Can Workplace Rest Breaks Prevent Work-Related Injuries Related to Long Working Hours?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between long working hours, rest breaks, and work-related injuries. METHODS A total of 25,439 employees were examined from the 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey. Rest breaks were divided into two groups and working hours were divided into four groups. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the relationship between long working hours, rest breaks, and work-related injuries. RESULTS Work-related injuries were significantly associated with long working hours. Stratified by rest breaks, the risk of work-related injuries increased with increasing working hours in a dose-response pattern among those with insufficient rest breaks, while the risk was not significant among those with sufficient rest breaks. CONCLUSION It is important to provide sufficient rest breaks to prevent work-related injuries among workers with long working hours.