• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.425-435
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed in order to establish reliable and relative selection criteria for hazardous substances requiring management(HSRM) in the Occupational Safety and Health Act in Korea. Methods: To determine the relative criteria and weight of evidence for HSRM, we analyzed the difference between the selection method of priority substances in studies by KOSHA(Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency) and the European Union Risk Ranking Method(EURAM). In addition, 597 hazardous substances with exposure limit valueswereanalyzed and the posted health hazards classification by MOEL(Ministry of Employee and Labor), MOE(Ministry of Environment), and EU CLP(Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulation) were compared based on GHS(Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals) criteria. The existing HSRM(167 substances) were evaluated for suitability by the proposed criteria in this study. Results: As a result of this study, the criteria and procedures for selecting HSRM in the Occupational Safety and Health Act were arranged utilizing GHS health hazard classification results, occupational disease cases and domestic use situations. Conclusions: The applicability of the proposed criteria was proved via the evaluation of existing HSRM(167 substances). Most HSRM (161 substances) were found to correspond to a significant health effect or substantial health effect. The question of whether to include the six substances that have been found to have general health effects as HSRM would be require further research.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.254-260
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• 2007

Trichloroethylene(TCE) is widely used as a degreasing solvent in workplaces. TCE is primarily toxic to the nervous system, however, systemic disorder like Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been recently reported in small-scale factories, where the government has had limited information of chemical use. A survey was performed to investigate the actual condition of using TCE and to provide practical information to occupational health service agencies and professionals. This survey was carried out on 103 factories out of 430 factories which were conducted periodic work environment measurement for TCE. Degreasing was the most popular reason for using TCE in Korea, which reached to 94%. TCE was also used as a solvent for rubber in the coating or molding process, and adhesives in the bonding process. Metal fabrication was the most common as 23%, followed by assembling automobile parts (17%), and machinery (12%). Workers exposed to TCE during full-shift were 52% while 48% were exposed during short period of the shift or intermittently. Manual or semi-automatic work occupied 87% while automatic work was just 13%. Though automatic work by a closed system was generally lower exposed to TCE, compared to manual work, it can cause a high exposure when the maintenance system is improper. Semi-automatic work especially like open-top degreasing process can cause a high exposure when local exhaust system with condensing and refrigerating coils in the degreaser does not work well. In conclusion, the survey showed nationwide status of TCE exposure in various aspects. It can be used to monitor workplaces and workers exposed to TCE to prevent occupational diseases.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.175-189
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• 2018

Objectives: In this study, we analyze statistics on industrial accidents caused by chemical skin contact and provide skin toxicity hazard information on the related domestic system and circulation volumes. Methods and Results: We analyzed occupational fatalities and skin diseases caused by chemical leaks and contact from 2007 to 2016(10 years) and surveyed data on occupational skin diseases using the 2014 work environment survey data. The NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles for 57 chemical substances, which are provided to prevent occupational skin diseases, were searched and hazard information on skin contact with chemical substances was classified. In order to identify skin toxicity information among domestically distributed and legally regulated substances and to investigate skin-toxic substances, MSDS basic data on 19,740 chemical substances provided on the homepage of Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency were searched. Acute toxicity(dermal) category 1-4 substances totaled 1,020, and the number of chemical substances classified as category 1 and 2 substances were 135 and 137, respectively. In the chemical substances prescribed by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 173 substances were classified into acute toxicity(dermal) categories 1-4, 58 of which correspond to category 1 or 2. Conclusions: Within the present range of industrial accidents, the proportion of skin diseases due to contact with chemicals is not high. However, there is always a risk of occupational skin diseases due to increasing chemicals and due to the use of new chemicals. It is hoped that this information will be used by workplace safety and health officials and health and safety experts to prevent acute toxity(dermal) due to chemical skin contact.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.138-175
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• 1994

The objectives of this study are (i) to review current situations and problems of the occupational health care system with emphasis on reforming the organizations and services, (ii) to find out a disirable occupational health system model based on integration of the occupational health system and the general health system, and finally, (iii) to suggest policy implications in occupational health services in the light of objectives of the newly emerging national health insurance reform in Korea. The major policy implications of this study are as follows: 1. In the long-run, within the occupational health system, preventive occupational health services such as employees' physical check-up, working environment examination, etc should financially be integrated with industrial accident compensation insurance. Currently separately paying expenses for each different category of services by the owner of an enterprise should be disbursed once through the payment of contributions of industrial accident compensation insurance. And then, it is necessary to strengthen and expand the role and function of industrial accident compensation insurance to cover preventive occupational health services. 2. The occupational health system should be integrated with general health system for its effective management. For the short-term policy, it is necessary to eliminate fiscal and access barrier between industrial accident compensation insurance and national health insurance by means of ex post facto settlement of accounts. The duplication of employees' physical check- ups between under the health insurance program and under the industrial health services must be coordinated in a manner either through mutual authorization by the two parties concerned or through merge into the health insurance. 3. The intent of current employees' physical check-up system focused on detection of occupational diseases, should be converted to an idea of medical surveillance system or biological moritoring system. The introduction of medical surveillance or biological monitoring system is a necessary condition to build a positive, effective and inexpensive occupational health care system.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.192-202
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• 2007

Objectives: The objectives of this research are to examine the missions, organization, and programs of the environmental, health and safety(EHS) offices of the major research universities in the U.S.A., particularly the case of Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) EHS Office, and to suggest ways to address the EHS issues of the universities and research institutes in South Korea. Methods: The top 30 research universities in the U.S.A. were selected by the total amounts of research funds they annually received. The web sites of the 30 universities were searched to identify the names of the departments that address environment, health, and/or safety related issues, the missions of those departments, the major programs of those departments, and the number of staff in those departments. Also, a case study was conducted for the Environment Health and Safety Management System and the Environment, Health and Safety Office of the MIT, using literature and web searches and a meeting with the Director of the MIT Environment, Health and Safety Office. Results: All the top 30 research universities in the U.S.A. had designated departments that dealt with EHS issues. Most of them were by the name of or similar to environmental, health and safety. The mission statements of those departments were mostly about improving the safety and health of their community members, improving the environment, and complying to EHS regulations. Most of those departments had an environmental management program, industrial hygiene program, radiation protection program, safety program, and biosafety program as their major programs. The components of the environment, health and safety management system(EHS-MS) of the MIT were examined in detail. In contrast, not many universities in South Korea had designated departments that dealt specifically with EHS issues. Also, the number of fulltime staff for EHS was only 1-2 in most of the Korean universities and their work duties included only general safety, while neglecting other health/environment related issues. Conclusions: Well organized and functioning environmental, health and safety offices were present in all of the top 30 research universities in the U.S.A., whereas similar organizations of the universities in South Korea were virtually non-existent and/or had very limited EHS activities. Therefore, in order to reduce potential risks of accidents and health problems in the Korean universities and research institutions, well established and functioning EHS-MSs and EHS offices are warranted. The case of the EHS-MS and EHS Office in the MIT demonstrate a successful case to follow.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.63-72
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• 2009

고령 근로자의 작업환경 실태와 건강검진 자료를 분석하여 그들의 건강한 생활과 삶의 질을 향상시킬 수 있는 정책의 기초자료를 마련하고자 시도되었다. 대상자는 부산, 경남지역에 소재하는 41개 사업장에서 유해인자에 노출되어 작업하는 공정에 있는 50세 이상 근로자 112명(남성 91명, 여성 21명)을 대상으로 소음, 분진, 유기용제, 중금속, 작업형태 및 작업강도 등을 측정, 분석하였으며, 건강검진 자료는 일반건강진단표를 이용하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 대상자의 평균연령은 54.9(남성 55세, 여성 54.7세) 세였으며, 평균근무기간은 8.7년이 였으며, 조사대상 사업장중 71.5%가 50인 이하의 근로자를 고용하고 있는 사업장이 였다. 2. 소음에 폭로 대상자 중 31.3%가 90dB(A)인 노출기준치을 초과하였으며, 그 외의 분진, 유기용제, 중금속 등의 노출기준치를 초과한 대상자는 없었다. 3. 조사대상자 중 9%는 청력이 비정상이였으며, 78.6%의 대상자는 경작업과 중등작업을 하였으며, 52.7%는 전신을 이용하여 작업하는 형태였다.

• 한국환경과학회지
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.457-464
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• 1999

To develop managing guidance of occupational noise exposure for metal working facility, we have studied about drafting contour map of noise exposure, methods of noise assessment and actual calculation method of time weighted noise exposure. Therefore we have suggested that contour maps of noisy workplace are very important for controlling metal working fluid facility and two kinds of noise assessment method, so called, personal andstatic exposure are necessary to avoid argument between workers and managing group. Finally we would like recommend that the Korean specification of noise exposure should be modified to protect ONIHL(oocupational noise induced hearing loss).

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.26-31
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• 2012

Objectives: To review the occurrence of cancer cluster in S Electronics semiconductor factories, process of epidemiological researches and lawsuit for industrial accident compensation. Methods: Occupational Safety and Heatlh Research Institute (OSHRI) epidemiological research report, Seoul National University (SNU) field survey report and Seoul Administrative Court ruling were investigated. Result:: OSHRI denied the association between working environment and outbreak of cancers, but SNU survey team reported that carcinogens do exist in workplace and the workers are exposed to them. Seoul Administrative Court ruled that 2 victims got cancer due to hazardous chemicals in working environment and be compensated but 3 victims were not acknowledged. Conclusions: Procedure of current OSHRI epidemiological research should be reassessed by the purpose of Occupational Accident Compensation Insurance Law.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.96-101
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to conduct the field validation of alternative method(ETM method) by using non-carcinogenic, and less toxic solvents than NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) analytical method 5524 for measuring the airborne metalworking fluids in workplaces. We carried out the field validation test by using the exposure chamber, guaranteeing the air sampling homogeneously in a machining environment. The ETM mixed solvent presented the complete solubility of MWFs used in test field. Based on the field test data, the bias of the ETM method from reference method, NIOSH analytical method 5524, was from -7.0% to 5.1%. The overall uncertainty of the ETM nethod was 21.6%, which satisfied the NIOSH criteria for the sampling and analytical criteria.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.210-220
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted to prepare fundamental data and prevention measures on health promotion and occupational disease, and to assess the effects of the working environment on subjective health status and absenteeism among workers using data from the third working environment survey in Korea. Methods: This study's subjects were composed of 29,711 wage workers from the 3rd working environment survey data. The dependent variables were several diseases, subjective health status and absences, and the independent variable was the working environment. The collected data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple analysis using the IBM SPSS(ver. 20.0) statistical package program. Results: The effecting factors for cardiovascular disease were age, working shift and emotional state. The effecting factors for anxiety and depression were years of education, working condition, duties, and emotional state. The effecting factors of insomnia were duty and emotional state. The positive effecting factors for absent days were work standing, working shift, number of night shifts, autonomy, and duties. The positive effecting factors of subjective health status were age, work standing, working years, working shift, appropriateness of working hours, leadership of superiors, duties and emotional state. Conclusions: Based on the above results, the author considers that it is necessary to improve the working environment to reduce absent days, such as by reducing of number of night shifts and giving autonomy regarding duties, and to improve the working environment for subjective health status such as by controlling the appropriateness of working hours and stability of the emotional state. In addition, this study provides fundamental data on health promotion and occupational disease among workers.