Association between occupational exposure, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational depression, and workplace violence in Korean workers: a nationwide large-scale study

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the associations between occupational environmental exposure, occupational depression (OD), musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and workplace violence (WPV) in the general Korean working population.

Methods

Utilizing nationally representative samples from the 6th (2020) and 7th (2023) Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), a total of 55,649 eligible workers (weighted) aged 15 years or older were included in the study. Occupational environmental exposures included vibration, noise, temperature extremes, and smoke/fumes/dust; MSD included back pain and upper and lower limb disorders; WPV included physical, sexual, and emotional violence; and OD was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Multivariable-adjusted regression and interaction analyses were performed.

Results

Occupational environmental exposures were linked to 11 %–70 % higher odds of MSD. Noise (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15), high temperature (OR = 1.13), low temperature (OR = 1.16), smoke/fumes/dust (OR = 1.13), and vibration (OR = 1.03) were linked to elevated odds of OD. Except for vibration, all exposures were positively associated with WPV (OR: noise, 1.35; high temperature, 1.33; low temperature, 1.29; smoke/fumes/dust, 1.31). Significant interaction effects were observed between exposures, gender, and employee type for MSD (P < 0.05), with males and non-regular workers demonstrating greater susceptibility. Workers with OD or WPV exposed to vibration and/or high temperature were at greater risk for MSD.

Conclusions

Occupational exposures increase the odds of MSD, and OD and WPV may further amplify these risks. These findings underscore the need for integrated workplace health strategies that address mental health conditions and WPV to improve health outcomes and support workers’ well-being.