The Indonesian Journal of Occupational Safety and Health

Relationship Between Pesticide Exposure and Neurobehavioral Disorders in Farmers

2023-06-22T11:34:33+07:00

Introduction: Pesticides are chemicals used to eradicate pests such as insects that damage crops and agricultural products. Farmers often do not realize that the benefits of pesticides are important for agriculture but also have dangerous risks. If farmers are constantly exposed to pesticides this can cause neurological diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between exposure to pesticides and neurobehavioral disorders in farmers. Methods: The authors of this study conducted research using a systematic literature review on publications published in the last 5 years on two databases namely Google Scholar and Scopus using the keywords pesticides, neurobehavioral, and farmers. The literature review was conducted based on issues, methodology, similarities and further research proposals. The population was all farmers in Indonesia who work with pesticides on their crops. Results: Three of the four articles found reported that pesticide exposure and duration of action were associated with neurobehavioral events whereas one article did not state any association between these variables. Some neurobehavioral symptoms caused by pesticide exposure are dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Conclusion: The use of pesticide content must be balanced to minimize the risks caused by exposure. Farmers also have to get enough rest to restore the function of the cholinesterase enzyme in the blood. It can be concluded that exposure to pesticides is associated with neurobehavioral events in farmers.

Occupational Health and Safety Problems in Various Sector

2024-05-06T13:56:16+07:00

Risk Assessment of Respirable Dust Exposure to Workers in the Mineral Ore Processing Industry

2024-03-13T10:58:24+07:00

Introduction: The mineral ore processing industry is a sector that can generate pollutants in the form of dust during the production, commonly known as respirable dust. This dust can enter the upper respiratory tract and lungs, thereby causing health problems to employees working in the mineral ore processing industry. This study aims to investigate health risks associated with exposure to dust in the mineral ore processing industry. Methods: Environmental Health Risk Analysis (EHRA) was used to assess dust exposure over the previous three years, following the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) 0600 for dust sampling measurement. Results: Seven locations with high dust emissions were considered for this study. The results of the respirable dust sampling showed that the concentrations in the previous three years ranged from 1,823 to 6,109 mg/m3, followed by a decrease in the following year to 0.049 to 2,715 mg/m3. Meanwhile, in the final year, the concentration of respirable dust ranged from 0.094 to 1.341 mg/m3. The calculated risk quotient (RQ) value for the previous three years remained below 1, indicating safety. Conclusion: Athough respirable dust was considered safe in the previous year, it is important to constantly control exposure due to continued high levels and the possibility of future increases

Dysmenorrhea and Seborrheic Dermatitis due to Occupational Stress Among Female Bank Workers

2023-07-24T11:58:22+07:00

Introduction: Bank workers who provide services to customers are required to have an optimal performance. They are vulnerable to stress that can interfere with their performance. Stress causes an increase in sebaceous glands, resulting in seborrheic dermatitis and an increase in hormones. This can cause contraction of the uterine muscles which can lead to dysmenorrhea. This study aims to determine the relationship between occupational stress and dysmenorrhea and seborrheic dermatitis among female bank workers. Methods: This research followed an analytic observational cross-sectional design using primary data from female workers at SumSel Babel Bank A. Rivai Branch. The sample consisted of 75 female bank workers, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were selected using consecutive sampling. The independent variable in this study was occupational stress, while the dependent variables were dysmenorrhea and seborrheic dermatitis. Data were collected from primary data, the workplace stress scale questionnaire for occupational stress, the WaLIDD score for dysmenorrhea, and seborrheic dermatitis examination by a dermatologist. After obtaining the data, bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Sixty respondents (80%) had occupational stress, 47 respondents (62.7%) experienced dysmenorrhea, and 69 respondents (92%) did not experience seborrheic dermatitis. The results of statistical tests showed that there was a relationship between occupational stress and dysmenorrhea in female bank workers with a p-value 0.000 and no significant relationship between stress and the incidence of seborrheic dermatitis with p-value 0.202. Conclusion: Occupational stress can cause health problems including dysmenorrhea in female workers.

Noise-induced Hearing Loss among Non-Medical Workers in a Healthcare Institution

2022-11-15T03:25:00+07:00

Introduction: The effects of prolonged and excessive noise exposure on healthcare workers have not been studied. This
study aims to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among such workers and correlate the degree of hearing loss with age,
duration of exposure, and coexisting illnesses. Methods: A retrospective review of 117 clinical records was conducted on
179 employees working in areas of excessive noise in a tertiary care hospital. Correlations between categorical variables
were made using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, while an independent samples t-test was used to compare means
for continuous variables. Binary logistic regression was used to quantify the strength of correlations through an odds
ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: A clinical evaluation was conducted to assess hearing loss on employees
from various departments, including Boiler Section, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Laundry, Prosthetics
and Orthotics Laboratory, and Dietary. The median age of the participants was 37 years. Out of the 116 participants who
underwent by audiological tests, 63.8% had sensorineural hearing loss and 68.5% had absent otoacoustic emissions in at
least one frequency. The incidence of hearing loss was found to increase with age (p = 0.037). A significant correlation
was noted between hearing loss and the duration of noise exposure of more than 10 years (p = 0.0013). Considering all
areas together, a significantly higher proportion of employees with hearing loss was observer (p = 0.044), with 69.5% in
the CSSD. Conclusion: Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent occupational health hazard in healthcare settings. The
risk of developing hearing loss increases with the duration of work in a noise-generating area.

Psychosocial Hazards Analysis in Assembly Production Workers in PT. Sarandi Karya Nugraha, Sukabumi

2023-06-13T15:35:57+07:00

Introduction: Psychosocial hazards are significant threats to the safety and health of workers, particularly in industries such as production. Based on preliminary observations, assembly workers in the production setting, known for requiring precision, face increased risk, specifically when confronted with elevated demand. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze psychosocial hazards among production workers at PT. Sarandi Karya Nugraha. Method: Qualitative descriptive approach was utilized for a case study conducted at PT. Sarandi Karya Nugraha from July to October 2020. A total of 4 informants was selected by purposive methods, and data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document reviews. Meanwhile, thematic analysis was used to analyze the details obtained. Result: The results showed that there are 6 psychosocial hazard themes within the production department. These comprised role ambiguity, role conflict, quantitative workload, qualitative workload, responsibility to others, and career development. In addition, issues related to role conflict, quantitative overload, and career development persisted in the company. Conclusion: Organizations should create plans, policies, and opportunities for workers in the production department to gain assurance regarding career advancement. Additionally, a detailed description of work process in situations comprising quantitative workload should be created.

Manual Handling as Contributor of Low Back Pain for Workers: A Case Study at PT Sumber Mandiri Jaya, Kabupaten Merauke

2023-06-07T12:46:07+07:00

Introduction: Manual handling activities are a main causative factor of low back pain injuries. Around 1.71 billion people worldwide live with musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain. In the Southeast Asia region, it is estimated that around 369 million people experience low back pain. In Indonesia more than 11.9% of health workers are diagnosed with musculoskeletal disease and diagnostic specific for worker obtained 24.7%. The purpose of this study was to determine the dominant indicators of manual handling for low back pain. Method: Study design used is cross-sectional study. Sample was 62 subjects. The variables of low back pain were collected using a modified questionnaire adopted from the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with linear regression test for the main indicators contributing to low back pain. Result: Average age of workers is 26.06±7.28, education level senior high school 45%, under 4 years length of work 83.9%. Average manual handling variable is 613.45 ± 383.39, low back pain 6.48 ± 3.607. Manual handling is not significantly related to low back pain r = -0.182. Duration, frequency and load are significant in predicting low back pain. The factors of duration, frequency and lift were estimated to contribute 5.4% for low back pain. Conclusion: The main factors related to low back pain are lifting load for workers, while the factors of lifting duration and frequency are not significantly related to low back pain. The lifting load is the main factor contributing to low back pain.

Analysis of Instrument Development to Evaluate Employee Protection from Tuberculosis in Hospitals

2024-01-26T13:04:21+07:00

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global public health threat, affecting millions of people annually. Despite efforts to control TB, the number of cases remains high. The situation is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has strained healthcare systems. The increased workload of hospital employees also raises the risk of TB transmission. This study aims to develop an instrument to evaluate employee protection from TB in hospitals. Methods: This study used a qualitative design with an exploratory approach. Data were collected from existing policies and through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, including academics, practitioners, regulators, infection control officers, occupational health and safety officers, and non-government organization representatives for TB. Results: The instrument developed comprised seven components, namely management commitment; program planning; coordination, communication, and education; implementation of TB and other disease management programs in the workplace; handling TB cases in the workforce; training and competence; and monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: Instrument development is crucial for capturing the current state of TB problems and managing prevention and control programs in hospitals. The terms of reference serve as an effort to protect hospital employees

Ergonomic Oriented Working for Controlling Photokeratitis and MSD Complaints in the Informal Welding Sector

2024-01-05T15:37:34+07:00

Introduction:Informal welding workers often experience health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and photokeratitis. Hazard identification revealed that informal welding sector workers in Bogor Street, Bandung City have a high risk of MSDs (75%) and photokeratitis (51.7%). This study aims to analyze the differences between MSD and photokeratitis complaints based on the results of ergonomic oriented working intervention. Methods: This study used an experimental design with a quantitative approach. Two treatments were administered to participants and the results of the ergonomic oriented working intervention were measured twice. The population of this study consisted of informal welding workers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The minimum sample size required was calculated to be 33 workers using the comparison of two means formula. Data were collected using a simple random sampling technique and analyzed using a paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The analysis revealed that the mean scores for photokeratitis and MSD complaints were lower with ergonomic oriented working than with non-ergonomic oriented working. There was a significant difference in the incidence of photokeratitis complaints (p = 0.005) and MSD complaints (p < 0.001) before and after working with and without ergonomic oriented intervention. Conclusion: Ergonomic oriented working has been found to effectively control photokeratitis and MSD complaints.

Safety Perceptions among Ship-to-Shore (STS) Crane Operators at PT Terminal Teluk Lamong

2023-10-19T14:11:19+07:00

Introduction: Ship-to-shore (STS) crane operators strive for efficiency in their work, but they must take a hard look at their high-risk jobs. It is necessary to learn how to improve occupational safety and health. This study aims to investigate the problems faced by STS crane operators working in container ports and to understand the importance of fit-for-work monitoring procedures, particularly for individuals working in high-risk industries such as STS operators. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach, and data were collected through interviews and observations of STS operators and in-house clinic staff. Nine STS operators, two in-house clinic staff, and two safety, health, and environment (SHE) staff were interviewed. Results: This study found that container terminal companies emphasise two critical aspects for STS operators: productivity and occupational safety and health. STS operators face health problems, including physical and psychological problems, due to the fast-paced work system, sleep patterns, daily activities, and thoughts that are difficult to control. Employees have coping mechanisms to deal with fatigue, and stakeholders have effectively communicated the company's safety and health culture. Most stakeholders in a container terminal company want a fit-for-work monitoring system to make the business efficient and sustainable. Conclusion: The STS industry faces a significant problem with operator fatigue, which can negatively impact safety and productivity. This issue requires a comprehensive strategy, including legislation to regulate working hours and shift patterns, technology to combat fatigue, and operator education and training.

Factors Related to Traffic Accidents among Online Motorcycle Taxi Riders in Bekasi

2023-09-20T08:51:48+07:00

Introduction: Online motorcycle taxi riders in Bekasi are at risk of traffic accidents, with unknown contributing factors. This study aims to determine the factors associated with these traffic accidents. Methods: This quantitative study was conducted using a cross-sectional method with a sample size of 178 riders selected through accidental sampling. Data collection was carried out from April to May 2022 by surveying riders along the road in Bekasi. The dependent variable was traffic accidents, while the independent variables included characteristics of riders, safety riding behavior, work stress, and sleep quality. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires. Analysis was carried out using the Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression. Results: This study found a correlation between the incidence of traffic accidents among online riders and sex, age, and safety riding behavior. However, factors such as education level, duration of work, period of work, knowledge of safety riding, perception of safety riding, work stress, and sleep quality were not related to traffic accidents. Conclusion: Factors such as sex, age, and safety riding behavior were found to be related to the incidence of traffic accidents among online riders. Therefore, to reduce the death rate, it is recommended that riders, especially female and young riders, prioritize safety driving behavior.

Factors Associated with Complaints of Low Back Pain in Areca Peeling Workers

2023-12-11T10:21:08+07:00

Introduction: An unnatural working attitude causing the body to deviate from its default posture is one of the contributing factors to the low back pain (LBP) experienced by workers. For instance, areca peeling workers often adopt a posture of sitting hunched over for extended periods. Therefore, this research aimed to identify factors related to a history of LBP among areca peeling workers in Dataran Pinang Village, Kuala Betara District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. Methods: Using a sample size of 66 respondents, this quantitative research adopted a cross-sectional design and a simple random sampling method. The instruments used included questionnaires, observation, and documentation, and the data were analyzed both univariately and bivariately, with chi-square analysis as the statistical test. Results: The statistical analysis showed no correlation between work time, work duration, repetition, and LBP. However, there was a correlation between LBP and work attitude (0.051<0.05) in areca peeling workers. Conclusion: A relationship exists between work attitude of areca peeling workers and the occurrence of LBP. Therefore, it is advisable for workers who experienced complaints of LBP to perform tasks correctly. This approach would reduce the number of repetitive activities (repetitions) conducted.

Comparative Analysis Research of Safety Climate Assessment in the Jababeka Manufacturing Industry

2023-12-13T11:25:02+07:00

Introduction: The manufacturing industry transforms various materials, substances, or components into new products using mechanical, physical, or chemical forces. Safety climate refers to the perception of workers of prioritizing safety over organizational goals in the workplace. PT A, B, and C are manufacturing companies located in the Jababeka area. This study aims to identify the main factors that influence the perception of workers of safety climate in PT A, B, and C. Methods: A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in August 2021 to analyze the safety climate of three companies. This study focused on various factors, such as leadership, risk management, implementation of occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), regulation, management commitment, worker engagement, and worker competence. The sample size consisted of 330 workers selected from the three companies using the Lemeshow formula from a total of 1500 workers using the cluster sampling technique with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The results showed that risk management had the lowest score among the safety climate sub-variable for the three companies. Conclusion: The ANOVA test revealed a significant relationship among the safety climate variables. Furthermore, it is necessary to prioritize management in terms of policy and administration by involving all departments.

Determinant Factors of Knowledge about Obesity among Workers in the Chemical Industry in Surabaya City, East Java Province

2024-02-27T14:04:40+07:00

Introduction: Obesity is a health problem experienced by workers in the manufacturing industry. The incidence of obesity is caused by various factors, including lack of knowledge. This study aims to analyze the factors associated with knowledge about obesity among workers. Methods: This study an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach conducted at PT XYZ in Surabaya City, East Java Province. The population of this study consisted of 145 workers in the manufacturing sector from various work units. The sample size consisted of 119 people. The independent variables were age, sex, work tenure, work unit, education level, and access to information about obesity. Meanwhile, the dependent variable was knowledge level. The statistical test used was the contingency coefficient test. Results: The results showed that most workers were over the age of 35 years (89.9%), males (67.2%), worked in a production work unit (60.5%), had worked for more than 20 years (78.2%), had a high school degree (54.6%), had good knowledge (55.5%), and did not have access to information about obesity (55%). A relationship was found between work tenure (p = 0.001), education level (p = 0.002) and access to information (p = 0.004) with knowledge level of the workers about obesity. Meanwhile, age (p = 0.437), sex (p = 0.643), and work unit (p = 0.335) had no significant relationship with knowledge level of the workers about obesity. Conclusion: A relationship was found between work tenure, education level, and access to information with knowledge level about obesity.

Characteristics and Correlation of Indonesian Cabin Crew Marital Status and Anxiety 2022

2023-10-10T12:15:26+07:00

Introduction: Fear of getting COVID-19 has led to an upsurge in mental health problems, particularly among those who deal directly with others, such as cabin crew. A regulation has been established requiring travelers to attach the results of a COVID-19 test to prevent the transmission of the virus during flight. While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to rise, the regulations were subsequently repealed in early 2022. The marital status of an individual is one factor that can influence the level of anxiety. Studies regarding the correlation between marital status and anxiety levels of cabin crew during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia are still lacking. This study aims to determine the correlation between marital status and anxiety levels of Indonesian cabin crews in 2022. Methods: In November 2022, a cross-sectional offline survey was conducted using a written questionnaire. Using consecutive sampling with inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final sample of 79 was analyzed. The independent variable is classified as either married or unmarried based on Indonesia Law Act No. 1 of 1974. Anxiety levels, the dependent variable, were collected using a Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) questionnaire and a personal data questionnaire. Results: A correlation was observed between the marital status of Indonesian cabin attendants in 2022 and their anxiety levels (p=0.025), according to the findings. Conclusion: Increased anxiety levels about cabin personnel's marital status are driven by the worry of catching COVID-19, which will result in feelings of loneliness, particularly for cabin crew with unmarried marital status

Gender and Exercise Habits as Factors Causing Work Stress in Surabaya City Health Office Employees

2022-11-21T04:42:00+07:00

Introduction: Organizational success is influenced by the performance of each employee in it. Work stress experienced by the employees is one of the obstacles in improving the quality of the organization. Another research showed that employees of Manado City Health Office experienced 27.7% low stress and 72.3% moderate stress, which affected the work productivity of the employees. This research aims to see the relationship between gender and exercise habits on the stress experienced by the employees of Surabaya City Health Office. Method: This research is an observational type of research where the primary data were obtained from the responses of 32 employees of the Surabaya City Health Office. The data were collected by using a questionnaire based on the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower No. 5 of 2018 concerning Occupational Health and Safety in the Work Environment. The primary data obtained were then analyzed using cross-tabulation in a data processing software. Result: This research shows that, with an alpha of 5% (0.005), the relationship between gender and work stress events has a significance value of 0.013, while the relationship between exercise habits and work stress events has a significance value of 0.006. Conclusion: This research shows that there is a significant relationship between gender and exercise habits on stress events in Surabaya City Health Office employees. Women employees experience a higher incidence of work stress than male employees. Furthermore, the habit of exercising can reduce stress events because exercising can stimulate endorphins which play a role in creating a sense of calm, reducing pain, and releasing tension

Potential Hazards and Associated Causal Factors in the Occupational Environment of Palm Oil Workers

2023-09-19T16:03:04+07:00

Introduction:Palm oil workers are exposed to numerous hazards in the work environment associated with accidents and occupational diseases. Work-related accidents are typically influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the potential hazards and influencing factors affecting the safety of workers in palm oil gardens. Method: PRISMA guidelines with Boolean operators were used alongside specified keywords "Safety Work ” OR “ Health Work " AND " Hazard" AND “ Palm Oil ” AND “ Worker.” The inclusion criteria for the review included articles published from 2019 to 2023. Results: The results showed that factors psychologically influencing work accidents among palm oil workers included length of service, knowledge, attitudes, as well as the use of PPE, and overtime system. In terms of potential ergonomic hazards, the influencing factors identified were work posture, workload, and repetitive movements while working. From the aspect of potential biological and chemical hazards, the use of PPE when spraying pesticides and cleanliness were found to play a crucial role in the prevention of infection and exposure to chemical materials. Conclusion: Based on the results from several studies, smallholder palm oil workers have the potential to experience occupational accidents and diseases in the form of physical, biological, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. However, by adopting a comprehensive approach to mitigating these complex hazards, stakeholders can create a safer and more sustainable work environment.