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- Association between psychosocial safety climate and depression risk among Korean workers
- Soo Kyung Cho, Seong-Sik Cho, Maureen F. Dollard, May Young Loh, Mo-Yeol Kang
- Epidemiol Health. 2025;47:e2025044. Published online August 13, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025044
- 3,806 View
- 89 Download
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Abstract
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AbstractOBJECTIVES
Psychosocial safety climate (PSC) reflects an organization’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ psychological health and safety. While international evidence links low PSC to poor mental health outcomes, its association with depression has not been well established in Korea. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PSC and depression among Korean workers, utilizing a large-scale, population-based survey.METHODSWe analyzed data from 5,337 wage employees who participated in the fifth wave of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study. Depression was measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and PSC was assessed with a validated 4-item scale. Participants were classified into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups based on their PSC scores. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to estimate the association between PSC and depression, with stratified analyses performed according to gender, age, and occupational characteristics.RESULTSThe prevalence of depression increased as PSC scores decreased. Compared to the low-risk group, the intermediate-risk and high-risk PSC groups exhibited 1.19 times and 2.69 times higher risks of depression, respectively, suggesting a clear exposure-response relationship. Stratified analyses indicated that associations were stronger among individuals without union representation or access to occupational health and safety resources.CONCLUSIONSThese findings underscore the critical role of PSC in workplace mental health. Promoting a high PSC may help reduce depression risk and support mental well-being among workers. Interventions considering vulnerable subgroups are warranted to create psychologically safer work environments in Korea. -
SummaryKorean summary
-본 연구에서는 한국 근로자에서 심리사회적 안전풍토(PSC) 점수가 낮을수록 우울 위험이 유의하게 높아짐을 확인하였다. -PSC 중간위험군과 고위험군의 우울 위험은 저위험군에 비해 각각 1.19배, 2.69배 높았다. -연구 결과는 근로자의 정신건강 증진과 국가적 정책 수립을 위해 직장에서의 PSC 강화를 강조한다.Key Message
-This study demonstrates that lower psychosocial safety climate (PSC) scores are associated with a significantly higher risk of depression among Korean workers. -The risk of depression was 1.19 times higher in the intermediate-risk PSC group and 2.69 times higher in the high-risk PSC group compared with the low-risk group. -Findings highlight the importance of strengthening PSC in workplaces to improve employee mental health and guide national policies.
- Association between the safety climate and occupational injury in the Korean working population: a cross-sectional study
- Jeehee Min, Tae-Won Jang, Hye-Eun Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang, Seong-Sik Cho
- Epidemiol Health. 2024;46:e2024082. Published online October 1, 2024
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2024082
- 15,125 View
- 211 Download
- 2 Web of Science
- 3 Crossref
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Abstract
Summary
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Supplementary Material -
AbstractOBJECTIVES
Preventing occupational injuries remains a significant challenge in Korea. A positive safety climate can contribute to reducing workplace injuries. However, the impact of safety climate on preventing occupational injuries among the Korean workforce has not been adequately explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the perceived safety climate and occupational injuries within the Korean working population.METHODSThis study used baseline data from the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSH). The safety climate was measured using the brief version of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire. Occupational injury was determined by whether injuries or accidents had occurred at workplaces in the past year. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between the safety climate and occupational injury.RESULTSParticipants who reported an unfavorable workplace safety climate were more likely to experience occupational injuries. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for occupational injuries in an unfavorable safety climate was 2.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 3.51) compared to a favorable safety climate. Specifically, factors such as “not encouraging employees to follow safety rules when on a tight schedule” (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.24) and “not helping each other work safely” (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.25) were significantly associated with occupational injuries.CONCLUSIONSAn unfavorable safety climate was associated with increased occupational injuries among Korean workers. Improving the safety climate in the workplace may reduce occupational injuries in Korea. -
SummaryKorean summary
한국 노동인구집단에서도 안전풍토는 직업성 손상과 관련성이 관찰되었다. 이 같은 결과는 작업장의 안전풍토를 개선함으로써 직업성 손상을 예방할 수 있음을 시사한다.Key Message
Safety climate was related to occupational injuries in the Korean working population. This result may indicate that occupational injuries can be prevented by improving the workplace safety climate. Workplace safety should be a high priority goal for management, and workers need to help each other for workplace safety. -
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Data profile: Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS)
Seong-Sik Cho, Jeehee Min, Heejoo Ko, Mo-Yeol Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med.2025; 37: e3. CrossRef - Safety Climate and Occupational Injuries in the Iron and Steel Industries in Tanzania
Saumu Shabani, Bente Elisabeth Moen, Teferi Abegaz, Simon Henry Mamuya
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(9): 1372. CrossRef - Association between safety climate, safety participation, safety compliance, and occupational injuries among workers in large-scale building construction projects in Ethiopia
Teferi Abegaz, Wakgari Deressa, Bente E. Moen
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2025; 98(7): 685. CrossRef
- Data profile: Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS)
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