The Dual Labor Market and Workers' Health Inequality in South Korea

Abstract

Findings in this study would help better understand the workers' health status was significantly associated with company size as well as employment type. Strategies for reducing work-related injuries of workers at small-sized workplaces should be prioritized to alleviate inequality in workers' health according to the size of the workplace. ObjectiveWe investigated how worker health inequality is potentially linked to the dual labor market in South Korea.MethodsUsing the data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, we analyzed the data from 21,088 paid workers. We used logistic regression analyses to assess whether employment type or company size had a significant effect on workers' physical and mental health and work-related injuries.ResultsWorkers' health status was significantly associated with employment type and company size. Nonstandard workers had higher rates of musculoskeletal diseases or injuries, and their self-rated health and psychological well-being were lower than standard workers. Company size showed a significant correlation only for work-related injuries.ConclusionsThe structure of inequality in Korea's labor market according to employment type and company size seems to be affecting the health and safety of workers.