• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.268-278
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• 2015

Background: This study aimed to assess the whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure among large blast hole drill machine operators with regard to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recommended threshold values and its association with machine- and rock-related factors and workers' individual characteristics. Methods: The study population included 28 drill machine operators who had worked in four opencast iron ore mines in eastern India. The study protocol comprised the following: measurements of WBV exposure [frequency weighted root mean square (RMS) acceleration ($m/s^2$)], machine-related data (manufacturer of machine, age of machine, seat height, thickness, and rest height) collected from mine management offices, measurements of rock hardness, uniaxial compressive strength and density, and workers' characteristics via face-to-face interviews. Results: More than 90% of the operators were exposed to a higher level WBV than the ISO upper limit and only 3.6% between the lower and upper limits, mainly in the vertical axis. Bivariate correlations revealed that potential predictors of total WBV exposure were: machine manufacturer (r = 0.453, p = 0.015), age of drill (r = 0.533, p = 0.003), and hardness of rock (r = 0.561, p = 0.002). The stepwise multiple regression model revealed that the potential predictors are age of operator (regression coefficient ${\beta}=-0.052$, standard error SE = 0.023), manufacturer (${\beta}=1.093$, SE = 0.227), rock hardness (${\beta}=0.045$, SE = 0.018), uniaxial compressive strength (${\beta}=0.027$, SE = 0.009), and density (${\beta}=-1.135$, SE = 0.235). Conclusion: Prevention should include using appropriate machines to handle rock hardness, rock uniaxial compressive strength and density, and seat improvement using ergonomic approaches such as including a suspension system.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.275-284
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• 2014

Decision Tree is one of analysis techniques which conducts grouping and prediction into several sub-groups from interested groups. Researcher can easily understand this progress and explain than other techniques. Because Decision Tree is easy technique to see results. This paper uses CART algorithm which is one of data mining technique. It used 273 variables and 70094 data(2010-2011) of working environment survey conducted by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA). And then refines this data, uses final 12 variables and 35447 data. To find satisfaction factor in working environment, this page has grouped employee to 3 types (under 30 age, 30 ~ 49age, over 50 age) and analyzed factor. Using CART algorithm, finds the best grouping variables in 155 data. It appeared that 'comfortable in organization' and 'proper reward' is the best grouping factor.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.331-341
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of safety and risk among Korean industrial hygienists and the change between before and after the Sewol Ferry Disaster in 2014. Two surveys with questionnaires composed of 51 questions were completed by attendees of the Korea Industrial Hygiene Association(KIHA) conference. Methods: One was conducted at the 2013 KIHA Fall Conference(N=181) and the other was from the 2014 KIHA Summer Conference(N=123). Between these two surveys was the Sewol Ferry Disaster on April 14, 2014, which was believed to seriously affect safety and risk perceptions in Korea. Results: It was revealed that industrial hygienists' awareness of safety rules strengthened after the Sewol Ferry Disaster(p<0.05). It was apparent that people over the age of 30 were more sensitive to social safety. There was no significant difference in the evaluation and attitude regarding governmental safety policy between the years of 2013 and 2014. The credibility of public organizations responsible for the disaster management system decreased. The self-evaluation of respondents' safety level also decreased. This trend shows mainly in the younger generation. It was evaluated that the overall social safety level decreased and the anxiety level increased. The score on social safety on a ±5 Likert scale was 0.68 in the 2013 survey and -0.33 in the 2014 survey(p<0.05). It was reported that the most serious threat factors for accident or disaster were 'building collapse > illegalities and corruption > side effects of radiation therapy >accidents in normal activity > occupational disease,' in order. They picked 'safety ignorance > hurry-up habits and culture > focusing on short-term benefit > easy-going attitude > insufficient safety education' for the causes of low social safety levels in 2013. In 2014, they were 'safety ignorance > easy-going attitude > focusing on short-term benefit > insufficient safety education > hurry-up habits and culture'. Conclusions: This study has some limitations because it was originally not designed to survey attitudes prior to the Sewol Ferry disaster in 2013. In addition, the survey targets are industrial hygienists who are familiar with occupational disease and injury.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.665-671
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• 2019

The estimated on-site accident rate in Forestry is relatively high. According to statistics of the accident, in the recent 5 years, from 2014 to 2018, forestry accidents have resulted in 98% of injuries and 87% of fatalities. Especially, there are significant geographical constraints to access to the scene in case of an accident. Even though the capacity of first aid capacity is notably emphasized its importance to minimize the scale of damages, the relevant employees have been educated only basic first aid, which is not considered circumstances or geographic limitations, by Occupation Safety and Health Acts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to derive a direction for a forest emergency service system to increase forestry workers' survival and prevent secondary injury through securing 'Golden Time.' This study conducts analyzing relevant laws and regulations in domestic and international settings as well as looking at several concerned accident cases. The outcome of analysis presents an issue regarding the implementation of onsite first aid in forestry and existing risk factors depending on the working process. Finally, we suggest two ways to improve the forest emergency service that are 1) an appropriate curriculum and kit for forest first aid; and 2) a system for emergency transfer through sharing information between National Fire Agency (NFA) and emergency medical service center, and emergency and rescue mission using helicopter from NFA and Korea Forest Service.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2023

Objectives: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential means for protecting workers against hazardous agents or risks that threaten their safety and health. Governmental organizations related to safety and health in the workplace regulate the PPE rules to protect workers and to minimize damage from hazardous agents. This study discussed current PPE rules overseen by the Korea Ministry of Environment and explores future perspectives on the matter. Methods: This study was based on a review of PPE regulations with which every stakeholder should comply in the workplace. Both South Korean regulations enforced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Environment and cases from other countries were reviewed. Results: Regulations related to the PPE required for handling chemical substances in the workplace are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Enforcement Decree, Enforcement Rules, and Notification of Protective Equipment Certification under the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The Ministry of Environment also regulates the PPE standards for 97 substances requiring preparation for accidents and adjustment of work conditions, but a recent amendment (partially amended on September 30, 2022) loosened some unreasonable or excessive provisions. It requires workers simply to carry or otherwise keep PPE handy instead of wearing it for some tasks in which hazardous chemicals are not handled directly. Conclusions: It is important to regularly review provisions that need to be improved or supplemented to help all stakeholders. Considerations should be also made to build a reasonable regulatory system that can induce more mature safety management in each workplace.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2017

Each country tries to prevent major industrial accidents at industrial sites, such as fire and explosion as well as poisoning incidents, and regulation of the management of chemicals is being enhanced in all sectors. In particular, in the case of laboratories, a variety of chemicals have been developed and handled in accordance with the development of science and technology. On the other hand, the accident probability at laboratories is higher than at industrial sites, because many different kinds of chemicals are handled in the laboratory but in very small amounts and chemical, physical, and biological studies have been carried out in limited spaces. Recently, the accident probability at laboratories was found to be higher as convergence/integration studies were carried out beyond the academic arena. Therefore, in this study, a survey of chemical management was conducted to prevent accidents due to chemicals targeting the laboratory safety coordinator using the FGI (focus group interview) method. The building plan of a chemical management system was suggested based on the results of the survey.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.429-435
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• 2013

Objective: This study aims to analyze job satisfaction and accident prevention according to job rotation system types in a motor company. Background: The study of a motor company's job rotation system has come to attention with enhancing productivity, preventing musculoskeletal disorders, and improving quality. Method: In this study, a survey was conducted to show job satisfaction rates according to job rotation systems. Also an investigation was done regarding industrial accidents and previous workers who are receiving treatment for musculoskeletal disorder over the last five years. Results: The job rotation system in this study has been carried out by voluntary decision of workers. Out of the job rotation types, the medium rotation complexity type had high job satisfaction whereas in a high or low rotation complexity type, which many workers prefer, led to less number of accidents and days of sick leave. Application: The results of this study are expected to be a fundamental data to job design.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.96-102
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• 2020

The construction industry remains serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to it's unique, dynamic, and temporary nature. On workplace sites, Safety pre-task planning is one of the efforts to minimize injuries and help construction personnel to identify potential hazards. However, the working conditions are complicated. Many activities, including tasks or job steps, are executing at the same time and place. It may lead to an increase in the risks from simultaneous tasks. This paper contributes to addressing this issue by introducing a safety risk interaction analyzing framework. To accomplish this objective, accident reports of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigated. The pairs of task incompatibility, which have time-space conflicts and lead to incidents, are found. Ontology technology is applied to build the risk database, in which the information is acquired, structuralized. The proposed system is expected to improve pre-task planning efficiency and relieve the burdens encountered by safety managers. A user scenario is also discussed to demonstrate how the ontology supports pre-task planning in practice.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.67-72
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• 2010

This study was done to provide basic data on the safety of professionals in medical imaging system by measuring the electromagnetic waves generated in the medical imaging system being used in medical organization. The studied medical imaging systems were general X-ray system, computed tomography(CT), ultrasonographic(USG) system, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), PET-CT and fluoroscopic(R/F) system, and through these devices, electric field and magnetic field were measured and analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the measured values classified by the medical organizations were not much significant, but in the measurement by the medical imaging systems, there were high hazard elements in the sequential order of electric field PET-CT($17.7{\pm}22.9$)v/m, CT($10.3{\pm}8.7$)v/m, general X-ray system($8.8{\pm}8.8$)v/m, magnetic field general X-ray system($5.06{\pm}8.26$)mG, CT($2.71{\pm}4.53$)mG and PET-CT($0.74{\pm}0.34$)mG, the systems that adopted X-ray as main ray source, and the more aged the medical imaging systems, the greater the effects of electro-magnetic waves($10.6{\pm}15.93v/m$ for 5 years or more, $6.14{\pm}5.60v/m$ for 5 years or less). The effects of electromagnetic waves on medical imaging systems or facilities were not much when the notification of ministry of knowledge economy is considered, but in the overall perspective considering all the equipments and facility of the medical organization, such effects were significant. It is determined that sustainable safety managements of electric field and magnetic field must be done during process from medical imaging system installation to maintenance to rule out such factors.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.42-52
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• 2018

Background: Maintenance operations on-board ships are highly demanding. Maintenance operations are intensive activities requiring high man-machine interactions in challenging and evolving conditions. The evolving conditions are weather conditions, workplace temperature, ship motion, noise and vibration, and workload and stress. For example, extreme weather condition affects seafarers' performance, increasing the chances of error, and, consequently, can cause injuries or fatalities to personnel. An effective human error probability model is required to better manage maintenance on-board ships. The developed model would assist in developing and maintaining effective risk management protocols. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a human error probability model considering various internal and external factors affecting seafarers' performance. Methods: The human error probability model is developed using probability theory applied to Bayesian network. The model is tested using the data received through the developed questionnaire survey of >200 experienced seafarers with >5 years of experience. The model developed in this study is used to find out the reliability of human performance on particular maintenance activities. Results: The developed methodology is tested on the maintenance of marine engine's cooling water pump for engine department and anchor windlass for deck department. In the considered case studies, human error probabilities are estimated in various scenarios and the results are compared between the scenarios and the different seafarer categories. The results of the case studies for both departments are also compared. Conclusion: The developed model is effective in assessing human error probabilities. These probabilities would get dynamically updated as and when new information is available on changes in either internal (i.e., training, experience, and fatigue) or external (i.e., environmental and operational conditions such as weather conditions, workplace temperature, ship motion, noise and vibration, and workload and stress) factors.