Workplace accident prevention and improvement of work ability in an aging society

Abstract

[Purpose] This study surveyed work accidents in order to prepare for an aging of society. [Subjects] We surveyed 785 workers at 493 workplaces in the area of Seoul. [Methods] An anonymous survey was done. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS for Windows for frequency, cross-tabulation, logistic regression, and correlation. [Results] The results demonstrate the necessity of the prevention of human errors at all levels, the implementation of the recognition of dangerous factors, the reduction of subconscious risky behaviors, and fast and rational decision processes for work performance. However, it is difficult to prevent 100% of human errors. [Conclusion] It is necessary to establish a work environment that considers humans' physical and cognitive characteristics to prevent human errors from developing into accidents, and to have a program that enhances work abilities in preparation for the aging of society. Such a program would enhance physical abilities as well as cognitive abilities.