Nearly 60% of Korean workers who took mandatory health screenings in 2024 had abnormal results, according to recent government data. This concerning trend highlights the growing health risks for employees in hazardous jobs.
The report from the Ministry of Employment and Labor states that 1.62 million workers—58.7% of the 2.75 million tested—showed abnormal findings. This marks an increase of about 90,800 workers, or 5.9%, from the previous year, outpacing the 3.1% rise in overall examinees.
These screenings are not your average check-ups. They target workers in risky environments, such as manufacturing, construction, and high-noise areas like power plants and airports. Nurses and commercial drivers are also included.
A worrying trend is emerging: the number of workers displaying clear signs of illness rose sharply. In 2024, there was a jump of 48,172 workers—up 13.1%—who may need further testing or treatment. This growth rate is more than three times higher than those who require simple monitoring.
Night-shift workers are especially at risk. The number of these workers with significant abnormalities climbed 15.2% to 300,731 in 2024, up from 261,036 the year before. As the government examines the health impacts of late-night shifts, tougher regulations may be on the horizon.
Occupational diseases are a major concern. In 2024, 98.8% of the 32,088 workers diagnosed with suspected occupational diseases were found to have noise-induced hearing loss.
Unfortunately, follow-up care during work hours is rare. Only about 1% of those with suspected conditions received treatment while on duty. Less than 15% went for follow-ups, highlighting a significant gap in employee health support.
To address these issues, workplace safety experts emphasize the need for better monitoring and immediate access to healthcare. A recent survey found that workers are calling for more attention to be paid to mental well-being and overall safety. Improving conditions could help lower the alarming statistics and protect workers.
For more insights on workplace health trends, you can refer to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
