Relationship between Occupational Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korean Male Firefighters

OBJECTIVES: A growing body of literature has documented that job stress is associated with the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, the association of WMSDs with job stress has not yet been fully studied in Korean male firefighters. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of WMSDs in almost all Korean male firefighters and to clarify the effect of job stress on the occurrence of WMSDs. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, and 21,466 firefighters were recruited. The study design included a structured questionnaire to assess general characteristics, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (optional KOSS-26), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and WMSDs. The chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to look for a correlation between general characteristics and job stress, and the occurrence of WMSD. RESULTS: Back pain is the most common WMSD. Among the job stress subgroup, physical environment, job demands, organizational system, occupational climate, lack of reward and job insecurity were related to the occurrence of WMSDs. However, insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict were not related to the occurrence of WMSDs. CONCLUSION: Job stress was related to the occurrence of WMSDs in Korean male firefighters. To reduce the occurrence of WMSDs, a job stress management program may be required.

The Problem Drinking and Related Factors in Female Firefighters / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate problem drinking and analyze factors associated with alcohol use among female firefighters, as well as to provide useful data for management of alcohol use by female firefighters. METHODS: The study includeed 1,587 female firefighters from throught Koea. Data were collected from June to July in 2008 using self-administered questionnaires including a general questionnaire, work related questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form (KOSS-26), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Among 1,263 female firefighters (75.6%) surveyed, the results of 1,084 qualified questionnaires (70.5%) were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of problem drinking (AUDIT score > or =8) in female firefighters was 12.5%. Multiple logistic analysis showed that being single, smoking and depression were correlated with problem drinking. Single female firefighter, present smokers and individuals positive for symptoms of depression had OR values of 2.11, 17.58 and 1.76, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Three factors were found to influnce the occurrence of problem drinking. Accordingly, smoking related education, counseling to cope effectively with depression and health promotion programs that consider psychological effects of job stress are needed to reduce work related factors that lead to problem drinking by female firefighters.

Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries in Construction Workers in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries in construction workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,836 male construction workers in petrochemical plants in Korea. For this study, a structured self-reported questionnaire(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003) was used. Musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as symptoms that affect the operation of the musculoskeletal system, for longer than one week or a frequency of more than once per month. To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal occupatioanl injuries, multiple logistic-regressions were used after adjusting for age, exercise, smoking status, alcohol consumption, work time, work duration, and income. RESULTS: A total of 140 workers were involved in non-fatal injuries cases, representing 7.6% prevalence. After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression analyses indicated the group with musculoskeletal symptoms(OR 1.73 95% CI:1.21~2.47) and intensity criteria of musculoskeletal symptoms as related to 'moderate' criteria(OR 1.82 95% CI:1.18~2.81) or 'severe' criteria(OR 2.57 95% CI:1.43~4.63). This identified group was more likely to experience non-fatal occupational injuries. However, a 'mild' criteria(OR 1.00 95% CI:0.51~1.99) was not associated with non-fatal occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a possible association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries. Hence, strengthening of laws and regulations, effective ergonomic programs and training is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.

Lymphohematopoietic Cancer Mortality and Morbidity of Workers in a Refinery/Petrochemical Complex in Korea

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the relationship between exposure of Korean workers to petrochemicals in the refinery/petrochemical industry and lymphohematopoietic cancers. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 8,866 male workers who had worked from the 1960s to 2007 at one refinery and six petrochemical companies located in a refinery/petrochemical complex in Korea that produce benzene or use benzene as a raw material. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for 1992-2007 and 1997-2005 based on the death rate and cancer incidence rate of the Korean male population according to job title (production, maintenance, laboratory, and office workers). RESULTS: The overall mortality and most cause-specific mortalities were lower among these workers than those of the general Korean population. Increased SMRs were observed for leukemia (4/1.45; SMR 2.77, 95% CI: 0.75-7.09) and lymphohematopoietic cancers (5/2.51; SMR 2, 95% CI: 0.65-4.66) in production workers, and increased SIRs were also observed in leukemia (3/1.34; SIR 2.24, 95% CI: 0.46-6.54) and lymphohematopoietic cancers (5/3.39; SIR 1.47, 95% CI: 0.48-3.44) in production workers, but the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results showed a potential relationship between leukemia and lymphohematopoietic cancers and exposure to benzene in refinery/petrochemical complex workers. This study yielded limited results due to a short observational period; therefore, a follow-up study must be performed to elucidate the relationship between petrochemical exposure and cancer rates.

Characteristics of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korea and Their Work-relatedness Evaluation

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can be compensated through the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. We looked at the characteristics of WMSDs in worker's compensation records and the epidemiological investigation reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI). Based on the records of compensation, the number of cases for WMSDs decreased from 4,532 in 2003 to 1,954 in 2007. However the proportion of WMSDs among the total approved occupational diseases increased from 49.6% in 2003 to 76.5% in 2007, and the total cost of WMSDs increased from 105.3 billion won in 2004 to 163.3 billion won in 2007. The approval rate of WMSDs by the OSHRI accounted for 65.6%. Ergonomic and clinical characteristics were associated with the approval rate; however, the degenerative changes had a minimal affect. This result was in discordance between OSHRI and the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service. We presumed that there were perceptional gaps in work-relatedness interpretation that resulted from the inequality of information in ergonomic analyses. We propose to introduce ergonomic analysis to unapproved WMSDs cases and discuss those results among experts that will be helpful to form a consensus among diverse groups.

A Case Study of a Foundry Worker with Localized Asbestosis: an Uncommon Occurrence in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Foundry workers are known to be exposed to silica and have an increased risk of silicosis. There are also reports that state these foundry workers were associated with asbestos-related change in the X-ray results of the lungs. This report discusses a case of localized asbestosis developed in a foundry worker who worked in 12 Korean foundries. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man who worked at molding and melting for 30 years, presented with sore throat, cough and yellow sputum for 1 month. From physical and clinical examination, pulmonary tuberculosis was highly suspicious; therefore, he was medicated for 6 months. After tuberculosis medication, the radiological finding was reactivation of tuberculosis, and an asbestos body was detected at a transbronchial lung biopsy. During an operation, operators found multiple palpable masses and bullae localized in the right upper lobe (RUL) and performed right upper lobectomy and right middle lobe wedge resection. Using hematoxylin-eosin stain and iron stain, we could detect asbestos bodies by light microscopy. We analyzed the asbestos fiber burden in dry lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX). The fiber type was chrysotile and the fiber burden was 23.26x106 fiber/g dry lung. DISCUSSION: This case study of a foundry worker with localized asbestosis is uncommon in Korea. We found an occupational relationship between the foundry worker and localized asbestosis through various investigative techniques such as measurements taken at his working environment, clinical, radiological and pathological examination of the foundry worker and mineralogical examination of the asbestos fiber.

A Case Study of a Foundry Worker with Localized Asbestosis: an Uncommon Occurrence in Korea / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Foundry workers are known to be exposed to silica and have an increased risk of silicosis. There are also reports that state these foundry workers were associated with asbestos-related change in the X-ray results of the lungs. This report discusses a case of localized asbestosis developed in a foundry worker who worked in 12 Korean foundries. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man who worked at molding and melting for 30 years, presented with sore throat, cough and yellow sputum for 1 month. From physical and clinical examination, pulmonary tuberculosis was highly suspicious; therefore, he was medicated for 6 months. After tuberculosis medication, the radiological finding was reactivation of tuberculosis, and an asbestos body was detected at a transbronchial lung biopsy. During an operation, operators found multiple palpable masses and bullae localized in the right upper lobe (RUL) and performed right upper lobectomy and right middle lobe wedge resection. Using hematoxylin-eosin stain and iron stain, we could detect asbestos bodies by light microscopy. We analyzed the asbestos fiber burden in dry lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX). The fiber type was chrysotile and the fiber burden was 23.26x106 fiber/g dry lung. DISCUSSION: This case study of a foundry worker with localized asbestosis is uncommon in Korea. We found an occupational relationship between the foundry worker and localized asbestosis through various investigative techniques such as measurements taken at his working environment, clinical, radiological and pathological examination of the foundry worker and mineralogical examination of the asbestos fiber.

Factors Associated with Quality on Sleep of Subway Workers by Shift-Work / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: The sleep quality of subway drivers who work in the dark underground with an rotating shift system is generally poor, which can degrade the quality of a worker's life. This study examined the relationship between the sleep quality of subway worker and shift work by comparing three shift systems (rotating shift system, a three day shift system, and no-shift system). METHOD: Questionnaires including The short form of the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire (PSQI), the worker's age, gender, job type, accident, near miss and shift system were given to a total of 1010 workers. The results of 759 qualified questionnaires (75.15 %) were analyzed using the SPSS (ver 12.0) program. RESULT: The highest level of job stress was found among those working a rotating shift system followed by three shift system and no-shift system. The mean sleep quality score in the rotating shift workers was 5.1 (SD+/-3.2), which was greater than the sleep symptom score (5). 34.8% of rotating shift workers suffered from sleep symptoms. The sleep quality score by shift-work was significantly different. High job demand, strong external locus control, the experience of a near miss or an accident in the workplace during previous year has an adverse affect on the sleep quality. The sleep quality improved in case of a change into a no-shift system or a strong internal locus control. CONCLUSION: A rotating shift system is more harmful to the quality of sleep in subway workers than a 3 shift system or no-shift system. In addition, job stress, personality, near miss and the experience of an accident affect the sleep quality of subway workers.