Overwork-related disorders and recent improvement of national policy in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives Recently, overwork‐related disorders have become a major public health concern in Korea. This study investigated the current trends of working hours, causes of death in the working population, and compensation rates. Methods We reviewed the current trends of working hours, cause of death statistics in the working population, industrial accident compensation insurance (IACI) statistics, issues of compensation and prevention of work‐related cerebro‐cardio vascular diseases (CCVDs), mental disorders, and suicide. Results Although weekly working hours and the proportion of long working days have decreased, workers in small companies with fewer than five employees and those in the service sector continue to work long hours. The age standardized mortality due to CCVD and suicide was highest among those with managerial roles. In total, 589 CCVD cases and 104 mental disorder or suicide cases were compensated as occupational diseases in 2017. Between 2016 and 2017, 61% of 59 compensated suicides were related to overwork, specifically: long working hours, increased responsibility, or increased workload. The Korean government has introduced various policies to reduce working hours and to increase compensation approval rate for overwork‐related CCVDs. Stakeholders have called for the introduction of independent laws to prevent overwork‐related disorders, change organizational culture, and address the blind spots of the IACI Act and Labor Standard Act. Conclusions Prevention and compensation policies have improved working conditions in Korea, but there remains much to be done. This review significantly contributes to the understanding of the overall policies and research to prevent overwork‐related disorders in Korea.

Exploring Public Awareness of Overwork Prevention With Big Data From Google Trends: Retrospective Analysis

“…In addition to regulatory reforms, for the prevention of overwork problems, it is important to enhance public awareness of health risks associated with overwork and other adverse working conditions, such as long working hours and high job stress [ 7 , 8 ]. On the one hand, policy changes may be the results of increased social concerns.…”

Preventing overwork-related deaths and disorders—needs of continuous and multi-faceted efforts

“…These policies appear to function by improving working conditions in South Korea. However, researchers suggest that a major issue remains in small‐ and medium‐sized companies, which is also an issue in Japan . Chang and Lin reviewed the background, revision, and impact of policy changes regarding overwork‐related CVD in Taiwan and found there were difficulties in implementing effective measures nationwide …”

“…There is room for interventions focused on working hours. Articles in this issue of J Occup Health suggest several countermeasures along with legislation to regulate overtime by setting a limit . One suggested measure is introducing a minimum daily rest period to facilitate recovery from occupational fatigue and ensure workers get sufficient sleep.…”

“…However, researchers suggest that a major issue remains in small-and mediumsized companies, which is also an issue in Japan. 2 Chang and Lin reviewed the background, revision, and impact of policy changes regarding overwork-related CVD in Taiwan and found there were difficulties in implementing effective measures nationwide. 3 Karoshi was first recognized as a social problem in Japan as early as the second half of the 1980s, however, scientific evidence regarding the prospective relationship between long working hours and CVD has only accumulate recently.…”

“…Articles in this issue of J Occup Health suggest several countermeasures along with legislation to regulate overtime by setting a limit. [1][2][3] One suggested measure is introducing a minimum daily rest period to facilitate recovery from occupational fatigue and ensure workers get sufficient sleep. However, karoshi and karojisatsu cannot be prevented by decreasing working hours alone.…”