Injury rates and work-related diseases following workforce reduction among South Korean on-site workers in basic local governments between 2016 and 2018
10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e17
- Author:
Dongwhan SUH
1
;
Nahyun KIM
;
Han-Na JUNG
;
Woo Chul JEONG
;
Hyunjoo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2025;37(1):e17-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:South Korean on-site workers in the public sector, fully covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, often perform hazardous tasks. However, their status and injury rates remain poorly documented. This study aimed to analyze changes in injury rates and the proportion of work-related diseases (WRDs) among on-site workers in basic local governments (BLGs) following workforce reductions between 2016 and 2018.
Methods:Data from two sources provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor were analyzed: organizational data on the number of on-site workers, and cases of injuries, deaths, and diseases among on-site workers in 226 BLGs from 2016 to 2018; and workers’ compensation claims data (individual data) for on-site workers in BLGs during the same period. Injury, mortality, and disease incidence rates were calculated and compared between BLGs with increased and decreased workforce. The proportion of WRDs among all the injuries was also examined.
Results:The total number of on-site workers in BLGs decreased by 18.1% in 2018 compared with 2016. The injury rate increased from 0.46% in 2016 to 0.62% in 2018. BLGs with workforce reductions showed higher injury rates, particularly in those with fewer than 1,000 on-site workers. The proportion of WRDs among all injuries increased by 1.34 times in 2018 compared with 2016.
Conclusions:Workforce reductions among on-site workers in BLGs are associated with higher injury rates and a great proportion of WRDs. These findings highlight the need for improved occupational safety and health practices within the public sector and serve as an important basis for establishing workforce management and injury prevention policies. However, limitations in the available data made it challenging to identify worker groups particularly vulnerable to WRDs. Further research is needed, as it is critical for the development of effective occupational safety and health policies.
