Objective: This study analyzes occupational risk factors and health-related problems of healthcare workers and compares hospital workers with clinic workers.
Background: There are differences in the working environment, health problems, and health status between hospital and clinic workers. However, comparative studies between hospital and clinic workers have been insufficient so far.
Method: 1,135 workers were extracted from the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey data. Among them, 644 were hospital workers, and 491 were clinic workers.
Results: Hospital workers were more exposed to risk factors such as patient lifting and carrying, heavy material handling, and infection. On the other hand, clinic workers had more exposure to risk factors such as vibration, standing posture, and repetitive movements. Both hospital and clinic workers complain of musculoskeletal pain and depression. The rate of complaints regarding upper limb, back pain, and depression was higher for hospital workers compared to clinic workers.
Conclusion: Healthcare workers are exposed to risk factors and have musculoskeletal pains and depression. Therefore, it is required to make efforts to improve working conditions of the healthcare workers.
Application: The results can be used as basic data for improving working conditions and for reducing work-related risk factors and health-related problems of healthcare workers.