The Indonesian Journal of Occupational Safety and Health

Barriers to COVID-19 Workplace Safety among Indonesian Office Workers: A Qualitative Study

Sri Handayani — 2025-04-01

Introduction: Since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Indonesia, the government has implemented Large-Scale Social Restrictions to control the spread of the disease. However, these restrictions have had a negative impact on the economy. To address this, the government has introduced a new normal policy to restore activities while managing the risk of transmission. The government has adopted WHO guidelines through Minister of Health Decree No. 238 of 2020 to ensure COVID-19 workplace safety. This article aims to explore the barriers to COVID-19 workplace safety among Indonesian office workers. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in DKI Jakarta and Surabaya from September to October 2020. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted with 22 informants selected purposefully. Thematic analysis was used, drawing on the Social-ecological Model (SEM) theory. Results: At the intrapersonal level, fear and perception barriers impact preventive actions against COVID-19. At the interpersonal level, peer influence and perceptions of the work environment affect adherence to office policies. At the organizational level, employee behavior is influenced by socializing, rules, and workplace amenities. Lastly, public policy enforcement is vital at the macro level to reduce risky behaviors among office workers. Conclusion: Implementing comprehensive protocols across different levels is crucial to creating COVID-19 workplace safety. This requires increased public awareness and consistent enforcement, including strengthening organizational policies.

Correlation of Working Style to Stress, Coping Mechanism and Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Sedentary Workers

Dominikus Raditya Atmaka — 2025-04-02

Introduction: Emotional eating, as a method of stress coping mechanism in workers, makes a person tend to consume more energy daily. Uncontrolled daily intake will lead to a high probability of a person developing metabolic syndrome in the future. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between working style to stress, coping mechanisms, and metabolic syndrome risk in sedentary workers. Method: This research is a cross-sectional study conducted at Kalla Group. Measurement of blood biochemistry (total cholesterol, blood glucose and uric acid) used FORA 6 Plus, blood pressure was measured using Omron digital sphygmomanometer 7130, waist circumference using Seca 201 measuring tape, and height using GEA microtoise. Measurements of body composition used Omron Karada Scan Hbf 375 Body Fat Composition Monitor Bioimpedance Analyzer. Stress was measured using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale K10 instrument. Coping mechanism was measured using Carver’s COPE Inventory. Result: Significant correlations were found for cholesterol levels (p = 0.044), waist circumference (p = 0.036), blood pressure (p = 0.042), and muscular percentage (p = 0.032). No significant correlations were found between working style for stress level (p = 0.683), coping mechanisms (p = 0.744), blood glucose (p = 0.128), uric acid (p = 0.380), visceral fat percentage (p = 0.128), and fat mass (p = 0.547). Conclusion: Significant correlations were found between working style for cholesterol levels, waist circumference, blood pressure, and muscular percentage, suggesting that different working styles may influence these health aspects.

Exploring the Prevalence of Burnout in Medical Residents: Socio-Demographic and Job Characteristics as Predictors in Iran

Shima Shakiba — 2025-04-17

Introduction: Burnout is a psychological syndrome that develops due to chronic stressors in a person's professional life, resulting in emotional exhaustion and detachment. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among medical residents, considering socio-demographic variables and job characteristics, and to predict burnout in this group. Medical residents often face specific pressures such as long working hours, sleep deprivation, high patient loads, and emotional demands from patient care, which contribute to their overall stress levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the academic year 2019-2020, involving 164 residents from two general hospitals who completed the Persian versions of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS). Results: A significant proportion of residents reported burnout symptoms, with 73.7% experiencing moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion and 64.4% indicating moderate to high levels of depersonalization. Additionally, 90.1% of residents reported low perceived professional efficacy. Among the subscales of MBI-HSS, reduced professional efficacy was found to be the highest. Psychological demands and limited decision latitude were significant predictors of burnout, particularly in relation to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Conversely, support from family and co-workers, as well as higher levels of experience, were associated with lower depersonalization and improved professional efficacy. Conclusion: Overall, medical residents in Iran face significantly high levels of burnout, which are influenced by specific personal and job characteristics. Consequently, preventive and therapeutic interventions are necessary to address this pressing issues.

Spiritual Intelligence, Emotional Labour and Work-Related Burnout: Investigating the Complex Relationships

Nurul Hasnie Hassiza W Hassan — 2025-04-17

Introduction: Human resource (HR) managers shoulder numerous workforce restructurings to mitigate escalating problems before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure business performance stability. Like other functional managers, HR managers undergo pressures that push them to high work stress, leading to work-related burnout (WBO). Although the issues are essential, the lack of highlights in media reduces research attention and fact reporting. This study explores the function of spiritual intelligence (SQ) and emotional labour strategies (deep and surface acting) in mitigating HR managers’ WBO. Methods: A stratified random sampling method and a validated self-administered online survey enabled the voluntary participation and analysis of 311 HR managers from ISO 9001-certified manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Results: The results suggest that SQ increases emotional labour deep-acting (ELDA) and limits surface-acting (ELSA), significantly reducing WBO. Testing for the indirect effects reveals that ELDA and ELSA mediate the association between SQ and WBO, which signifies the importance of emotional labour strategies. Conclusion: The findings benefit manufacturing industry management by helping them better understand the role of SQ and emotional labour strategies in reducing the escalation of WBO among HR managers. Managing directors can utilise the present study to evaluate their company’s procedures, make necessary reforms, improve workplace culture, and provide better support for the HR managers who can shoulder significant staffing management without getting into burnout. Implications for relevant industries and future research directions are proposed.

Health, Safety, and Environment in the Indonesian Film Industry

Ekky Imanjaya — 2025-04-21

Introduction: As stipulated in the Indonesian Labor Law, every worker is entitled to work safety and health protection, including the film industry. This research focuses on two articles in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations and the Law of Film Year 2009. However, the Indonesian film industry has not officially implemented these laws. There have been several cases of HSE, which caused death or fatal injuries to film workers, without applying the regulations. Other HSE issues include the cases where only a few film producers gave insurance to the film workers, applied proper risk assessment, or provided first aid kits. The paper will overview HSE in the Indonesian film industry by mapping out the problems and potential solutions. Methods: By having in-depth interviews with key persons in the field, such as the workers and film producers, this research aims to map out such issues and answering why and how the laws on work health and safety are not implemented in the Indonesian film industry. Result: This research has resulted in maps of problems and recommendations for policymakers, film workers, and related institutes concerning HSE and the rights of film workers, including of the lack awareness of film workers on HSE and HSE-related curriculum in film education, as well as the need for stronger film associations and union. Conclusion: HSE in the Indonesian film industry must be evaluated to be more effective. Some factors to be reviewed include law enforcement in contracts, health insurance, the collaboration of various parties, HSE-related knowledge in the curriculum in Indonesian film education, and the application of Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) to all film professional associations.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and their Associated Risk Factors among Computer Users

Shadi Amer — 2025-04-30

Introduction: In 21st century, computers are crucial devices in universities’ official operations. In academic institutions, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are leading causes of decreased productivity, absenteeism, disability, and illness. Office staff who use computers extensively are vulnerable to occupational MSDs. This study aims to determine risk factors of MSDs among computer users in a public university. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 320 respondents among computer users working in all departments in Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus using random sampling. Tools used were a self-administered questionnaire containing questions on socio-demographical data, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for assessing musculoskeletal disorder and observation and Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) to assess office equipment and quantify exposure to risk factors in office work environment. Results: Response rate was 92% and 86.2% of respondents reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The most prevalent MSD was lower back, 62.8% of MSD cases, followed by right shoulder (53.4%), hip/buttock (46.4%), and left shoulder (45.3%).Older age was significantly associated with WRMSDs (OR=6.944, CI:1.238-39.017, p=0.0.028) and with neck MSDs (OR=3.908, CI:1.342-11.377, p=0.012), while female gender was significantly associated with neck MSDs (OR=2.042, CI:1.199-3.475, p=0.009) and with upper arm MSDs (OR=1.791, CI:1.091-2.941, p=0.021). Older age was significantly associated with upper arm MSDs (OR=3.303, CI:1.006-10.849, p=0.049), while those with healthy and overweight were significantly associated with upper arm MSDs (OR=0.092, CI:0.010-0.814, p=0.046), (OR=0.127, CI:0.014-1.123, p=0.032), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of reported WRMSDs and MSDs at neck and upper arm were associated with socio-demographic background and high duration of computer use; 12.2% of workstation presented musculoskeletal discomfort risk.

Demographic, Lifestyle, Job Factor for Mental Disorders: Descriptive Study among Port Logistic Terminal Employees at Tanjung Priok

Eka Cempaka Putri — 2025-04-30

Introduction: The results of work stress research in the port industry show work stress at the port has the strongest relationship with the mental workload, followed by role ambiguity and interpersonal conflict. However, in the port industry with hot, noisy working conditions, unclear age limits for workers, workers with various backgrounds triggering conflict, long working hours triggering not only stress, but anxiety and depression in workers, results in high absenteeism and hypertension cases in port workers. The aim of this research is see how demographic factors, lifestyle, and job factors contribute to the incidence of mental disorders problems in the port logistic industry. Methods: We carried out descriptive analysis for demographic aspects, lifestyle, and work factors with each component of mental disorders, namely stress, anxiety and depression. Design study for this research is cross-sectional. DASS 42 was an instrument for dependent variable. Data analysis was conducted with the Chi-square test to see the strength of the relationship between the two variables. The sample in this study was 201 with total sampling method. Result: Research results show that demographic factors do not have a strong relationship with mental disorders; lifestyle factors are the factors that have the strongest relationship with mental disorders, namely routine exercise and sleep duration. Work factors do not have a strong relationship with mental disorders at Port Logistic Terminal at Tanjung Priok. Conclusion: Regular exercise and sleeping more than 7 hours can reduce the frequency of mental disorders. Companies can focus on providing their employees with sports facilities and education regarding regular exercise and sleeping more than 7 hours.

The Impact of Physical Workload and Personal Factors on Nutritional Status Among Manufacturing Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Indah Lutfiya — 2025-04-30

Introduction: Occupational health must be considered in the workplace. Cases of overweight and obesity among workers in the manufacturing sector have increased. This study analyzes the relationship between physical workload and personal factors related to nutritional status among manufacturing workers. Methods: This study used an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The variables of this study were physical workload, nutritional status, and personal factors such as gender, educational level, exercise habits, and smoking habits. The sample in this study was 239 workers in the manufacturing industry, and it was obtained using random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation and coefficient contingency test. Result: More than half of the total cases of overweight and obesity occur in manufacturing workers who have a low physical workload. More than half of the respondents are female, do not have a high school education, and have never exercised. Most do not have a smoking habit. The results showed that physical workload (p=0.001), exercise habits (p=0.001), gender (p=0,004), and educational level (p=0.037) were related to nutritional status. In contrast, manufacturing workers' smoking habits were not associated with nutritional status (p>0.05). Conclusion: Physical workload, exercise habits, gender, and educational level have a relationship with nutritional status among workers, it is recommended that workers must increase their exercise routine such as implementing scheduled sports shifts for workers and providing sports facilities in companies so the case of being obesity can be decreased.

Occupational Chemical Exposure and Risk Assessment among Workers in Power Plant Process, Rayong Province, Thailand

Somboon Chaiprakarn — 2025-04-30

Introduction: The combined cycle power plant involves the use of highly hazardous chemicals, primarily utilized in water quality improvement processes and cooling systems. Employees are susceptible to potential health risks associated with exposure through inhalation, skin, and eye contact. This study aims to assess the risk of chemical exposure among employees in the power plant process. Methods: The analysis uses secondary data collected from chemical measurements in the workplace environment during the power plant's three-years of operation. Results: The analysis identified hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid as commonly utilized in power plant operations, with exposure occurring primarily through inhalation. While industrial hygiene assessments over the past three years reported atmospheric concentrations below standard limits, health risk assessments highlighted these chemicals as presenting unacceptable but manageable risks to employee health. Furthermore, the presence of mutagenic and highly carcinogenic compounds was observed. Especially, exposure surveillance has not yet been incorporated into the production process for risk evaluation. Conclusion: Therefore, the results of the risk assessment indicate that exposure should be monitored by conducting industrial hygiene measurements for highly hazardous chemicals and conducting employee health risk assessments, as required by law, for all types of hazardous chemicals.

Modelling Ergonomic Hazard Risks in Manual Handling: Insights from Ponorogo’s Traditional Industry

Dian Afif Arifah — 2025-04-30

Introduction: As the center-cultured region in Indonesia, Ponorogo Regency is dominated by traditional manufacturing industries which support regional economic growth. Most production in this sector is labor-intensive and depends on manual handling processes, which may increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aims to develop a model to evaluate and predict ergonomic hazards using a neural network algorithm, focusing on the relationship between manual handling postures and musculoskeletal pain in 12 body regions. Method: A cross-sectional study involved data of 250 workers measured using used Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and manual handling exposure checklist based on SNI 9011:2021. A neural network model was developed based on GLM’s output to explore the complex interrelationships between manual handling postures (X variables) and musculoskeletal pain across 12 body regions (Y variables). Result: The outputs identified carrying object over 9 meters (X10), one-handed lifting (X3), and trunk twisting (X2), with X10 confirmed as the most predictor for multiple outcomes, affecting six regions. Neural network models demonstrated adequate learning capacity with stable architecture, proved by average CEE values ranging from 0.21 to 0.54. The models showed improved predictive accuracy across epochs. Conclusion: The finding shows that NN modelling may be expanded to include broader industries in Indonesia's traditional manufacturing sector as an integrated data-based information system application. However, further validation using external datasets is recommended to enhance generalizability.