Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2020 Nov;29(4):235-246. 10.5807/kjohn.2020.29.4.235.

Workplace Health and Safety Risk Factors and Management Plan for Female Workers

• Kim S
• Kim YT

• KMID: 2508994
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2020.29.4.235

Abstract

Purpose
In Korea, the proportion of female workers among occupational injury is steadily increasing. The purpose of this study was to identify the workplace risk factors that threaten the safety and health of the female workers.
Methods
Qualitative study was conducted, using focus group interview. Data were collected from five focus groups of eighteen female workers who were working in the manufacturing, health service, and educational service industries.
Results
The seven themes of occupational safety and health risks of women workers are as follows: 1) Workplace with various risks; 2) Sliding, falling, burning, and cutting accidents; 3) Chronically lasting musculoskeletal symptoms; 4) Chemicals that may be harmful to workers; 5) Unprotected infectious disease; 6) Psychological safety accidents(Relationship conflict and emotional labor); 7) Loud, hot, stuffy, scary, and tired.
Conclusion
The Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Act should be rearranged gender sensitively and women's participation in the OSH decision-making process should be guaranteed. OSH education should be properly implemented in the field, and support should be provided for women workers in small businesses. A supportive organizational culture for marriage, pregnancy and childbirth should be established, and the working environment should be provided safely, taking into account gender differences.

Keyword

Women; Female; Working; Occupational health