Earticle

High-quality industrial safety training is crucial for minimizing workplace accidents, especially in multilingual and multicultural settings. However, current training often neglects the cognitive limitations and contextual needs of adult learners. This conceptual paper proposes a framework that combines Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) with andragogical principles to bridge these gaps. The goal is to balance intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive loads while matching adult motivations and experiences. The model uses a multilayered instructional design that considers learner characteristics, processing strategies, and scenario-based techniques. Key training challenges include language barriers, cognitive overload, and cultural mismatches. The framework offers comprehensive strategies for recognizing hazards, improving retention, and transferring behavior. The implications for employers, educators, and policymakers are explored, particularly in supporting migrant workers. The model provides a scalable, flexible solution for enhancing safety training globally.

This study measured the human body capacitance and charging potential in laboratories handling significant quantities of flammable substances, such as methanol. Based on these measurements, the calculated human body charging energy was compared with the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) for various flammable materials as specified in KOSHA GUIDE E-188-2021. From October to December 2022, human body charging potentials of research personnel were measured over a three-month period. Analysis of human body charging energy, derived from capacitance measurements in various postures, revealed that the energy ranged from 0.19 to 0.27 [mJ]. This range was confirmed to be sufficient to act as an ignition source for fire and explosion in the presence of numerous flammable substances. Despite this evident risk, current laboratory safety standards are limited to basic requirements for static electricity elimination. Therefore, there is a clear need to supplement laboratory-specific static electricity management measures, referencing the Industrial Safety and Health Enforcement Regulations and KOSHA GUIDE.

This study examines institutional frameworks for managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among South Korean firefighters and proposes policy improvements through domestic and international comparisons. After reviewing the theoretical background of PTSD, the study analyzes relevant Korean laws and support programs, and compares them with systems in the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom, focusing on legal recognition, treatment access, and support infrastructure. Findings indicate that, despite a legal foundation, South Korea faces limitations such as unclear recognition criteria, complex claim procedures, and limited treatment accessibility. In contrast, advanced countries provide multi-layered systems offering early intervention, comprehensive care, and family support. The study recommends clarifying PTSD’s legal status as an occupational injury, expanding public treatment access, ensuring full financial support, and providing family-centered services. These measures aim to build a sustainable and firefighter-oriented PTSD management system.

This study conducts a comparative analysis of national crowd safety governance systems, focusing on the alignment between structural design and functional effectiveness. By examining five country cases, the research identifies critical variations in legal foundations, organizational arrangements, and implementation tools that shape the ability to prevent, coordinate, and respond to crowd-related risks. Using a structure–function analytical framework and typological classification, the study highlights how centralized and integrated models offer enforceability and standardization, while decentralized and adaptive models provide flexibility and context-sensitive responses. Each governance type presents trade-offs between reliability and adaptability, reflecting the “crisis management paradox.” The findings suggest that hybrid governance, combining hierarchical command with networked collaboration, is most effective for crowd safety. Recommendations emphasize institutional coherence, multi-agency trust, and dynamic field coordination. This integrated approach supports international policy learning and capacity-building to prevent avoidable crowd disasters.

As Industry 4.0 revolutionizes manufacturing, protecting worker safety, particularly in high-risk, multicultural environments, has become crucial. This study presents a conceptual model for an AI-driven safety monitoring system that combines biometric wearables, environmental sensors, behavior recognition, and multilingual alerts. It allows for real-time hazard detection and inclusive communication, all managed through a centralized dashboard. A simulation of oxygen depletion in a confined space demonstrates the system's ability to respond quickly. The model is compatible with Industry 4.0 platforms like MES, ERP, and Digital Twins, and supports migrant workers by breaking down language barriers with multilingual alerts and pictograms. The framework aligns with ISO 45001 and OSHA standards, and its modular, scalable design enables predictive risk mitigation and smart safety innovation. This framework sets the stage for future prototyping and field implementation.

This study analyzed a 3kW UPS, used in a laboratory, by presenting three assemblies—an AC-DC rectifier, a DC-AC inverter, and sensors/cooling fans—and 13 constituent components. For each component, potential failure modes were derived, with their causes and effects described at the component level. Using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) were calculated. The RPN analysis identified two capacitors, one IGBT, one battery, and three cooling fans as key problematic components. Capacitors and cooling fans were prioritized for immediate improvement. Specifically, current aluminum electrolytic capacitors required replacement with film capacitors due to their longer lifespan and more stable performance. For cooling fans, voltage-controlled DC fans, often problematic at low speeds, necessitated replacement with PWM fans, which offer stable rotation and easy speed control. The remaining IGBT and battery components were decided to be retained as they were difficult to replace. This study's findings are broadly applicable to ensuring the safety of daily necessities, preventing industrial accidents, and enhancing school safety.