Development and Application of Standard Codes for the National Exposure Surveillance System Utilizing Korea's...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Industrial Hygiene
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The Work Environment Measurement Database (WEMD) is crucial for occupational exposure surveillance but lacks standardized variables.
• This limitation hinders its effective use in assessing workplace exposures.
• Standardization is essential for accurate and reliable exposure data analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate new standardized codes for occupational exposure variables.
• To establish a robust exposure surveillance system using the WEMD.
• To assess the feasibility of creating a job-exposure matrix (JEM) with standardized data.

Main Methods:

• Reclassified standard process classification (SPC) and standard occupation classification (SOC) codes based on exposure similarity.
• Developed exposure condition category (ECOC) codes aligned with exposure assessment models.
• Conducted a pilot study with ten industrial hygiene experts to validate the new codes.

Main Results:

• Developed 77 SPC, 82 SOC, and 12 ECOC codes, with over 98% data applicability by experts.
• Constructed an interactive JEM dashboard linking industry, occupation, process, and exposure conditions.
• Demonstrated significant variations in exposure levels across ECOC groups, with higher exposures linked to greater potential and less control.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed standardized codes are practical and readily applicable by industrial hygienists.
• These codes can be integrated into the WEMD, enhancing its function as an exposure surveillance system.
• The standardized approach facilitates improved interpretation of occupational exposure data.