Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2013 May;22(2):102-111.

The Trends and Status of Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases under Korean Worker's Compensation System

• Kim KH
• Hwang RI
• Suk MH

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to analyze the characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) and the factors for approving MSD by the parts of the body.
METHODS
The analysis was done using the data which were drawn from the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Worker's Compensation & Welfare Service. The data were composed of total cases related to the work-related diseases from 2006 to 2009. In addition, MSD data input by an investigator were collected. The factors associated with MSD were analyzed using x2 and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS
MSD approved cases have increased since 2006 and the proportion of the approved work-related MSD cases in the workers with work-related diseases in 2009 were 33.4%. Spinal approved cases were the highest percentage and upper and lower extremities cases gradually increased. The factors for approving upper extremity were found to be age, company size, type of industry, working duration, and in the case of spine to be company size and heavy lifting.
CONCLUSION
Work-related MSD have increased and the factors that affected MSD by the parts of the body varied. Management strategy must be established to prevent MSD by the parts of the body.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal diseases; Occupational accidents

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Occupational
Compensation and Redress
Humans
Insurance
Korea
Lower Extremity
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Research Personnel
Spine
Upper Extremity
Workers' Compensation