. 2. In case of no experience to scaling for past 3 years was appeared that male of $67.6\% was higher rate than female of $56.8\%. The frequency of treat scaling was appeared that $46.2\% of the subjects was treated scaling per year. 3. The root cause of no treatment by regular was appeared that 'high expensive' was most high with $38.0\% and 2nd, 'didn't felt importance' was $24.2\%, 3rd 'lack of spare time' was $20.7\%, the last ranking 'only be frightened' was $14.3\%. 4. Method of learning knowledge about scaling was appeared that male and female were similar with their method of it. knowledge level of scaling was learned by internet were higher in worker of 20's age than any other age. also, other difference was related in school career and residence. Opinion about necessity of scaling answer which need or surely need were similar to male of $67.1\% and female of $72.6\%. 5. As for knowledge of scaling was appeared that male of $94.3\% and female of $87.1\% had corrective knowledge. The right answer was significantly different by ages, school career, working department and residence.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2007

In many manufacturing occupations, industrial workers reported foot or lower leg problems such as discomfort, pain or orthopedic deformities. This study investigated the effects of two different working conditions upon assembly worker's perception of discomfort and foot pain associated with various body parts. Twenty-three male volunteers performed work in the factory. Ergonomic intervention has been to modify the flooring in an attempt to alleviate the problems associated with constrained standing and walking work. The worker's standing conditions consisted of standing on a hard floor while wearing shoe insoles. Questions were asked regarding body discomfort and foot pain. Significant differences in body discomfort and foot pain were found when comparing the overall effects of wearing shoe insoles on a hard floor (p<.05). This investigation indicated that shoe insoles reduced body discomfort and foot pain (p<.05).

• 한국사회정책
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.1-29
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• 2017

This study compares and analyzes precarious labor market in Korea and Japan in terms of gender and occupational class. Previous studies have analyzed precarious labor limited to the level of employment type such as non-standard workers. This study reconceptualizes precarious labor in terms of the combination of employment relations and income level. In addition. we analyzed whether there are differences in the characteristics of precarious labor between Korea and Japan. In order to analyze the labor market precariousness in Korea. we used data from the 17th Korea Labor Panel Survey (2014) and for Japan. we used the 9th (2012) data from the Keio Household Panel Survey. As a result. we could confirm the feminization of labor market precariousness and horizontal division by occupation in both Korea and Japan. Also. ordered logistic regression analysis showed that the more women. and those in their 60s or older. the less skilled service workers. or the manufacturing workers are likely to face labor market instability in both Korea and Japan. The results of this analysis reflect the fact that Korea and Japan have experienced similar changes in the labor market structure with institutionalized employment protection system based on male workers.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.39.1-39.14
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• 2023

Background: Diseases affecting the lungs and airways contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. The problem in low- and middle-income countries appears to be exacerbated by a shift in global manufacturing base to these countries and inadequate enforcement of environmental and safety standards. In Ghana, the potential adverse effects on respiratory function associated with occupational wood dust exposure have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: Sixty-four male sawmill workers and 64 non-woodworkers participated in this study. The concentration of wood dust exposure, prevalence and likelihood of association of respiratory symptoms with wood dust exposure and changes in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters in association with wood dust exposure were determined from dust concentration measurements, symptoms questionnaire and lung function test parameters. Results: Sawmill workers were exposed to inhalable dust concentration of 3.09 ± 0.04 mg/m³ but did not use respirators and engaged in personal grooming habits that are known to increase dust inhalation. The sawmill operators also showed higher prevalence and likelihoods of association with respiratory symptoms, a significant cross-shift decline in some PFT parameters and a shift towards a restrictive pattern of lung dysfunction by end of daily shift. The before-shift PFT parameters of woodworkers were comparable to those of non-woodworkers, indicating a lack of chronic effects of wood dust exposure. Conclusions: Wood dust exposure at the study site was associated with acute respiratory symptoms and acute changes in some PFT parameters. This calls for institution and enforcement of workplace and environmental safety policies to minimise exposure at sawmill operating sites, and ultimately, decrease the burden of respiratory diseases.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.415-420
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• 1999

Objectives: We investigated the effects of changes in obesity and life style factors, such as cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and exercise, on the changes in blood pressure and serum cholesterol among Korean men. Methods: This study included 7,205 healthy male employees in the steel manufacturing industry. Each subject underwent health examination in 1994 and was re-examined in 1997. The study subjects were classified into four categories, according to changes in body mass index (BMI) (loss; stable; mild gain: severe gain), cigarette smoking (quitter; nor-smoker; smoker continued; smoker started), alcohol drinking (quitter; non-drinker; drinker continued; drinker started) and exercise (more exercise; continuous regular exercise; continuous irregular or no exercise; less exercise), respectively. We evaluated the relationship between the categories of change in those independent variables and the changes in blood pressure and serum cholesterol, adjusted for BMI in 1994 and age by analysis of variance. Results: The change in systolic blood pressure was positively associated with the changes in BMI (p<0.001) and drinking (p=0,001), but negatively with smoking (p=0,004), compared to the first category of each independent variables. The systolic blood pressure was significantly less increased in the continuous smoking group than quitter or hon-smoker. The changes in diastolic blood pressure and serum cholesterol appeared to have statistically significant linear relationships only with the change in BMI. The change in exercise showed a marginal significance with diastolic blood pressure (p=0.088). Conclusions: These prospective data emphasize the importance of obesity as a determinant of the changes in blood pressure and serum cholesterol. In addition, the changes in smoking and drinking habits can affect systolic blood pressure.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.205-213
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• 2002

Objective : Whether exposure to chronic noise induces an increase in blood pressure, or the development of hypertension, has not been established. A cohort study was performed to identify the effects of chronic noise exposure on blood pressure. Methods : 530 males working at a metal manufacturing factory in Busan, Korea were enrolled for the study. They were monitored for 9 consecutive years, from 1991 to 1999, with an annual health check-up. The subjects were divided into 4 groups, which were determines by noise level categories(NLC) according to noise intensity ; NLC-I: office workers, exposed to noise a level below 60dB(A) ; NLC-II: field technical supporters or supervisors, frequently exposed to workplace noise, wearing no hearing protection device; NLC-III: workers, exposed to workplace noise below 85dB(A), wearing ear plugs or muffs; NLC-IV: workers, exposed to workplace noise over 85 dB(A), wearing both ear plugs and muffs. Results : After controlling possible confoundens, such as baseline age, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, family history of hypertension, systolic(SBP) of diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and changes in BMI (body mass index), the pooled mean for the systolic blood pressures, over the duration of the study period, were 3.8mmHg, 2.0mmHg and 1.7mmHg higher in NLC-IV, NLC-III NLC-II groups, respectively, than in the NLC-I group. There were no significant differences in the diastolic blood pressures between the groups. Conclusion : This study suggests that chronic noise exposure increases systolic blood pressure independently, among male workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.158-165
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• 2014

The statistics of occupational injuries and illnesses is one of the most important indicators of worker's safety and health in the field of occupational safety and health. The conventional statistics was produced without consideration of gender difference. This study was planned to investigate the difference of occupational injuries and illnesses by gender because that recently female workers was increased through the change of industrial structure such as from manufacturing dominated to service dominated structure. Statistics of occupational injuries and illnesses collected by workmen's compensation insurance system that have no information about gender composition of population. Economically active population survey was used to calculated the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses by gender. The distribution of estimated rate of occupational injuries and illnesses by industry, occupation and the type of accident were different between male and female employees, but those by the size of enterprise, age of the injured, the duration of the first recuperation, and job tenure were similar between male and female employees. This study has shown that gender sensitive approach may be applied to policy of occupational safety and health because that gender neutral perspective may not discover the fact of gender specific problems.