The Republic of Korea has undergone rapid industrialization since the first 5-year Socioeconomic Development Plan started in 1962. Numerous industrial complexes have emerged and the number of industrial workers has been increasing steadily. Along with industrial development, the numbers of cases of industrial accidents and occupational diseases, particularly noise-induced hearing loss, pneumoconiosis, and occupational diseases caused by old and newly introduced chemicals. have been increasing. These phenomena have increased social concern for occupational diseases; conflicts between employers and employees; workers' consciousness on health matters; the number of manpower and academic societies, institutions, and organizations devoted to occupational health; and the attitude of employers and government to occupational health service and have activated the labor movement.