Work-related stress is a growing global issue, affecting not only the health and well-being of workers but also the productivity of businesses. Work-related stress arises when the demands of the job in various types and combinations exceed an individual's capacity and ability to cope. Psychological stress related to work is the second most common compensable occupational illness or injury in North America and Australia, following musculoskeletal disorders.

In the mining industry, a significant number of workers face severe mental health challenges and workplace risks. Research indicates that mining workers are exposed to numerous high-risk factors, such as hazardous working environments, fires, explosions, tunnel collapses, high work intensity, shift work, work-family conflicts, workplace psychosocial risks, substance abuse, and psychological issues. Therefore, in-depth research on psychological stress among underground mine workers is essential.

Psychological stress is a hidden risk; it does not cause immediate accidents or illnesses but develops gradually, deteriorating workers’ health and leading to various medical conditions. This ultimately affects the quality of work and the overall quality of life for workers.
he development of a list of heavy, hazardous, and dangerous occupations worldwide shows that each country adopts a different approach to evaluating and identifying high-risk jobs for workers' health and safety.

According to South Korean regulations, environmental indicators exceeding permissible standards are not considered a factor in assessing job hazards. This is because any production facility with environmental factors exceeding the allowable threshold is not permitted to operate. This ensures that workplaces meet high safety standards from the outset. Instead, South Korea evaluates the heaviness, toxicity, and danger of an occupation primarily based on two key factors: physical burden and psychological burden, which are incorporated into an assessment metric known as occupational stress.

South Korea has developed an occupational stress measurement tool comprising 43 questionnaire items, including questions designed to assess common and widespread occupational stress factors. Additionally, the occupational stress measurement tool is structured around eight factors: physical environment, job demands, job autonomy, job stability, interpersonal conflicts, organizational system, adequacy of compensation, and corporate culture.
Not only do workers in production facilities face heavy and hazardous factors affecting their health, but office workers are also exposed to certain harmful impacts. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), common among those working and living in enclosed spaces, includes symptoms such as respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, fatigue, headaches and dizziness, lack of concentration, memory impairment, and allergy-related symptoms.

Scientific research has established a link between indoor air quality and SBS symptoms. Chemical factors, particulate matter, physical and biological factors in indoor air, along with the characteristics of individuals living and working in enclosed spaces, are the primary causes of SBS symptoms.
Occupational safety and health (OSH) play a crucial role in promoting the sustainable development of the economy, society, and environment. Poor working conditions (WCs) have been a major cause of workplace accidents and health issues affecting hundreds of millions of workers each year, reducing labor capacity, impacting public health, and causing significant economic and environmental losses.

In the coming years, a standardized method for assessing and classifying working conditions is essential. This would allow for the classification of labor based on WCs, reflecting the level of physical strain, hazards, and dangers of specific job positions. Additionally, it is crucial to conduct and implement research on safety culture at workplaces. OSH is a shared responsibility, and improving WCs is a key factor in gradually reducing the burden and hazards of the working environment for employees.

Furthermore, raising awareness about OSH among workers is essential through activities such as communication, training, effective management solutions, and leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and AI to enhance monitoring and management.