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2026 Vol.22, Issue 3 Preview Page

Original Article

30 September 2026. pp. 896-905
Abstract
Purpose: This study analyzes the current status of elderly workers in Korea and proposes systematic safety measures to reduce industrial accidents. Method: Based on 2025 statistical data from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) and Ministry of Employment and Labor, we conducted a literature review, comparative policy analysis of domestic and international elderly worker safety systems, and document analysis of the 2025 Elderly Welfare Facility Status Report. Result: As of 2025, South Korea entered a super-aged society with 10.51 million people aged 65 or older (20.3% of the population). Workers aged 60 and above accounted for 52.0% of all work-related fatalities in Q3 2025, while the total number of elderly welfare facilities reached 96,430 nationwide. Conclusion: Comprehensive safety policy reforms are urgently needed, including age-friendly workplace design, tailored safety training for elderly workers, strengthened facility standards for elderly care settings, and an integrated smart safety management platform.
연구목적: 본 연구는 급격한 인구 고령화 구조 속에서 고령 근로자의 산업재해 현황을 분석하고, 체계적인 안전구축 방안을 제시하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 연구방법: 2025년 통계청 및 고용노동부 산업재해 통계, 보건복지부 노인복지시설 현황 자료를 활용하여 문헌연구, 국내외 고령 근로자 안전정책 비교분석, 그리고 연구분석모델을 적용한 실증분석을 수행하였다. 연구결과: 2025년 현재 65세 이상 인구는 1,051만 명(20.3%)으로 이미 우리 사회는 초고령사회에 진입하였으며, 60세 이상 근로자가 전체 사고사망의 52.0%를 차지하고 있다. 전국 노인복지시설은 96,430개소에 달하며, 고령 근로자를 위한 안전환경 구축이 시급한 것으로 나타났다. 결론: 고령 친화적 작업환경 설계, 맞춤형 안전교육, 시설 안전기준 강화, 스마트 안전관리 플랫폼 구축 등 종합적인 안전정책 개선이 필요하다.
References
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Information
  • Publisher :The Korean Society of Disaster Information
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국재난정보학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국재난정보학회논문집
  • Volume : 22
  • No :3
  • Pages :896-905