This study examined the physical and mental health factors affecting the industrial accidents of 142 injured and 1,212 uninjured workers in the shipbuilding industry from 1986 to 1988.
The results acquired from the Todai Health Index (THI) and from analysis of the health examination were as follows:
1. Among the personal characteristics of the workers, the educational level of injured workers was significantly lower than that of the uninjured workers.
2. Among the physical characteristics, vision and Rohrer Index of the injured workers were lower than those of the uninjured workers, and the difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, the differences in height, weight, hearing function, hematocrit, blood pressure, urine test, and X-ray findings were not statistically significant between the injured and uninjured workers.
3. The score of the THI questionnaire on the physical and mental health of the injured workers was higher than that of the uninjured workers, and the difference was statistically significant.
4 Form the THI score, the industrial workers had complained more about mental health than physical health and there was a statistically singinficant relation with the industrial accidents.
5 The relative risk expressed in terms of the odds ratio was 2.9 for poorer vision, 2.7 for a lower educational level, 2.2 for a higher THI score and 1.6 for overdrinking.
6 Educational level, vision, and the THI score were selected as significant factors influencing industrial accidents based on a log-linear model. According to the results of this model by logistic analysis, the odds ratio of industrial accidents was 1.8 for a lower educational level, 1.7 for poorer vision, and 1.6 for a higher THI score.
7 By event history analysis with the dependent variable as the duration of work at the time of the industrial accident, educational level, age, Rohrer Index and THI score were the statistically significant variables selected, and the hazard rate of industrial accident occurrence was 0.24 for a lower educational level, 0.92 for age, 0.99 for a lower Rohrer Index and 2.72 for a higher THI score.
As we have seen, educational level and THI score were the most significant factors affecting the hazard rate of industrial accidents. Vision, Rohrer Index, age, and drinking behavior were also statistically significant variables influencing industrial accidents. Therefore, in order to prevent industrial accidents, it is necessary to establish a health management plan for industry which can objectively evaluate not only the physical but also the mental health of the workers. If we use this type of study as a prospective study design, we can determine the relative risk of physical and mental health factors on industrial accidents. Furthermore, it is expected that this type of study will provide workers at high risk with more precise basic data for a health managment plan for industrial accident prevention.
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