Korean Working Conditions Survey Research Articles

Associations of extended work, higher workloads and emotional work demands with sleep disturbance among night-shift workers

BackgroundIn-depth investigation of the factors that exacerbate sleep disturbance among night-shift workers is essential to develop a successful implementation strategy to improve sleep. Although some characteristics of work associated with sleep disturbances have been investigated, there are inconsistencies in the findings. This study aimed to assess the influence of working time and work characteristics on sleep disturbance among night-shift workers.MethodsThis study was a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative sample of data from the fifth Korean Working Condition Survey in 2017. A total of 1,790 wage workers aged between 19 and 64 years with night shift schedules were selected and analyzed. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influences of working time characteristics, including shift type, frequency of night shift, and extended work; as well as work characteristics, including physical work demands, workload, emotional work demands, social support, and communication, on sleep disturbance among night-shift workers.ResultsOf those analyzed, 8.4% of night-shift workers experienced sleep disturbances. Night-shift workers with extended work, higher workloads, and emotional work demands were more likely to experience sleep disturbances (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.23; OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.03; OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.05; respectively).ConclusionExtended work, higher workload, and emotional work demands were significant factors for sleep disturbance among night-shift workers. These findings highlight the importance of adjusting work demands and mitigating extended work to reduce sleep disturbance in night-shift workers.

Technology Advancements and Employees' Qualitative Job Insecurity in the Republic of Korea: Does Training Help? Employer-Provided vs. Self-Paid Training.

While technological advancements have proliferated in our daily lives, they also pose threats to the job security of employees. Despite these growing concerns about technology-related job insecurity, little research has been carried out on the antecedents and outcomes of tech-related job insecurity. Using a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey sample of 28,989 Korean workers drawn from the Korean Working Conditions Survey, we examined the impacts of technology advancements on employee perceptions of technology-related qualitative job insecurity (i.e., perceived technology-related threat to the continued existence of valued job features) and subsequent effects on employees' work (i.e., work engagement, job satisfaction), health (i.e., sleep), and life (i.e., work-to-family conflict) outcomes. Furthermore, we investigated the extent to which employer-provided (versus self-funded) training buffers the adverse impacts of technology advancements and associated job insecurity. The path analysis results showed more technology changes were associated with higher job insecurity, which subsequently related to adverse outcomes. While employer-provided training helped workers to reduce the negative impacts of tech changes on job insecurity, workers who paid for their training reported more adverse outcomes in face of job insecurity. We discuss these results in light of the job demands-resources theory and practical implications to buffer the adverse impacts of technology advancements.

The significant association between quick return and depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in paid workers: A nationwide survey.

ObjectivesAlthough many studies have examined the association between shift work and depression or insomnia, few studies have examined the relationship between quick return (QR) to work and depressive symptoms, regardless of shift work. Thus, in this study, we aimed to assess the association between depressive symptoms (DS)/sleep disturbances (SDs) and QR.MethodsData from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020) were used for this study. Paid workers aged between 20 and 65 years were included. DS were defined using the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) with a cut-off 50, and SD was defined as the occurrence of the following symptoms several times per month: difficulty in falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or feeling tired even after waking up. QR was defined as “at least one case where the working interval between leaving work and the next day's work was < 11 h in the past month.” Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate the adjusted odd ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analysis was conducted to examine whether SD was a significant mediator in the association between QR and DS.ResultsAmong the 27,554 participants, DS occurred in 8,277 patients, while SD occurred in 6,264 patients. The aORs (95% CIs) of DS and SD by QR were 2.01 (1.78–2.27) and 3.24 (2.87–3.66), respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, income, education, working hours, job status, working duration, region, shift work, and occupation. SD was a significant mediator in the association between QR and DS.ConclusionQR is significantly associated with DS or SD regardless of demographic factors and the working environment. The significant relationship between QR and DS may be mediated by SD.

Predictors of Satisfaction With Work Environment in the Context of a Mismatch in Working Hours: A Nationwide, Large-Scale, Cross-Sectional Study.

This nationwide, large-scale, cross-sectional study has hypothesized that there might be differences in workers’ satisfaction with work environment depending on demographic, socio-economic, and work characteristics in the context of a mismatch between actual and preferred working hours. The current study is a secondary data analysis of the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. A total of 29 694 subjects (n = 29 694) were finally included in the current study. Female gender (β = −.372, OR 0.689 [95% CI 0.646-0.736]), age of ≥60 years old (β = .226, OR 1.253 [95% CI 1.089-1.441]), graduation from middle school (β = −.320, OR 0.726 [95% CI 0.616-0.856]), college (β = .492, OR 1.636 [95% CI 1.371-1.952]), or university (β = .826, OR 2.283 [95% CI 1.918-2.718]), fixed period of work (β = −.105, OR 0.901 [95% CI 0.823-0.986]), full-time employment (β = −.105, OR 0.900 [95% CI 0.813-0.996]), the engagement in public sector (β = .544, OR 1.722 [95% CI 1.532-1.935]), private-public partnership organization (β = .605, OR 1.832 [95% CI 1.342-2.500]) or NPO or NGO (β = .780, OR 2.182 [95% CI 1.522-3.127]), regular side job (β = −.929, OR 0.395 [95% CI 0.289-0.539]), or temporary side job (β = −.330, OR 0.719 [95% CI 0.533-0.970]), membership of multiple teams (β = −.501, OR 0.606 [95% CI 0.552-0.666]), labor union (β = .143, OR 1.154 [95% CI 1.047-1.273]), and better health status (β = .977, OR 2.657 [95% CI 1.175-6.007]) were predictors of satisfaction with work environment in the context of a mismatch between actual and desired working hours. Based on the current results, it can be concluded that female gender, age of ≥60 years old, graduation from middle school, college, or university, fixed period of work, full-time employment, the engagement in public sector, private-public partnership organization or NPO or NGO, regular side job or temporary side job, membership of multiple teams, labor union, and better health status were predictors of satisfaction with work environment.

농업부문 근로환경 만족도 영향 요인에 대한 고찰

In this study, working conditions of the agricultural workers are investigated and the factors affecting the satisfaction level with the working conditions are analyzed. The analysis on the factors affecting the satisfaction level with the working conditions of the entire economy is also conducted and the results are used as an comparable indicator. For analysis, Korean Working Conditions Survey data and an ordered probit model are used. Based on the findings of the analysis, the factors constituting the working conditions in the agricultural sector are classified by type, and priorities requiring urgent improvement are presented. Among the working conditions in the agricultural sector, it was found that the factors that lowered the satisfaction of the workers while being poor compared to other industries were exposure to high temperatures, handling of heavy objects, working in a sitting position, and insufficient provision of health and safety related information.

Association between physical risk factors and sleep disturbance among workers in Korea: The 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey

ObjectiveSleep disturbance is associated with negative effects to workers’ health and productivity; hence, it is important to find which population of workers are associated with sleep disturbance. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical risk factors (vibration, noise, high, and low temperatures) and sleep disturbance in the Korean working population. MethodsWe analyzed data on 29,213 paid workers from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. Individual and occupational characteristics, physical risk factors exposure, and sleep disturbance were collected using self-reported questionnaires. To assess the association between physical risk factors and sleep disturbance, the chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted. All statistical analyses were performed in sex-based subgroups. ResultsWe observed that all physical risk factors are associated with sleep disturbance. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) of severe exposure to vibration, noise, high and low temperature were 1.69 (CI:1.47–1.94), 2.52 (CI:2.17–2.92), 3.09 (CI:2.69–3.56), and 1.96 (CI:1.68–2.28) in male workers and 2.27 (CI:1.89–2.72), 3.52 (CI:2.92–4.24), 3.30 (CI:2.81–3.87), and 2.87 (CI:2.44–3.38) in female workers, respectively. The prevalence of sleep disturbance increased with increased exposure to physical risk factors, indicating a dose-response relationship. ConclusionsPhysical risk factors exposure in the workplace was associated with sleep disturbance of workers, indicating a dose-response relationship. Given the impact of sleep disturbance on workers' health and efficiency, it may be important to control exposure to physical risk factors in the working environment with regards to sleep conditions.

Association between occupational exposure to chemical or physical factors and sleep disturbance: An analysis of the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey

ObjectiveA range of risk factors in occupational environments can negatively affect the sleep of workers. Although psychosocial factors have been emphasized in various studies, few have reported on the relationship between physical or chemical exposure in the workplace and sleep disturbances. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to physical or chemical factors and sleep disturbances. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingData from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). ParticipantsThe target population of the fifth KWCS was economically active individuals aged 15 years or older in all Korean households in 2017, resulting in a total study population of 50,176 participants. After excluding the unemployed, full-time students, homemakers, and the retired, 36,996 employees were included in the current study. MeasurementsExposure to occupational physical or chemical risk factors was assessed by multiplying the exposure scales of physical or chemical risk factors and weekly working hours. Sleep disturbance was estimated using the Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale. ResultsIn the fully adjusted logistic regression model, exposure to the following risk factors was positively associated with sleep disturbance: vibration (odds ratio [OR], 1.74)); noise (OR, 2.28); high temperatures (OR, 2.43); low temperatures (OR, 2.51); smoke, fume, and dust (OR, 2.12); vapors of solvents or thinners (OR, 3.78); chemical substances (OR, 3.78); and environmental smoking (OR, 5.03). ConclusionsThe results of this study provide evidence of a relationship between occupational exposure to physical or chemical factors and sleep disturbances.

Work schedule characteristics associated with sleep disturbance among healthcare professionals in Europe and South Korea: a report from two cross-sectional surveys

BackgroundHealthcare professionals worldwide are prone to sleep disturbance. Such sleep disturbance is associated with lower patient safety and quality of care. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of sleep disturbance and determine the effect of work schedule characteristics on sleep disturbance among healthcare professionals in Europe and South Korea.MethodsWe used the sixth European Working Conditions Survey and the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey for analyses. The study included 2285 healthcare professionals aged 18–65 years. Work schedule characteristics included shift work, night work, working hours per week, long work hours (i.e., more than 10 hours per shift), quick return to work, having to come to work on short notice, and changes in work schedules. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsThe overall prevalence of sleep disturbance was 37.7%. The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that long work hours, quick return to, having to come to work on short notice, and changes in work schedules were significant factors associated with sleep disturbance among healthcare professionals.ConclusionThe findings revealed that several work schedule-related factors were associated with sleep disturbances in healthcare professionals in Europe and Korea. Institutions and policymakers should implement strategies and policies to reduce the unpredictability of work schedules to ensure an adequate rest period between shifts and to reduce sleep disturbances.

Comparisons of working conditions and health-related problems between older male and female crop farmers.

Although the number of farmers in Korea is declining, the proportion of older farmers aged ≥60 increases. This study aims to analyze gender differences in working conditions, exposure to risk factors, and health problems of older crop farmers aged ≥60. This study used data from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) data of 818 male and 985 female crop farmers aged ≥60 years. This study showed that older female farmers had higher ratios of living alone (45.0% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.001), lower education levels (80.7% vs. 53.4%, p < 0.001), and lower average incomes (1.565 vs. 2.036 million KRW, p < 0.001) than that of males. Among subjective scores on the exposure of risk factors, only females' repetitive motion (4.923) and awkward posture (4.415) scores were higher than that of males' repetitive motion (4.601) (p < 0.001) and awkward posture (4.159) scores (p = 0.001). However, female's health problem rates on upper limb pain (68.3%), lower extremity pain (67.6%), backache (48.4%), overall fatigue (44.8%), and headache and eyestrain (25.0%) were higher than that of male's complaint rates on upper limb pain (48.5%) (p < 0.001), lower extremity pain (53.3%) (p < 0.001), backache (35.0%) (p < 0.001), overall fatigue (39.5%) (p = 0.024), and headache and eyestrain (19.4%) (p = 0.005). The rate of depression symptoms in females (54.6%), with a high proportion of single-person households, was higher than that of males (46.9%) (p = 0.001). The musculoskeletal pains and depression symptoms of older female farmers are prevalent, and efforts and support are required to improve working conditions.

The Association between Working Hours Flexibility and Well-Being Prior to and during COVID-19 in South Korea.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between the flexibility of work schedule arrangements and well-being among full-time workers prior to and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in South Korea. Methods: Data from the fifth 2017 and sixth 2020–2021 Korean Working Conditions Survey, including a final sample of 45,137 participants (22,460 males; 22,677 females), were used. Multiple logistic regression was performed to establish the association between schedule arrangement types and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Results: The study found an association between flexible schedule arrangements and good well-being in 2017: “little flexibility” (odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27–1.48), “moderate flexibility” (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.28–1.71), and “high flexibility” (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06–1.72). During COVID-19, only workers with “high flexibility” were likely to have good well-being (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.18–1.88), while the association between well-being and “low flexibility” (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.96–1.17) and “moderate flexibility” types (OR, 0.66; 95% CI 0.59–0.75) decreased. This study found that flexible working hours may contribute to better well-being among full-time workers. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on working conditions and employee well-being should be addressed while setting working hours.

High Emotional Demands at Work and Poor Mental Health in Client-Facing Workers.

This study investigated the association between emotional demands and depression or anxiety in a wide range of jobs. We used data from the third Korean Working Conditions Survey (n = 50,032) for all occupational classifications, with no limitations placed on job title or employment type. Among the full set of regular paid workers in addition to self-employed, unpaid family workers, and informal employees such as independent contractors, 23,989 respondents worked with “customers, passengers, students, or patients” (i.e., clients). Emotional demands were evaluated using two questions: handling angry clients and needing to hide feelings for work performance. Any depression or anxiety over the last 12 months was taken to indicate poor mental health. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to calculate adjusted ORs with 95% confidence intervals for the influence of emotional demands on mental health, adjusting for demographic factors (age, gender, education, income), occupational psychological demands, decision latitude, social support, weekly work hours and job insecurity. The prevalence of emotional demands was higher in self-employed and informal employees than in regular paid employees. The more frequent the exposure to the two emotional demands combined was, the higher the risk of depression or anxiety. High psychological demands, low social support, and low job security each further increased the risk of poor mental health. Emotional demands turned out to be widespread in the entire economy, were not limited to service or sales occupations, and were more evident in precarious work. The contribution of emotional demands and other preventable job stressors to the burden of depression or anxiety in society may be substantial.

The Effect of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Musculoskeletal Complaints on Presenteeism Among the Dependent Self-employment Workers in Korea: Testing of a Mediation and Moderation Model.

We tested the effects of job demands on presenteeism to investigate the mediation of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) and the moderating effects of job resources among dependent self-employment (DSE) workers in Korea. Using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, we analyzed 2252 workers, and a two-step regression analysis was used to test the mediated effect of MSCs and moderated the effect of job resources on the relationship between job demand and presenteeism. Musculoskeletal complaints mediate the relationship between job demands and presenteeism. Job control moderated the relationship between MSCs and presenteeism among the job resources. However, the conditional indirect effect of job demands on presenteeism through MSCs was independent of job resource levels among DSE workers. Various strategies are needed to address MSCs and enhance job resources for DSE workers, which might diminish the negative effect of job demands on presenteeism.

Influence of coexposure to long working hours and ergonomic risk factors on musculoskeletal symptoms: an interaction analysis.

ObjectivesThis study explores the interaction between ergonomic risk factors and long working hours on musculoskeletal symptoms by additive and multiplicative scales.DesignWe used the data of the fifth Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). The KWCS is a cross-sectional study.SettingTo represent the entire Korean working population, the probability proportion stratified cluster sampling method was used. The face-to-face interview was carried out with a structured questionnaire.Main outcomes and measuresTo assess the combined effect of ergonomic risk factors and long working hours on musculoskeletal symptoms, the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the ratio of ORs were calculated using multiple survey-weighted logistic analysis and postestimation commands.ResultsThe OR for musculoskeletal symptoms was 1.75 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.39) for exposure to long working hours, 3.49 (95% CI 3.06 to 3.99) for exposure to ergonomic risk factors and 5.07 (95% CI 4.33 to 5.93) for coexposure to long working hours and ergonomic risk factors. The RERI was 0.82 (95% CI 0.11 to 1.53) and the ratio of ORs was 0.83 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.14)ConclusionOur findings suggest that coexposure to both ergonomic risk factors and long working hours has a supra-additive interaction effect on musculoskeletal symptoms. Regulations on working hours and workplace interventions might reduce the musculoskeletal diseases of workers.

자동차 운전원의 작업환경, 일-생활 균형, 건강문제에 관한 연령대별 특성 비교

Objective: This study analyzes working conditions, work-life balance and health-related problems of drivers according to age group.<BR>Background: Currently, Aging is progressing in Korea and the proportion of elderly drivers is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, a systematic analysis of the working environment, work-life balance, exposure to hazard factors, and health-related problems of elderly drivers is required.<BR>Method: 827 drivers were extracted from the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey data. Among them, 211 were less than 50 years old, 349 were between 50 and 59 years old, and 267 were older than 60 years old. Statistical analysis of the working environment, exposure to hazard factors, work-life balance, and health-related problems of drivers by age is done.<BR>Results: It was found that there were age group differences in working conditions such as educational background, wage, experience, and working hours per week. For the degree of exposures to ergonomic hazard factors and emotional hazard factors, there were more exposures over the age of 60 in the sitting posture, direct customer service, and dealing with angry customers, while there were more exposures to handling heavy objects for those under the age of 50. In terms of work-life balance, work-life balance in their 50s was generally poor, and in health-related problems, respondents in their 50s and 60s complained upper extremity pain, lower extremity pain, and back pain more.<BR>Conclusion: Working hours per week in their 50s are causing work-life imbalance, so it is necessary to reduce working hours in their 50s. For the severity of musculoskeletal disorders, efforts to improve working conditions of elderly drivers are needed.<BR>Application: The results can be used as basic data on improving working condition especially for the working hours and reducing occupational hazard factors and health-related problems of the drivers.

건설업 고령근로자의 수면장애에 영향을 미치는 요인 - 근로환경조사 2020년 6차 자료를 중심으로 -

Purpose : The study aims to provide a direction to prepare the preventive measures for effective fatigue management by grasping the effects of general characteristics, work-related characteristics, and health-related characteristics on sleep disorders for elderly workers in the construction industry. Methods : In the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey, the frequency analysis and cross-tabulation analysis were conducted and analyzed through the logistic regression for the sleep disorders of 422 elderly construction workers Results : The factor influencing sleep disorders among elderly construction workers was whether handling chemical products. Those who handled them suffered more from sleep disorders than those not handling chemical products. And they also suffered more than the workers who were contented with systematic fatigue and health satisfaction. These results show that poor fatigue management due to sleep disorders of construction workers can lead to accidents in the workplace and health issues. Conclusion : It is necessary to distinguish, implement, and improve the contents of safety and health education from the general age group when educating elderly workers. Second, it is also necessary to establish work measures for elderly workers using complex senses. Finally, it is suggested that measures and policies should be made, considering safety measures such as excluding elderly workers form a hazardous workplace or preventing accidents from a fall.

금속 소재, 부품, 장비 산업 종사자의 근로시간에 따른 작업 위험, 건강문제, 주관적 만족도 특성 분석

Objective: This study analyzes occupational risk and health problems, and job satisfaction of workers in the metal material, parts, and equipment industries according to working hours.<BR>Background: In the global trade environment, the materials, parts and equipment industries are the basis of national industrial competitiveness. There are differences in the working environment, health problems, and job satisfaction according to working hours.<BR>Method: 1,578 workers were extracted from the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey data. Among them, 803 (10.9%) worked less than or equal to 40 hours and 775 (49.1%) worked more than 40 hours per week.<BR>Results: Overall, they had a lot of exposure to risk factors. In addition, the exposure to risk factors of the group working more than 40 hours per week was more frequent than the group working less than 40 hours, except for the exposure to the sitting position. Except for hearing loss, the problem and pain complaint rate were higher in the group working more than 40 hours per week. Longer working hours has a negative effect on work-life balance, but the degree of participation in decision-making about work, social support by supervisors, and the organizational atmosphere were all positively evaluated among respondents who worked more than 40 hours per week. Overtime workers feel low organizational satisfaction, and in particular, have a statistically significant negative perception of compensation.<BR>Conclusion: It was found that the longer the working hours were, the more problems with health, musculoskeletal system, and health condition were. Efforts and support to create a safe workplace through improvement of working hours are required.<BR>Application: The results can be used as basic data on improving working condition especially for the working hours and reducing work-related risk factors and health-related problems of metal workers.

The Effect of Working Conditions on Upper and Lower Extremity Pain and Sleep Disturbance in Delivery Workers: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey

The Effect of Working Conditions on Upper and Lower Extremity Pain and Sleep Disturbance in Delivery Workers: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey

A Study on the Factors Influencing Overall Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Pains in Automobile Manufacturing Production Workers

In South Korea, the automobile sector is a key industry that occupies a very large proportion of production, employment, and exports in the national economy. However, production workers in the automobile industry are still exposed to a wide range of risk factors. This study aims to investigate the relationships between personal characteristics or occupational hazard exposure and subjective overall fatigue or musculoskeletal pains in the automobile manufacturing industry. We extracted 446 automobile manufacturing production workers as subjects from the data of the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The χ2 test is performed to test whether there are differences in the distribution of complaints of musculoskeletal pains or overall fatigue in view of personal characteristics and exposure to working environment hazards and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationships between them. Results showed that the proportions of the overall fatigue and musculoskeletal pains of the complaining group increase as the hazard exposure time increases. Longer exposure to tobacco smoke shows higher rates of complaints of overall fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Results of logistic regression show that gender, longer exposure to fumes and dust, manual heavy loads handling, and to repetitive motion were the risk factors for overall fatigue and that gender, work experience, longer working hours, longer exposure to noise, fumes and dust, awkward posture, and high temperature were risk factors for musculoskeletal pains. The results show that there are close relationships between personal characteristics, working environment hazards, overall fatigue, and musculoskeletal pains.

The Association between Working Posture and Workers' Depression.

Various studies have focused on the association between physical health and working posture. However, little research has been conducted on the association between working posture and mental health, despite the importance of workers’ mental health. This study aimed to examine the association between working posture and workers’ depression. A total of 49,877 workers were analyzed using data from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. We utilized multiple logistic regression to analyze the variables associated with workers’ depression. This study showed that several working postures, such as tiring or painful positions, lifting or moving people, standing, and sitting, were associated with depression in workers. Furthermore, occupation types, job satisfaction, and physical health problems related to back pain and pain in upper (neck, shoulder, and arm) and lower (hip, leg, knee, and foot) body parts were associated with workers’ depression. Therefore, this study demonstrated that working posture is associated with workers’ depression. In particular, working postures causing musculoskeletal pain, improper working postures maintained for a long time, and occupation types were associated with workers’ depression. Our findings demonstrate the need for appropriate management and interventions for addressing pain-inducing or improper working postures in the workplace.

병원과 의원 종사자의 근로 환경과 건강관련 문제의 비교

Objective: This study analyzes occupational risk factors and health-related problems of healthcare workers and compares hospital workers with clinic workers.BRBackground: There are differences in the working environment, health problems, and health status between hospital and clinic workers. However, comparative studies between hospital and clinic workers have been insufficient so far.BRMethod: 1,135 workers were extracted from the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey data. Among them, 644 were hospital workers, and 491 were clinic workers. BRResults: Hospital workers were more exposed to risk factors such as patient lifting and carrying, heavy material handling, and infection. On the other hand, clinic workers had more exposure to risk factors such as vibration, standing posture, and repetitive movements. Both hospital and clinic workers complain of musculoskeletal pain and depression. The rate of complaints regarding upper limb, back pain, and depression was higher for hospital workers compared to clinic workers.BRConclusion: Healthcare workers are exposed to risk factors and have musculoskeletal pains and depression. Therefore, it is required to make efforts to improve working conditions of the healthcare workers.BRApplication: The results can be used as basic data for improving working conditions and for reducing work-related risk factors and health-related problems of healthcare workers.