Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2011 Jun;23(2):112-121.

Worker's Compensation Claims and Approval Status for Occupational Cancers in Korea from 2000 to 2009

• Lee WC
• Kim DI
• Kwon YJ
• Kim HR
• Kim IA
• Ryoo JH
• Kim SG

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the occupational cancer claims compensated by the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL).
METHODS
Using the COMWEL electronic database, we collected 1,933 claims for occupational cancer based on the worker's compensation records in the COMWEL from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009. We analyzed the characteristics of the claims.
RESULTS
The average number of claims per year for occupational cancer was 193 and the approval rate was 13.1% from 2000 to 2009. Men accounted for 93.7% of the approved cases and had a higher approval rate. Approval rates increased with age. Among claims for occupational cancer, the most common was digestive cancer. On the other hand, the highest approval rate was for mesothelioma claims, followed by respiratory cancer, lymphoid or hematopoietic cancer. By industry, claims were most common in manufacturing, but the approval rate was highest in mining and quarrying. By occupation, claims most commonly came from legislators, senior officials & managers, but the approval rate was highest for craft & related trades workers. The average of tenure period was 15.5 years for approved cases, but 10.3 years for non-approved cases, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
We analyzed the characteristics of the occupational cancer claims which were compensated for the last 10 years accrording to the approved results. For the purpose of long-term understanding and management of worker's compensation status for occupational cancer, we should gather accurate information of the carcinogenic factors involved in order to achieve the systematic improvement that is needed.

Keyword

Occupational cancer; Worker's compensation

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Occupational
Compensation and Redress
Electronics
Electrons
Hand
Humans
Insurance
Korea
Male
Mesothelioma
Mining
Occupations
Porphyrins
Workers' Compensation
Porphyrins