Citation

Kang DM, Kim SY, Kim YJ, Kim JA. Saf. Health Work 2017; 8(4): 410-412.

Affiliation

Busan Workers' Health Center, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute)

DOI

10.1016/j.shaw.2017.08.006

PMID

29276643

PMCID

PMC5715485

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem not only among workers who experience industrial accidents but also among workers who witness such accidents. Early intervention is needed to prevent prolonged psychological problems. There has been no study conducted regarding the psychological problems of and interventions for bystander workers in Korea. This study introduces the experience of intervention on psychological problems at the Busan Workers' Health Center workers who witnessed their colleagues' death. An investigation and an intervention were conducted according to the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) Guide. In total, 21 individuals including indirect observers showed statistical differences on scores of the Impact Event Scale Revised and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 after the intervention. Future interventions and research involving a larger sample size over a longer period are needed. The KOSHA Guide could be a useful tool for urgent psychological intervention in the event of major workplace disasters.

Language: en

Keywords

industrial accident; post-traumatic stress disorder; witness; workers' health center