Work-Related Psychiatric Injuries of Korean Workers' Compensation

Choi, Kyeong Sook; Lee, Hyun Joo; Kim, Se Jin; Lee, Chang Hwa

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics of work-related psychiatric injuries with Korean workers' compensation data.
METHODS
We analyzed the distribution of sex, age, types of work-related psychiatric disorders, type of industry and occupation. Using the data of 3175 Korean workers' compensation cases who were compensated for work-related psychiatric injuries from 2001 to 2003.
RESULTS
Work-related psychiatric injuries have increased annually. 897 cases, 1099 cases and 1179 cases were compensated during three years (2001-2003). Men accounted for many more cases than women. The most common age group was 41-49. The majority of work-related psychiatric injuries were 'organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders', 'neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders' and 'mood [affective] disorders'. For accidental psychiatric injury cases construction and manufacturing were the most common industries. Manufacturing, business activities, construction and transport were common in regard to work-related psychiatric disorders. In this study there was a high frequency of craft and related trades workers, elementary occupations and plant and machine operators and assemblers in accidental psychiatric injury cases. Work-related psychiatric disorders were frequent for elementary occupations, plant and machine operators and assemblers, craft and related trades workers, service workers, legislators, senior officials and managers.
CONCLUSION
This investigation provided more information about the psychiatric injuries of Korean workers. These findings should help formulate intervention and prevention strategies of work-related psychiatric disorders.