ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the nature of association between job stress and occupational injuries among firefighters in Korea.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe conducted a nationwide survey using self-reported questionnaires in South Korea.ParticipantsA survey was conducted among 30 630 firefighters; 25 616 (83.6%) responded. Our study included firefighters who were 20–59 years old. Individuals with <12 months of current job experience and those with missing data were excluded; ultimately, 14 991 firefighters were analysed.ResultsAmong fire suppression personnel, high job demands (OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.77), high interpersonal conflicts (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37), a poor organisational system (OR=1.33, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.55), and a negative workplace environment (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.64) were associated with the occurrence of occupational injury; high job demands (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.47) were also associated with the frequency of injuries. Among emergency medical services personnel, high job demands (OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.54), high interpersonal conflicts (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.66), a poor organisational system (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.85), lack of reward (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.69) and a negative workplace environment (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.54) were associated with the occurrence of occupational injury; low job control (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38), high interpersonal conflicts (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.36), lack of reward (OR=1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.35) and a negative workplace climate (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.34) were also associated with a greater number of injuries. Among officers, high job demands (OR=1.96, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.85) and a negative workplace environment (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.10) were associated with the occurrence of occupational injuries; however, there was no significant correlation between job stress and the number of injuries.ConclusionsHigh job stress among firefighters was associated with both the occurrence of occupational injury, and also with an increased frequency of injuries. Therefore, job stress should be addressed to prevent occupational injuries among firefighters.

The smoking ban significantly reduced the levels of PM2.5 and total NNAL concentrations in ≥150 m(2) pubs and improved sensory health among staff in ≥150 m(2) facilities. The results of this study can be useful in supporting an expansion of the smoking ban in all indoor places, including <150 m(2) restaurants and pubs.

There was a dose-response relationship between occupational injury and exposure to second-hand smoke, even after stratification to reduce the impact of various potential confounders and after taking into account occupational characteristics. These findings provide greater insight into the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke on the working population and may direct further research and policy-making in this field.

ObjectivesBedding in childcare centers (CCCs) can hold house dust mite (HDM) allergens. This study examined whether HDM allergen levels can be reduced through the distribution of an educational newsletter on bedding control to parents of CCC children in Korea.MethodsAll 38 CCCs were measured for Der 1 (sum of Der f 1 and Der p 1) concentrations on classroom floors and bedding before the intervention. Educational newsletters on children’s bedding control were sent to 21 CCCs by mail, and teachers were asked to distribute the newsletters to the parents of the children (intervention group). The remaining 17 CCCs were not sent newsletters (control group). The measurement of Der 1 concentrations in 38 CCCs was repeated after the intervention. Dust samples were collected with a vacuum cleaner and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.ResultsThe Der 1 concentrations on the bedding were significantly higher than those on the floors in 38 CCCs at baseline (p<0.05). Although changes of the Der 1 concentrations for the control group (n=17) were not significant, Der 1 concentrations for the intervention group (n=21) decreased significantly from 2077.9 ng/g dust to 963.5 ng/g dust on the floors and from 3683.9 ng/g dust to 610.4 ng/g dust on bedding (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe distribution of educational newsletters on bedding control to parents may be an effective means of controlling HDMs in CCCs.

Objectives Some of cardiovascular diseases, like stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are compensable diseases in Taiwan as well as Japan and Korea. The number of compensated cases in the disease has increased from 13 in 2006 to 92 in 2012. The information on workplace risk factors before onset of disease is rare, and this aim of this study is to conduct a case control study for analysing the association between ACS and work stress, using hospital-based study. Method The study population was the patients in a medical centre. Questionnaire was designed based on literatures about non-work-related and work-related risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The work-related factors included working time, working pattern, burnout scale, mental stress. The inclusion criteria of case group were workers more than 20 year-old, diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and having job at onset. The inclusion criteria of control group were diagnosed without acute coronary syndrome and having job at recruitment. Results There were 47 cases and 121 controls recruited. The results shows case group had larger percentage of male, alcohol intake, no intake of any healthy diet, and higher education level than control group. In addition, family history of premature AMI, history of diabetes, and history of current URI were more prevalent in case group. Multivariate logistic regression shows that smoking and night work were statistical significant factors associated with occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (OR=6.11, 3.59). Conclusions When we think about the strategy on preventing cardiovascular diseases for working population, work-related factor, like night work, should be considering. Objectives In this study, lifting index (LI) by NIOSH lifting equation (NLE) and biomechanical load by lumbar motion monitor (LMM) were determined to assess low-back disorder (LBD) risk associated with manual material handling (MMH) task in manufacturing workers. Method Thirty-five (28 male and 7 female) workers in 13 MMH processes in 6 manufacturing companies were investigated. For each worker, LMM measurement and video recording were done simultaneously for 30 min, and LBD risk probability and LI based on recommended weight limit (RWL) were calculated using NLE. Results Biomechanical load assessment related with lumbar risk assessment in MMH workers enabled us to identify risks by task characteristics. However, degree of risk of tasks appeared different by assessment tool. 0319 BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISON OF LUMBAR RISK ASSESSMENT IN MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING WORKConclusions Application of assessment tools suitable to work situation is needed. There may be also problems arising from application of foreign assessment tools to Korean workers, and future studies are warranted. Objectives To evaluate workers' health outcomes and their association with work organisation (WOF) and violence (WV) factors among sectors of the economy in Argentina. Method We used data from the first Employment, Working conditions and Health Survey with face-to-face interviews...