Occupational Toxic Effect Episodes in a University Hospital, 2021–2024: A Descriptive Analysis Within the Korean Occupational Disease Surveillance Center

Abstract

Background: Toxic effects due to occupational exposures are a substantial yet underreported public health issue. This descriptive study investigated 532 toxic exposure episodes from January 2021 to June 2024 at a single university hospital in the Republic of Korea, identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes T51–T70. Methods: Food- and medication-related cases were excluded. Two physicians classified each exposure as occupational cause, self-harm, or another cause. Occupational cases comprised 15.0% (n = 80); self-harm, 18.4% (n = 98); and other causes, 66.5% (n = 354). Results: Seasonal trends in Loess decomposition revealed a peak incidence from July to September, largely driven by insect bites. A Bayesian segmented Poisson regression showed that occupational episodes decreased by 34% monthly prior to the establishment of the Korean Occupational Disease Surveillance Center in April 2022 but increased by 48% thereafter. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for increased surveillance and cross-sector collaboration to improve the detection, prevention, and reporting of occupational poisoning, with the Korean Occupational Disease Surveillance Center playing a pivotal role in strengthening occupational health practices.