An Analysis of radiation Safety Management of radiation Workers in research and Educational Fields in South Korea: Based on the level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior

This study surveyed the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding radiation safety of radiation managers and workers in fields of research and education in South Korea.

A questionnaire based on the Haddon Matrix was prepared after expert consultation and administered on May 4, 2015. The investigation lasted 30 days and a total of 180 responses were analyzed. For statistical analysis, SPSS/WIN 15.0 was utilized to derive mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Additionally, t-test, ANoVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the effect of knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding radiation safety. The knowledge and attitude level of radiation workers was higher than the behavior level. However, the knowledge, attitude, and behavior levels differed depending on the use of radiation sources and the users. There were statistically significant differences between material and physical environment factors in the behavior variable, and the level of safety managers’ behaviors was higher than that of workers. overall, radiation workers were positive about the need for radiation safety management and appropriate environment and education systems in order to ensure safety practices. As a result of the comparison between groups according to the use of radiation sources, the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior were all different. Behavior levels were the lowest especially in the institutions that only used opened sources. The result of multiple linear regression analysis using the behavior of radiation workers as the dependent variable showed that the level of radiation safety management behavior was affected by knowledge levels of material and human factors. The Korean legal and education systems should be supplemented to enable them to use radiation sources efficiently and practice safety. Efforts must be made to optimize radiation safety culture.