Earticle

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the current state of cardiovascular and malignant disease management among plant construction workers and propose suitable health management strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of this industry. Through priority analysis, key issues and potential solutions were identified. Methods: This study employed a Delphi survey method. Experts and researchers with experience in health management practices in the plant construction industry participated in the survey. The first round used open-ended questions to gather diverse opinions, which were then structured for the second and third rounds of the survey. Priority analysis was conducted to determine the primary issues and areas for improvement. Results: A total of 9 participants were involved in the first round, with 10 participants in both the second and third rounds. Key issues identified in health management for plant construction workers included a shortage of health management personnel, the incompatibility of existing systems with the nature of temporary work, and challenges in managing chemical exposure. Notably, the lack of resources for health management and the absence of long-term monitoring of individual exposure and risk factors were highlighted as critical areas for improvement. Proposed solutions included the establishment of a sustainable health database, enhancement of specialized health examinations, strengthening of chemical and industrial hygiene management, support for health manager education, and the development of customized systems that address the specific needs of the plant construction industry. Conclusion: The current health management systems, designed primarily for manufacturing industries, are inadequate for addressing the unique challenges of the plant construction sector. Institutional improvements in these areas are crucial to enhancing the health and preventing occupational diseases among plant construction workers.

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the occupational accidents of railway workers, with a particular focus on the human errors of track workers, and to propose effective countermeasures. Despite the comprehensive revision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the implementation of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, the railway industry remains structurally vulnerable to occupational accidents. Moreover, studies on the human errors of track workers are notably insufficient. This study systematically examines the causes of occupational fatalities among track workers and suggests preventive and mitigation measures. Methods: Data on occupational accidents from 2013 to 2022 were analyzed using Excel pivot tables, categorized by work processes and accident types. The HFACS (Human Factors Analysis and Classification System) framework was employed to identify root causes of accidents, while the Bow-Tie method was utilized to derive preventive and mitigation measures. Results: The analysis revealed that most accidents involving track workers occurred between July and September, particularly during rail and crossing replacement, track maintenance, and inspection activities. Collision accidents were the most frequent, followed by incidents of being struck and entrapment. Human error analysis showed that mistakes (36%) and violations (31%) were the primary contributors to these incidents. This indicates that accidents often stem from errors by inexperienced workers and violations committed by experienced personnel. Physical and technical factors, such as track infrastructure and safety equipment, were identified as significant contributors. Furthermore, a lack of safety awareness and inadequate safety management were highlighted as major underlying causes of these accidents. Conclusion: This study systematically identified the working environment, common accident types, and key human error causes among track workers. Based on these findings, preventive and mitigation measures were proposed to reduce occupational fatalities. Future research should focus on analyzing the interrelationships between the identified factors to provide more comprehensive and meaningful insights.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify industrial accidents, worker disease status, health manager status, and overseas construction industry safety and health systems in the construction industry. Method: The research method is descriptive research through secondary data such as statistical data surveys, research reports, and thesis research. Result: As a result of the study, the construction industry in 2023 had the highest number of deaths among all industries at 2.18%, disease disasters increased by 0.10%p in 23 years compared to the previous year in 22 years, and the average age of those working in the construction industry was 53.1 years old, and an aging trend is expected in the future. The 22-year seniority status of health managers in the construction industry was 79.10% in the manufacturing industry and 20.90% in the construction industry. Overseas systems related to the construction industry include the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) in the United States, the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) in the United Kingdom, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan. Conclusion: In conclusion, in order to prevent industrial accidents and diseases in the construction industry, it is necessary to prevent and improve the risk of safety accidents through construction site tours and risk assessments based on the national safety and health system and legal system. In addition, it is necessary to develop health management programs for vulnerable workers, including the elderly, and programs to promote worker health, such as prevention and management of job stress and musculoskeletal diseases.