The use of machinery and equipment requiring minimal human intervention has increased along with continuous improvements in safety technology. Nevertheless, industrial accidents such as entanglement and cutting caused by machinery still occur frequently. This study examines whether the rules on occupational safety and health standards sufficiently incorporate the key elements necessary to ensure machinery safety. To do this, 4M (Man, Machine, Media, Management) risk analysis was applied to the relevant provisions of the rules and 366 cases of serious industrial accidents that occurred over the past three years (2021–2023). The analysis revealed that the current rules are heavily weighted toward managementrelated obligations, while preventive provisions addressing human factors are lacking. Furthermore, many types of machinery involved in actual accidents were found to fall within regulatory blind spots. These findings indicate that the current rules do not adequately reflect technological changes in industrial environments. Therefore, to be more effective, the current framework needs to shift from an individual machinery and equipment-focused approach to a risk-based approach.
This study analyzed 366 serious industrial accidents related to machinery and equipment that occurred over the past three years (2021–2023) to investigate the preventive effectiveness of the Industrial Safety and Health Standards. The analysis focused on key variables such as the type of work (regular/irregular), type of accident (entanglement, fall, crushing, etc.), 4M factors (Man, Machine, Media, Management), and accident preventability under compliance with safety regulations. The results indicate that approximately 75.7% of all accidents could have been prevented through compliance. Irregular work showed both a higher risk of accident occurrence and a statistically significant association with preventability. In particular, ten major types of machinery, including forklifts, cranes, and conveyors, accounted for 57.9% of all cases. In addition, 37.2% of accidents occurred involving equipment without specific safety rules. These results indicate that some provisions of the current regulations do not sufficiently reflect the realities of actual industrial sites. They suggest the need for field-oriented revisions of the regulations that incorporate newly emerging machinery types and the evolving realities of the workplace.
This study aims to examine the effects of job demand factors (hazardous exposure, job autonomy, and labor intensity) on the psychological well-being of construction workers, focusing on the mediating role of sleep quality. The construction industry, characterized by irregular work conditions and exposure to multiple risks, poses significant challenges to workers’ physical and mental health. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to empirically analyze the relationships among job demands, sleep quality, and well-being. Data were drawn from the 7th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS, 2023), including 2,694 construction workers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to verify reliability and validity. A structural equation model was estimated using AMOS 26.0, and bootstrapping with 2,000 resamples was performed to test the mediating effects. The findings revealed that both hazardous factors and labor intensity had significant effects on sleep quality and well-being, with sleep quality partially mediating these relationships. Job autonomy had a strong positive direct effect on well-being but did not significantly affect sleep quality. High exposure to hazards and intensive labor tended to lower sleep quality, thereby reducing overall well-being. The model showed good fit indices (CFI=0.991, RMSEA=0.028). The study concludes that improving workers’ well-being in the construction industry requires not only reducing hazardous exposure and adjusting labor intensity but also implementing measures to enhance sleep quality. Moreover, job autonomy plays a key role in promoting psychological well-being. Future research should explore longitudinal analyses and the interaction effects between sleep quality and job autonomy.
In Korea, safety management of hazardous substances is secured by enacting relevant laws, and the main methods can be divided into legal facility inspection and maintenance through appointment of safety managers. In this study, we investigated the current status of safety education at domestic and oversea for hazardous materials, one of the hazardous substances, and were able to identify differences and problems among safety education methods. First, in terms of hardware, it was necessary to review the curriculum content, curriculum time, consistency of curriculum level, and direction of legally recognized education, and In terms of software, it was necessary to secure objectivity in qualification and evaluation methods and to require an education model that reflects the latest trends and can predict risks was required.
Recently, fire evacuation problems in high-rise buildings have been increasing due to increased occupant density and limited evacuation routes, leading to increased casualties. To address this issue, this study proposes a distributed evacuation performance evaluation method that considers floor-by-floor distribution ratios. Using FDS+EVAC-based simulations, various floor-by-floor distribution scenarios were designed and their impact on evacuation times and bottlenecks was quantitatively analyzed. The results confirmed that rationally adjusting the floor-by-floor exit and elevator utilization ratios shortened overall evacuation times and reduced congestion in specific areas. This method can serve as a foundation for establishing evacuation plans and fire safety design standards for high-rise buildings.
This study theoretically analyzes and verifies the educational effects and satisfaction of current Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) education in order to support efficient and effective learner-centered educational program management. The findings are intended to serve as foundational evidence for establishing an education system that enhances the professional competencies of OSH practitioners. Data were collected from 300 trainees of the OSH Education Institute, using their survey responses as analytical material. Based on prior studies on expectation–performance congruence, educational satisfaction, and behavioral intention, the study examined how the perceived value of educational outcomes (expectation–performance congruence) influences learners’ educational satisfaction and behavioral int` ention. A research model and hypotheses were developed from the collected data, and SPSS 18.0 was used to conduct frequency analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and regression analysis to verify the hypotheses. The reliability results showed high internal consistency for expectation–performance congruence (α=0.804), education quality satisfaction (α=0.905), and behavioral intention (α=0.756), confirming the suitability of the measurement tools. However, the reliability coefficient for staff kindness/facility satisfaction was lower (α=0.498), suggesting divergent perceptions among respondents for those items. Regression analysis revealed statistically significant effects among expectation–performance congruence, educational satisfaction (education quality and staff kindness/ facilities), and behavioral intention. The results indicate that expectation–performance congruence influences behavioral intention directly and also indirectly through educational satisfaction, demonstrating a partial mediating effect of educational satisfaction. In other words, higher expectation–performance congruence increases educational satisfaction, which subsequently exerts a stronger indirect effect on behavioral intention such as willingness to re-participate or recommend the program. These findings suggest that identifying each learner’s expectation level and enhancing the perceived value of education are essential for improving educational satisfaction and achieving outcomes such as re-enrollment and positive recommendation.
The As the elderly population increases, interest in health and health maintenance is increasing, leading to membership in the sports club. Among the sports clubs, many people are joining the "golf" event, and "golf" was the highest among the clubs that want to join in the future. Recently, 'park golf' is in vogue in Korea. In particular, anyone can easily participate in the elderly, so its popularity is increasing day by day. As a result, many local governments are establishing park golf courses for welfare, and problems are occurring in the process of establishment and operation. First, although it is registered as a sports facility event, it is classified as a 'free industry' and is not subject to sports facility business reporting, so there is a problem that it is difficult for local governments to manage in advance. Second, as the number of people participating increases, related safety accidents are also increasing. Third, there is a burden on operating finances. Initial establishment costs, lawn maintenance costs, facility maintenance costs, and labor costs continue to occur. Fourth, conflicts with local residents arise due to environmental destruction, noise and traffic congestion, and use of specific age groups in the process of establishing a park golf course. Therefore, this study investigates the current status of park golf and suggests countermeasures for various problems.
This study aimed to compare demographic characteristics, working conditions, and MSD hazardous factor exposure between construction and non-construction workers using the 7th Korean Working Conditions Survey data, and to analyze factors affecting work-related health problems among construction workers to empirically identify their health vulnerabilities. This study utilized raw data from 50,195 respondents of the 7th Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency in 2023. Variables included musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, atypical work arrangements, health problems, and work-relatedness. Descriptive statistics, -tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Construction workers were predominantly male (86.7%) with notable aging trends (43.0% aged 51-65). Construction workers showed significantly higher exposure to MSD hazardous factors compared to non-construction workers. Construction workers are exposed to significantly more musculoskeletal hazardous factors and experience work-related health problems more frequently than non-construction workers. Tailored occupational safety and health management measures considering the specificity of the construction industry are needed, and urgent development of health protection measures through work environment improvement for construction workers is required.
This study compared and analyzed the toxic concentration and impact range that could kill 50% of the people in the Samae 2 Tunnel by using the ALOHA PROGRAM and Probit analysis methods for each substance, including ammonia, in the event of an accidental gas leak at the exit of a Level 3 road tunnel while transporting toxic substances in tanks fixed to vehicles, and applied the results to Google Earth. This study showed that the impact range differs by substance when toxic gases stay and move in the tunnel. Therefore, it is necessary to change the direction of installing additional or reducing evacuation connection routes by referring to the impact range using simulations for each substance. The results of this study estimated that there is a high probability of 50% of casualties due to toxic concentrations, so it is necessary to recognize that toxic gases in tunnels also pose a potential risk of casualties just like smoke, and in the future, it is necessary to establish new standards for smoke extraction or exhaust to expel toxic gases out of tunnels.
This study investigates the applicability and feasibility of introducing lightweight safety helmets in industrial workplaces, with the aim of identifying subsequent research needs. Conventional industrial helmets often present limitations such as excessive weight, discomfort during prolonged use, and reduced compliance among workers—factors that may diminish protective performance and hinder the establishment of a strong safety culture. Recent advances in materials engineering and ergonomic design have renewed interest in lightweight safety helmets as a potential alternative capable of enhancing user comfort and improving wear-ability. To evaluate their practical adoption, this study examines the essential safety performance requirements of lightweight helmets, including impact absorption, durability, and structural stability, as well as their suitability across diverse work environments. Additionally, factors such as user acceptance, cost-effectiveness, and industry-specific operational demands are analyzed to determine the overall feasibility of implementation. Based on these multidimensional assessments, the study identifies key gaps and proposes future research directions necessary for the development, standardization, and field validation of lightweight helmets. The findings aim to provide foundational evidence to support the broader adoption of lightweight protective equipment and contribute to the advancement of worker safety in evolving industrial environments.
As South Korea enters a super-aged society, the number of nursing hospitals has increased rapidly, yet there are no legal staffing standards for caregivers. This absence creates a severe vulnerability regarding evacuation safety during fires. This study quantitatively analyzes evacuation times using a simulation, applying a '3:1 patient-to-caregiver ratio' based on Japanese standards. Four scenarios combining Day/Night shifts and Existing/Proposed (3:1) staffing were compared using a real hospital model. The results indicate that applying the 3:1 standard reduced the total evacuation time by 41% (1210s → 710s) during the day and 22% (1290s → 1000s) at night compared to existing staffing levels. This empirically demonstrates that the patient-to-caregiver ratio is a key variable in evacuation performance and suggests an urgent need for legal minimum staffing standards to ensure patient safety.
This study aimed to empirically varify the effectiveness of a pre-traumatic cognitive learning program for new firefighters from a preventive perspective. A quasi-experimental study using a single-group pre-post design was conducted with 380 newly recruited firefighters who had completed the fire academy's initial training program. A measurement tool comprising 28 severe trauma scenarios and 7 educational effectiveness evaluation items was developed through structured interviews with 37 experienced firefighters. After implementing the two-session severe trauma cognitive restructuring program, the educational effects were comprehensively evaluated using exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, paired-sample t-tests, and analysis of variance. The results confirmed that firefighters' severe trauma experiences comprise four factors: ‘Trauma from Mass Casualty and Complex Disaster Sites’, ‘Trauma Related to Firefighter Duties and Colleagues’, ‘General Trauma from Fire and Accident Sites’, and ‘Trauma Related to Handling Distressed and Damaged Bodies’. Statistically significant improvement effects were verified across all trauma factors before and after the training, and overall perceptions of training effectiveness improved. This study holds theoretical and practical significance as it empirically verified the effectiveness of preventive training for enhancing the severe trauma response capabilities of newly appointed firefighters.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of fire safety education in high school dormitories high density residential environments by assessing both cognitive and behavioral changes. Pre and post surveys were combined with measurement of the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET), which recorded 264 seconds from alarm activation (T₀ + 0 sec) to final evacuation completion (T₀ + 264 sec). This enabled a quantitative analysis of behavioral improvement. Results revealed that academic performance and family background significantly influenced learning outcomes, whereas the “evacuation during fire” domain showed no statistically significant change, suggesting insufficient instructional content or delivery. Policy recommendations include customized fire safety programs reflecting learner characteristics, experiential evacuation drills, school and home safety integration, mandatory dormitory fire drills, and certification with best practice dissemination. The findings offer a practical framework for enhancing fire safety education tailored to dormitory based schools, contributing to improved preparedness, response capability, and student survival in real fire emergencies.
Despite the legal obligation for employers to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) under the South Korean Occupational Safety and Health Act, the incidence of work-related MSDs has continually increased, becoming a significant social issue. This study empirically investigates the comprehensive impact of workplace safety and health (S&H) levels on the occurrence of MSDs. Utilizing cross-sectional data from the 7th Survey of the Working Environment (2024), encompassing 20,262 workplaces, this research analyzed the effects of two primary S&H components, identified through factor analysis: "S&H Management System" and "Management Leadership and Participation." Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess their influence, along with the moderating roles of the "presence of ergonomic burden tasks" and the "implementation of hazard investigations." The results revealed that the implementation of a hazard investigation was the most critical factor, strongly associated with a decreased risk of MSDs (OR = 0.171, p < .001), confirming the practical effectiveness of this mandatory measure. Conversely, a higher level of "S&H Management System" was paradoxically associated with an increased likelihood of MSD occurrence (OR = 1.598, p < .001), while "Management Leadership and Participation" showed no significant association. Furthermore, workplaces that formally acknowledged the "presence of ergonomic burden tasks" reported a significantly lower risk of MSDs (OR = 0.636, p < .05). These findings suggest that the positive association between S&H systems and MSDs may reflect better reporting and higher awareness in well-managed workplaces rather than a failure of the system itself. Moreover, the act of identifying and acknowledging ergonomic risks appears to trigger pre-emptive management actions that effectively reduce MSDs. This study highlights that beyond the formal establishment of S&H systems, the practical implementation of key activities, such as hazard investigations and active risk recognition, is essential for the effective prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
This study presents the design and FPGA implementation of a low-power, high-throughput digital modem for Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) applications. The proposed system applies a π /4-D8PSSK modulation technique to achieve high data efficiency while maintaining low power consumption. Implemented on a Xilinx Spartan-7 FPGA, the modem achieves a data rate of 16.4 ± 0.3 Mbps, with a power consumption of 0.6 ± 0.02 W/h, demonstrating a 40% improvement in energy efficiency compared to conventional 4FSK systems. The system satisfies IEEE 802.15.6 and ITU-R RS.1346 standards, with verified waveforms through MATLAB–Simulink and Chipscope. This work contributes to localization of medical implant communication technologies and provides a foundation for ASIC-based integration for next-generation biomedical and industrial wireless systems.
As renewable energy penetration continues to increase, the output variability and forecasting uncertainty of photovoltaic generation have emerged as major operational risks in power systems. This study establishes a sensor-based data quality control procedure to ensure the reliability of meteorological data collected at a PV plant. For temperature, humidity, and wind speed, a four stage QC process physical range check, persistence check, step change check, and median filtering was applied. Solar radiation, which exhibits strong temporal and distributional characteristics, was processed using a three-stage QC procedure consisting of physical range, step change, and frequency distribution checks. Using the quality-controlled meteorological data, PV generation forecasting was performed with SVM and XGBoost models. As a result, the MAPE values improved to 6.32% for SVM and 6.08% for XGBoost after QC application. The findings confirm that meteorological data quality control significantly enhances PV forecasting accuracy and can support future strategies for distributed energy resource management, curtailment mitigation, and power system risk reduction.