Health and Working Conditions of Delivery Workers in Ulsan, South Korea Article type

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the current work environment and health conditions for delivery workers in Ulsan Metropolitan City.Methods: Data from 64 delivery workers were collected, including their sociodemographic and employment information, and their opinions on labor environment, health status, health check-ups, and national health services. Quantitative data were analyzed through frequency analysis to explore the results. Qualitative data, such as descriptive responses, were examined through a process of categorization and multi-frequency responses.Results: The primary risk exposure of delivery workers in workplace was vibration from machines, high temperatures enough to sweat even when not working, smoke, gas, dust, etc. (each at 50.0%). Physical threats during work included postures that caused fatigue or pain (76.6%) and direct interaction with people (76.6%). Challenges in welfare and support within the work environment included the lack of rest time or difficulty in utilizing it (60.9%), no regular mealtime (65.6%), and no provision of protective equipment by the company (57.8%). A total of 48.8% of delivery workers responded that there were health and safety risks in their work environment, and overall job satisfaction was low (59.4% expressed dissatisfaction). While the general health condition was good, there were numerous complaints of pain (79.7%). Specific health issues included upper limb muscle pain (70.3%), lower limb muscle pain (62.5%), and the most diagnosed disease was hyperlipidemia (23.4%). Over the past two years, 10.9% of the participants had not had health check-ups. 71.9% expressed their willingness to participate in health promotion services, followed by improvement in working conditions and the management of harmful substances, musculoskeletal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.Conclusion: This study, by examining the health status of delivery workers in Ulsan Metropolitan City, provides valuable foundational data for improving their work environment and preventing occupational diseases among them.